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Published on: 3/5/2025

Why Do I Feel Sharp Pain in My Armpit?

Sharp pain in your armpit can come from issues with nerves or nearby tissues like a lipoma or swollen lymph nodes. While this pain can sometimes be due to a minor injury, it’s important to have it checked if it continues or worsens.

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Explanation

You might feel a sharp pain in your armpit because of a few different things. One possibility is that you have a small, non-cancerous lump called an axillary lipoma. Sometimes these lipomas press on nearby nerves and can lead to a condition known as complex regional pain syndrome. This nerve irritation can make the area hurt sharply. Another possible reason is an injury to the axillary nerve itself, which can occur from trauma or even a strain during everyday activities. Also, swollen lymph nodes (adenopathy) might be tender or create sharp sensations if they become inflamed because your body is fighting off an infection or other issues. Even though these conditions might sound serious, many times the pain is temporary or can be treated with conservative measures like rest, gentle stretching, or pain relievers. However, if the sharp pain continues for more than a few weeks or gets worse, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. They can examine you thoroughly and decide whether more tests or treatments are needed to help you feel better.

(References)

  • Patel RH, Sheth R, Hus N. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Caused by an Axillary Lipoma. Cureus. 2020 Dec 25;12(12):e12280. doi: 10.7759/cureus.12280. PMID: 33510987; PMCID: PMC7828746.

  • Tessler J, Talati R. Axillary Nerve Injury. [Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet].

  • Maini R, Nagalli S. Adenopathy. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet].

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