Pain in the outer area of the right upper arm

If one speaks of pain in the outer upper arm, the area of the deltoid muscle is usually meant. This muscle, which plays a decisive role in the shape of the shoulder, lies above the shoulder joint and stabilizes it by pressing the head of the upper arm into its socket, the glenoid cavity. On the outer side of the right upper arm, stress-related pain occurs mainly in the right-handed person, who does more work with his right hand and thus also using his right arm.

The typical movements in which the deltoid muscle is used include spreading movements of the upper arm. During some exercises in the gym, in the handicraft industry when carrying buckets or sacks, but also in the office when working with the computer (if the posture at the desk is unfavorable) the deltoid muscle can be unusually strained. Painful tensions can be the result.

Characteristic here is the pain already described above over the outside of the upper arm and occasional palpable hardening of the muscle itself. The deltoid muscle is used not only for abduction movements but also for pressing the arm against the trunk. If the upper arm is immobilized by plaster casts or similar, this protective position can often be taken involuntarily and cause corresponding discomfort.

Pain in the inner area of the right upper arm

Since adduction, i.e. the approach of the upper arm, is essentially performed by the chest and back muscles (musculus pectoralis and musculus latissimus dorsi) and not by muscles located on the inner side of the upper arm, pain on the inner side of the upper arm is generally not due to muscular structures. However, the ulnar nerve (ulnar nerve) can cause pain there. It runs along the inside of the upper arm towards the elbow, where it merges with the forearm on the inside. When force is applied to the inside of the elbow or by applying permanent pressure to this area, for example, when sleeping, cycling or writing, the ulnar nerve can become irritated and cause electrifying pain on the inside of the upper arm.