Pain under the armpit during movement

Movement-related pain indicates a problem of the musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, tendons, the shoulder joint and the bones involved. Gross violence, falls, jerky movements, fast sports or simple overloading of the musculature can cause movement-dependent pain under the armpit. In the case of bone fractures, the fracture sites can be displaced by movement and cause severe pain. Muscle and tendon injuries, on the other hand, quickly lead to local inflammation, which is highly sensitive to touch and pressure.

Pain under the armpit after shaving

Many people shave regularly under the armpit. Razor blades and other sharp objects are often used for this purpose, causing minor injuries to the skin. Away from the small visible incisions, many micro injuries of the skin occur unnoticed, which are a potential entry point for germs on the skin surface. After shaving, minor or major inflammation, as well as painful lymph node swelling of the armpit can occur.

Diagnosis of underarm pain

The diagnosis is largely made with the help of a targeted survey and physical examination. Even though the causes of pain under the armpit are broadly diversified, the possible causes can be narrowed down considerably based on the accompanying circumstances. Depending on the suspected diagnosis, further invasive examinations may have to be performed. Joint pain, as well as muscle tears of the shoulder can be examined and treated in an arthroscopy, whereby a rigid endoscope with light and camera is inserted through the skin into the joint. Diseases of the entire body may need to be examined more closely by means of blood tests or radiological imaging procedures.

Treatment of underarm pain

The treatment of underarm pain varies greatly with the underlying cause and can be symptomatic or causal. A potential symptomatic therapy, which covers many causes, is the primary administration of light pain medication. The most common are paracetamol, ibuprofen or diclofenac. Causal therapies can only be given after a concrete diagnosis has been made. Depending on their severity, musculoskeletal complaints must be spared, immobilised or even operated on.