Numerous conditions can cause left-sided arm pain. According to MayoClinic.com, arm pain, including left arm pain, is usually caused by an accident or a fall. However, certain medical conditions can cause arm pain, too. Some kinds of arm pain are caused by arm structures, while other kinds of arm pain are caused by problems in the neck, shoulders or wrists. Repetitive stress injuries, especially among athletes, are another common cause of left arm pain.
Biceps Rupture
A biceps rupture can cause left-sided arm pain. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, the biceps tendons link the biceps muscle to bones in the shoulder and elbow. A biceps tendon tear at the elbow will result in a loss of arm strength, along with an inability to forcefully rotate the affected-side arm and palm from a downward position to an upward position. The AAOS states that biceps tendon tears are either partial tears or complete tears. A complete tear of the biceps tendon will cause the tendon to split into two pieces.
Common signs and symptoms associated with a biceps tendon rupture or tear include an audible pop in the elbow at the time of injury, swelling in the front of the elbow, observable bruising in the elbow and forearm and a reduced ability to bend the elbow or rotate the wrist and hand. A person who suffers a complete tear of the biceps tendon will have a bulge in the upper arm, where the biceps muscle has recoiled.
Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis can cause pain in the left arm. MayoClinic.com states that cervical spondylosis is the medical term for wear and tear on the spinal discs in the cervical spine or neck. Wear and tear on the spinal discs can contribute to the development of cervical osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease in the facet joints or the joints that allow the cervical spine to move.
Osteophytes, or bone spurs, caused by degenerative joint disease can cause nerve root, an offshoot of the spinal cord, compression, where the nerve roots exit the spinal column. People over 55 years of age are most commonly affected by cervical spondylosis and osteoarthritis, according to MayoClinic.com. In most causes, both conditions progress as a person gets older. Common signs and symptoms associated with cervical spondylosis include a stiff and painful neck, shoulder, arm or chest pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the affected-side upper extremity and a lack of coordination.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow can cause left-sided arm pain. According to the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma, or NISMAT, tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is caused by an injury to the muscles and tendons on the lateral or outside aspect of the elbow. The most common cause of tennis elbow is repetitive stress or overuse of the extensor tendons of the forearm. Lateral epicondylitis is common among amateur tennis players, although other athletes may develop this condition, too.
The NISMAT states that common signs and symptoms associated with tennis elbow include painful resisted wrist extension, tenderness in the lateral aspect of the elbow, forearm muscle tightness, reduced forearm strength and a decreased ability to hold, pinch or grip objects using the affected-side hand.
