Doctors Note Logo

Back

Published on: 3/5/2025

What Should I Do If I Have Persistent Pain in My Armpit Area?

If you have persistent armpit pain, it is important to have it evaluated by a healthcare provider who can determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

answer background

Explanation

When pain in your armpit lasts a long time (more than 2 weeks), you should talk with your doctor to find out why it is happening. Persistent pain might be caused by conditions like nerve irritation, a mild injury, or sometimes issues related to lymph nodes or even after previous surgery. Your doctor may ask about your symptoms, when the pain started, and if you’ve noticed any changes in the area. They might also perform a physical exam and recommend tests or imaging studies like an ultrasound or CT scan to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or other issues. In some cases, conditions like axillary web syndrome could be a reason for ongoing discomfort and may need therapy or other treatments. It is important not to ignore the pain because early diagnosis can help stop a minor problem from becoming more serious. Following your doctor’s advice, you might be given pain relief options, physical therapy exercises, or other interventions to help you feel better. Remember, getting a timely evaluation is the best step towards finding relief and keeping you healthy.

(References)

  • Langford DJ, Paul SM, West C, Abrams G, Elboim C, Levine JD, Hamolsky D, Luce JA, Kober KM, Neuhaus JM, Cooper BA, Aouizerat BE, Miaskowski C. Persistent arm pain is distinct from persistent breast pain following breast cancer surgery. J Pain. 2014 Dec;15(12):1238-47. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2014.08.013. PMID: 25439319; PMCID: PMC4254679.

  • Mohseni S, Shojaiefard A, Khorgami Z, Alinejad S, Ghorbani A, Ghafouri A. Peripheral lymphadenopathy: approach and diagnostic tools. Iran J Med Sci. 2014 Mar;39(2 Suppl):158-70. PMID: 24753638; PMCID: PMC3993046.

  • Welsh P, Gryfe D. Atypical presentation of axillary web syndrome (AWS) in a male squash player: a case report. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2016 Dec;60(4):294-298. PMID: 28065989; PMCID: PMC5178020.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Learn more about symptoms

Pain under armpit

Not sure about the cause of your current symptoms?

AI Symptom Check

Try our AI-based symptom check

With an easy 3-min questionnaire, you can get an free AI-powered report on possible causes


Tips to try:

  • Provide specific, detailed info about all symptoms you have.
  • Give accurate information about yourself including current conditions.
  • Answer all follow-up questions

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes, and the provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical practice. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.