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Your arm extends from your shoulder down to your fingertips. It consists of bones, joints, and muscles, along with other tissues, such as blood vessels and nerves. Damage or injury to any of these parts can cause problems with your arm.
Orthopedic specialists at Dignity Health treat a wide range of arm conditions related to acute injuries (like falls or sports injuries) as well as arm conditions resulting from cancer, infections, and chronic conditions like arthritis. Find a Doctor to learn more or schedule a consultation.
Signs and symptoms of common arm conditions and injuries depend on the specific problem. In general, you might have:
Other symptoms in the affected area can include:
Your arm may be noticeably deformed if you fracture (break) a bone.
Causes of common arm conditions and injuries also depend on the specific problem. Tendon injury or strain is the result of repetitive motion or overuse. These conditions tend to be chronic and can last several weeks, or come and go over time. Trauma is the leading cause of broken bones and fractures.
Common arm conditions and injuries include:
Among children and younger people, the most significant risk factors for arm injuries are organized sports such as baseball, basketball, tennis, and football. Any activity involving impact or repeated motions such as throwing, swinging, or catching, increase the risk of an arm injury.
Other risk factors for broken arms include:
It is not always possible to avoid arm injuries. However, it is possible to reduce your risk of an injury by taking one or more of the following steps:
The information contained in this article is meant for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider.