When should I be concerned about right arm swelling?

Swelling in the right arm can have many causes, and not all are serious. However, it's important to pay attention to certain warning signs. You should seek medical attention if:

The swelling is sudden or severe It’s painful, warm, red, or tender — which could signal an infection or blood clot You recently had an injury, surgery, or an insect bite You notice weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arm It’s accompanied by shortness of breath or chest pain, which could indicate a serious condition like a blood clot traveling to the lungs The swelling doesn’t go away or gets worse over a few days

While minor swelling may result from overuse or fluid retention, persistent or unexplained swelling should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis, lymphedema, or infection.