Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

Pain in chest and arm

January 10, 2015 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

I am male, 33 years old, and slim.

For some time now, I have been experiencing a pain in the left side of my chest near the armpit. In the past few days, the pain has also extended to the top of my collarbone, and my entire left breast is sensitive to pressure and hurts. The pain is a burning sensation and feels like pressure in the chest, but I do not have any trouble breathing.

Today, my left arm also started hurting, especially when I stretch it at the top of the bicep/tricep. I went to see a doctor, who took X-rays. The sternum and collarbone showed no abnormalities, but the doctor mentioned seeing swelling at the top of the chest.

The pain is getting worse throughout the day. I was at the gym a few days ago, and since then, the pain has intensified. What should I do next?

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello,

fortunately, this symptomatology indicates a muscle strain; the heart is certainly innocent.

It seems that you may have overdone it with the butterfly stroke, for example. When pulled forcibly, small muscle fibers tear, which can then cause edema or tiny bruises in the muscle.

Please cool the painful swelling, apply a sports gel, and refrain from exercising until the symptoms have completely subsided; this may take several weeks. If the pain is severe, Ibuprofen can help; however, you should still have an orthopedic examination.

Get well soon!

Best regards, Dr. Höllering