A burning sensation in the left arm often causes immediate concern because it can signal a severe underlying medical condition. The causes vary widely, ranging from life-threatening emergencies to benign issues involving nerves, muscles, or skin irritation. Understanding the context and accompanying symptoms is necessary, but this information is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation.
Cardiovascular Concerns Requiring Immediate Attention
A burning sensation in the left arm can be referred pain originating from the heart, known as angina or a myocardial infarction (heart attack). This happens because nerve signals from the heart and the arm converge in the spinal cord, causing the brain to misinterpret the source. The discomfort may present as a burning, tingling, or aching sensation that radiates down the arm, often on the left side, rather than crushing chest pain.
Angina is chest discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle due to narrowed coronary arteries. Stable angina occurs with exertion and subsides with rest. Unstable angina can occur at rest and is a medical emergency, suggesting a higher risk of heart attack. A heart attack results from a complete blockage of a coronary artery, leading to tissue death. Cardiac pain does not change with movement or position and usually lasts longer than 20 minutes.
When a cardiac event occurs, the burning arm sensation is often accompanied by other symptoms. These include discomfort in the neck, jaw, or back, shortness of breath, sudden cold sweats, or nausea. Recognizing this combination of symptoms is time-sensitive, as prompt treatment is necessary to minimize damage to the heart muscle.
Nerve Issues Originating in the Neck or Spine
A common non-cardiac cause of chronic burning is the compression or irritation of nerve roots exiting the spine, known as cervical radiculopathy or a “pinched nerve” in the neck. Pressure on these nerve roots, which control sensation and movement in the arm, causes pain felt far down the limb.
The compression often results from degenerative changes like a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, or bone spurs that narrow the space around the nerve root. The pain is typically sharp or burning and radiates from the neck and shoulder down the arm. Symptoms often include tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the hand or fingers. Unlike cardiac pain, cervical radiculopathy discomfort may worsen with specific neck movements, such as extending the neck or turning the head.
Another related condition is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), which involves the compression of nerves or blood vessels in the space between the collarbone and the first rib. Neurogenic TOS, the most common type, involves compression of the brachial plexus nerves that control the arm. This can cause a burning or tingling sensation, numbness, and weakness that radiates down the arm, often affecting one side. TOS can result from trauma, repetitive arm movements, or anatomical variations like an extra rib, leading to discomfort that may be exacerbated by raising the arms.
Localized Musculoskeletal and Skin Irritations
When the burning sensation is confined to the arm and not associated with neck or chest symptoms, the cause is often localized to the muscles, tendons, or skin. Simple muscle strain or sprain from overuse can cause inflammation that irritates nearby nerve endings. Tendinitis, such as bicep tendinitis, involves tendon inflammation that manifests as a deep ache or burning pain.
A common site for nerve compression is the wrist, leading to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This involves the median nerve becoming compressed in the narrow passageway of the wrist. The resulting sensation is typically burning or tingling, primarily affecting the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger, which may extend up the forearm.
Dermatological and infectious causes can also produce intense, localized burning. Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, often begins with a severe, localized burning pain that follows a nerve pathway. This pain can precede the characteristic rash and blistering by several days. In rare cases, this nerve pain, known as zoster sine herpete, can occur without the rash ever appearing.
Other skin irritations, such as severe sunburn or contact dermatitis, cause a superficial burning sensation due to direct tissue damage and inflammation. These conditions are usually easy to identify because the burning is limited to the skin’s surface and is accompanied by visible redness, heat, or a rash.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
The most immediate concern with left arm burning is a possible heart attack, requiring an immediate call for emergency medical services if certain symptoms accompany it. Immediate care is necessary if the burning sensation is sudden or severe and is accompanied by discomfort, pressure, or fullness in the chest lasting longer than a few minutes.
Seek help if the burning radiates to the jaw, back, or neck, or if you experience shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or sudden cold sweats. These are classic signs of a cardiac event, where time is a critical factor in treatment. Also, seek emergency care for any sudden loss of consciousness or sudden, severe weakness in the arm.
For non-cardiac concerns, schedule an urgent appointment if the burning arm pain is persistent and worsens over 24 to 48 hours. Seek medical attention if the burning is accompanied by fever, a change in skin color, or swelling. Any severe burn injury, such as one that is deep, large, or caused by chemicals or electricity, also requires immediate medical attention.