Arm pain can have many different causes. These may include wear and tear, overuse, injury, a pinched nerve, and certain health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia. Depending on the cause, arm pain can start suddenly or develop over time.

Arm pain may be related to problems with the muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and nerves. It also may be related to problems with the joints of the shoulders, elbows and wrists. Often arm pain is caused by a problem in your neck or upper spine. Arm pain, especially pain that radiates into your left arm, can be a symptom of a heart attack.