Pain In The Armpit Area – The Most Common Causes
The armpits, anatomically speaking, the armpits, are among the most sensitive and vital areas of the human body. There are many important structures in their vicinity, such as: the mammary glands, lymph nodes, arteries, fasciae, nerves and muscles. Pain in the armpit area can result from an injury as well as from other causes.
It is worth knowing the causes of such discomfort in order to rule out more serious diseases and disorders, such as breast cancer or cardiac problems, early. Have you ever suffered from pain in the armpit area ? Find out what it could mean!
Read on!
Pain in the armpit area – causes and symptoms
Given that there are so many anatomical structures, lymph nodes, blood vessels, as well as tendons and nerves in the armpits, it should come as no surprise that at some point in your life, any of them can cause discomfort.
In fact, there are many muscles and their attachments in this area – sometimes stretching them can also cause pain.
That is why it is so important to identify the source of the discomfort and assess the importance of the cause of the pain. If you suspect a serious medical condition, you should definitely see a doctor. In extreme cases, when, for example, the lymph nodes are damaged, surgical intervention may be necessary.
What can you feel?
- Pain (which can be mild, moderate, or severe)
- A feeling of warming up this area
- Swelling and swelling
- Numbness of the side limb
- The appearance of lumps and nodules
Pain in the armpit area – the most common causes
1- A stretched muscle
This type of injury is usually characterized by sudden and sharp pain in the region. Often times, people experience this when lifting heavy loads, strength training, or playing sports.
It is recommended to use cold compresses for 20 minutes or take anti-inflammatory drugs. Most importantly, however, you should rest for three to six weeks.
Read also: Cervico-shoulder syndrome – pain radiating to the arms
2- Inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arms
This condition occurs when your lymph nodes become inflamed and infected. The most common areas are: neck, groin and armpits.
Some of the primary symptoms include:
- Fever
- Swelling and swelling
- Pain in the armpit area after pressing the area
- Reddening
- Numbness in the area
- Hot touch area
3-heart attack or angina (angina pectoris)
The pain associated with these ailments is very intense and occurs when there is not enough blood supplied to the heart. It can spread to other parts of the body, including the arms, shoulders, neck, back, and armpits.
Additionally, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Strong fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Excessive sweating
If you notice chest pain radiating into your armpit, seek immediate medical attention.
4- Multiple abscesses of the armpit – Hidradenitis suppurativa
Multiple abscesses in the armpits is a chronic disease caused by the staphylococcal bacteria and is characterized by the appearance of nodules, scars, or abscesses in the area where the sweat glands are located. This means that it appears quite often in the armpit area.
Some of the risk factors include:
- Overweight
- Hormonal disorders
- Smoking
- Weak immune system
5-Breast cancer
Breast cancer is only one possible cause of armpit pain, doesn’t mean it’s the only one – so don’t get over the stress! Our goal is to list all possible causes of pain.
This type of cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm of the mammary gland that originates in the epithelial tissue. It can also occur in glandular tissues. If your lymph nodes are very inflamed, it could be a sign that your body is struggling with an unwanted lump.
If you have any disturbing symptoms, go to a specialist clinic.
Some of the warning signs of breast cancer include:
- Concave nipple
- A lump in the breast tissue
- Redness and itching
- Peeling the skin around the nipple
- Change in the size or shape of the breasts
If you are experiencing the symptoms listed here, we recommend that you undergo a mammogram or ultrasound at your doctor’s office. It is important to identify the cause of the pain and determine if it is breast cancer in order to decide on possible treatment.
6- Gastroesophageal reflux
In medical terms, it is a condition associated with the reflux of stomach contents into the gastrointestinal tract.
In some cases, the muscles of the esophageal sphincter may weaken and the gastric juices rise up. This causes a burning sensation in the chest that can spread to the chest area all the way to the armpits.
7- Panic attack or anxiety disorder
Pain in the armpit area can also be triggered by severe stress. This means that there is no physiological cause, but your body does feel pain due to stress or prolonged anxiety – the so-called psychosomatic symptom.
People with anxiety disorders are often very anxious and constantly “live on the edge”, which causes physical discomfort.
In such cases, it is worth trying to see a therapist. If you experience pain frequently during severe stress, it may be worth learning relaxation techniques and possibly taking some sedative medications prescribed by your doctor.
Summary
Pain in your armpit can be an important signal your body sends out. It is worth knowing the causes of this discomfort in order to better understand your body. Do not ignore it and be sure to consult a doctor. This will be the safest solution.
