Left hand shoulder pain: Causes, symptoms, treatments, and more

Shoulder pain is a common ailment with several possible causes. Some of them are strain, injury, dislocation, arthritis, amongst others. Any age group can be affected by this and it can be any pain in and around the shoulder. Your shoulder has muscles and tendons that give it a wide range of motion.

Left hand shoulder pain has many causes and its treatment could include rest, medications, or surgery. In this blog, we will look into what causes left hand shoulder pain and how to treat it.

What is left hand shoulder pain?

Left hand shoulder pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing discomfort, and may result from various causes like muscle strain, arthritis, or more serious conditions like heart problems or rotator cuff injuries.

It is important to understand the different causes and symptoms of left hand shoulder pain and can help you recognize what your body might be signalling. If the pain is sudden, severe, or accompanied by symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, one should seek medical attention right away.

Left hand shoulder pain reasons

The following are the common left shoulder pain reasons:

Muscle Strain or Sprain: This is one of the most common left shoulder pain reasons. Overexertion or sudden movements can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the shoulder.
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis/Bursitis: Another one of the common left shoulder pain reasons is the inflammation of the tendons or bursa sacs around the shoulder can result in pain and restricted movement.

Shoulder Impingement: In this type of left hand shoulder pain, the rotator cuff tendons become compressed, causing pain, inflammation, and limited range of motion.
Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis (wear and tear of cartilage) and rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition) can cause stiffness, reduced range of motion, and left hand shoulder pain.
Angina or Heart Attack: Left hand shoulder pain, or pain in the arm, or the chest can be a sign of a heart problem, such as angina or a heart attack.
Pericarditis: Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart can lead to pain that radiates to the shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Under this condition, the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, severely limiting movement.
Shoulder Dislocation or Separation: Trauma to the shoulder can cause dislocation or separation, resulting in intense pain and instability.
Nerve Compression: Compression or pinching of nerves in the shoulder area can lead to pain, numbness, or tingling sensations in the left shoulder and arm.
Broken Bone: A fracture in the shoulder or upper arm can also be one of the common left shoulder pain reasons.
Referred Pain: Pain originating in the neck, chest, or upper back can sometimes radiate to the shoulder, mimicking left hand shoulder pain.
Gallstones: In some cases, pain from gallstones can release pain to the left shoulder.
Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs can cause pain to the left shoulder.

Common Symptoms of Left Hand Shoulder Pain

The following are the common symptoms of left hand shoulder pain:

Neck, arm, or back pain
A grinding, clicking, or popping sensation when you move the arm
Muscle stiffness
Tenderness
Weakness
Warmth or redness around the affected area
Muscle spasms
Inflammation
Limited range of motion
Sharp pain or shooting sensation in the left shoulder
Shortness of breath or chest pain

Care and Treatment for Left Hand Shoulder Pain

How is Left Hand Shoulder Pain Treated?

Treatment for left hand shoulder pain depends on its underlying cause. Common treatment options include for left hand shoulder pain:

Resting and limiting physical activities that involve your left arm to avoid further strain on the shoulder.
Medications to reduce pain and inflammation, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or acetaminophen.
Physical therapy or visits to a chiropractor to improve flexibility, stretch muscles, and align your left shoulder properly.
Immobilization using a sling to keep the left shoulder still while it heals.
Surgery to repair damage to the left shoulder or, in some cases, a shoulder replacement.

At MJ Naidu Hospitals, we take utmost care to provide the best-in-class services and physicians to enable your faster recovery from left hand shoulder pain.

What Can I Do at Home to Treat Left Hand Shoulder Pain?

For mild left hand shoulder pain, you can follow the RICE method to help relieve discomfort:

Rest: Avoid activities that strain your left shoulder.
Ice: Apply an ice pack to the affected area to reduce swelling. Avoid using heat if there’s swelling, as it can make it worse.
Compression: Use a bandage or wrap to gently compress the left shoulder (if recommended by your doctor).
Elevation: If possible, elevate your left shoulder to reduce swelling.

Additionally, you can:

Take NSAIDs (as directed) to help with pain and inflammation.
Perform gentle stretches to maintain flexibility in the left shoulder.
Try massaging the left shoulder area for relief.

Is left hand shoulder pain a sign of heart attack?

Left hand shoulder pain alone isn’t usually a sign of a heart attack. However, if you experience sudden, severe left hand shoulder pain on the left side along with any of these symptoms, call your local emergency services right away:

Chest pain
Pain in the left side (or either side) of your body, including your back, stomach, arms, jaw, or neck
Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
Dizziness or light-headedness
Sweating
Nausea

Treat your left hand shoulder pain with experts from MJ Naidu Hospitals, Vijaywada

Left hand shoulder pain reasons are many but early diagnosis and timely intervention can ensure a smooth and effective recovery. At MJ Naidu Hospitals, our team of highly trained and certified specialists is equipped with the latest physiotherapy techniques to ease your left hand shoulder pain. This expertise enables us to thoroughly assess your left hand shoulder pain condition and create a personalized treatment plan that promotes a quick and successful recovery.