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Published on: 3/17/2025

What Could Be the Reason for My Arms to Feel Hot?

Your arms feeling hot may be a normal part of how your body handles heat by sending more blood to your skin.

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Explanation

The feeling of heat in your arms might be due to your body working to keep you cool. When you get warm, your body sends more blood to your skin in a process called vasodilation. This extra blood flow helps you release heat and regulate your temperature. Sometimes, this can happen even if you don't feel overly hot overall. Research shows that during heat stress, your nervous system becomes more active, which can make areas like your arms feel warm. The nerves help control how much blood flows close to your skin, making your arms feel hot even if the temperature of your whole body seems normal. Other factors, like your environment or simple activity, can also cause a temporary warm feeling in your arms. If your arm warmth is mild and you do not have other symptoms, it is usually just how your body naturally works. However, if you experience pain, swelling, or other concerning signs along with the heat, it may be a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider to make sure everything is alright.

(References)

  • Cramer MN, Gagnon D, Laitano O, Crandall CG. Human temperature regulation under heat stress in health, disease, and injury. Physiol Rev. 2022 Oct 1;102(4):1907-1989. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00047.2021. Epub 2022 Jun 9. PMID: 35679471; PMCID: PMC9394784.

  • Low DA, Keller DM, Wingo JE, Brothers RM, Crandall CG. Sympathetic nerve activity and whole body heat stress in humans. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2011 Nov;111(5):1329-34. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00498.2011. Epub 2011 Aug 25. PMID: 21868685; PMCID: PMC3220304.

  • Green BG. Temperature perception on the hand during static versus dynamic contact with a surface. Atten Percept Psychophys. 2009 Jul;71(5):1185-96. doi: 10.3758/APP.71.5.1185. PMID: 19525547; PMCID: PMC2887300.

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