What might cause pain when moving my arm away from my body?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain when lifting or moving your arm away from your body (shoulder abduction pain) is often caused by rotator cuff injuries, scapulothoracic bursitis, muscle soreness from overuse, or, less commonly, Lyme disease. This type of pain may worsen with overhead activity, reaching, or lying on the affected side, and can range from a dull ache to sharp discomfort that limits mobility.

Because arm pain can stem from many different causes—ranging from minor strain to conditions requiring medical care—identifying the root cause early is key to faster relief and preventing worsening symptoms. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be behind your arm pain, suggest possible conditions to discuss with a doctor, and guide you on whether to seek care now or monitor at home. It takes only a few minutes and could save you time, worry, and unnecessary steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what causes arm pain when moving Discover if your arm pain is serious See likely causes of movement-related arm pain Find OTC relief for arm movement pain Find doctors for arm pain evaluation Understand home remedies for arm pain Find out what’s causing your arm pain

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Explanation

Pain in the arm when moving it away from your body can be due to several reasons. One possibility is Lyme disease, which can cause joint pain and swelling. Lyme disease is an infection you can get from tick bites, and it sometimes affects the joints, making movement painful.

Another reason for arm pain could be delayed onset muscle soreness. This type of soreness usually happens after you use your muscles a lot, like after exercise, sports or any activity you are not used to. It can make your muscles feel sore and stiff, especially when you move them.

Lastly, scapulothoracic bursitis is a condition that can cause pain around the shoulder blade area. This happens when the small sacs of fluid, called bursae, become inflamed. These bursae help reduce friction between bones and tissues, and when they are irritated, moving the arm can hurt.

Understanding these possible causes can help you determine why your arm might be painful when you move it. If the pain continues, you can check your symptoms for a better understanding of what might be causing your discomfort and whether you should seek medical attention.

(References)

Steere AC. (1995). Musculoskeletal manifestations of Lyme disease. The American journal of medicine, 7726191.
Cheung K, Hume P, & Maxwell L. (2003). Delayed onset muscle soreness : treatment strategies and .... Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 12617692.
Boneti C, Arentz C, & Klimberg VS. (2010). Scapulothoracic bursitis as a significant cause of breast .... Annals of surgical oncology, 20853053.

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