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Published on: 5/21/2025

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

Pain when moving your arm away from your body can be caused by conditions like Lyme disease, muscle soreness, or scapulothoracic bursitis.

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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, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

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