Armpit Pain

By CHARLIE TOHME



Pain in your armpit should imply that you've got, without a doubt, strained a muscle, which is eased with ice and rest. It ought to also be a sign of different severe conditions, like an infection or breast cancer.

Armpit pain, also medically known as axillary pain, can extend from mild discomfort to unbearable. A simple irritation could cause the pain or be a symptom of something more serious, such as an infection or breast cancer. But before you start panicking, have a read to learn more about the possible causes and treatments for your underarm pain. We've got you covered!

Before we get into the causes, symptoms, and treatments, let's have a quick science lesson about the armpit's anatomy and structure.


Anatomy and structure:

  • Muscles: The teres major and latissimus dorsi muscles are located near the back of the armpit.

  • Blood vessels: Veins and arteries pass through this area.

  • Nerves: The median, ulnar, radial, and musculocutaneous nerves pass through the armpit while the brachial plexus sits just above it.

  • Sweat glands: They are responsible for the infamous underarm odor and infections in this area.

  • Lymph nodes: Each armpit contains between 20 to 40 axillary lymph nodes. They are accountable for receiving drainage from lymph vessels in the arm, breast, and part of the neck, chest, and upper abdomen.

  • Bones: The upper ribs are located beneath the armpit, while the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) is located directly above the armpit, where it meets with the scapula (shoulder blade).

  • Skin: Hair follicles, sweat glands, fat, connective tissue, and other structures can be found inside the different layers of the skin. Many skin conditions can affect these different layers.


What are the causes and symptoms?

As mentioned earlier, the causes can vary from minor issues that can be easily treated to more severe conditions that require your doctor's immediate attention. Keep in mind that your armpit pain could be temporary as much as it could be a cry for help from your body. Shall we explore some of these conditions?

  • Muscle strain

    Many muscles in the chest and arms can cause armpit pain by overuse or injury. For example, a large chest muscle that runs up into the shoulder is the pectoralis major. It can be injured while participating in sports or lifting weights. On the other hand, the coracobrachialis is a muscle in the upper arm that can be damaged due to throwing sports such as baseball or other activities such as tennis.

    The severity of a muscle strain determines the symptoms, which can be:

    • Pain or discomfort, especially after a movement that extends the muscle, are examples.

    • Bruising or redness.

    • Muscle twitching or spasm.

    • Swelling.

  • Skin conditions

    Your skin may become irritated if you shave or wax under your arms. Certain deodorants and laundry detergents might cause allergic reactions for certain people. This can result in a rash known as contact dermatitis. These skin conditions are usually minimal and only last for a short period.

    However, rashes, pimples, and other skin disorders could indicate more significant health issues. For example, hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic acne-like illness that affects sweat glands (typically in the armpit or groin).

  • Shingles

    This is a skin condition that causes pain in the armpits. Shingles are characterized by a scaly, itchy rash that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It occurs on the back, chest, or under the arms and is often accompanied by a burning or tingling.

  • Infections

    Armpit pain can be caused by both local and systemic (whole-body) infections. Some result in local inflammation, while others cause pain by affecting the armpit's lymph nodes. The most common are fungal infections, such as yeast (candidiasis).

  • Enlarged axillary lymph nodes

    Swollen lymph nodes may accompany pain in the armpit; however, there may be no visible lumps or swelling in the early stages. The lymph nodes in the axilla can grow for various reasons. Some causes affect only one armpit (unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy), while others affect both armpits (bilateral axillary lymphadenopathy). If your lymph nodes are swollen and painful, your body may be trying to fight a viral infection such as:

    • Common cold or flu.

    • Lymphedema. It occurs when a lymph node becomes blocked, and the fluid inside swells up. Swelling can be excruciatingly unpleasant. It can also occur as a result of breast cancer treatment or the excision of malignant lymph nodes.

    • Lymphadenitis. An infection of the lymphatic system causes it.

    • Skin, wound, ear, tooth infection, etc.

    • HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

  • Breast cancer

    Every woman's fear. It develops when the cells in your breast grow uncontrollably, frequently developing into a tumor.

    The soreness and swelling around your armpit is a frequent symptom of breast cancer. However, they may occur before you notice a lump in your breast, so consult a doctor if anything doesn't feel right.


On to the diagnosis

Although you may get the urge to self-diagnose your condition after reading and researching what causes armpit pain, help yourself because doctors know best.

  • Your doctor will examine your armpit and inquire about any other symptoms you are experiencing.

  • They'll want to know when the soreness in your armpits began.

  • They will then conduct a physical examination. This includes checking your axilla for redness, rashes, lumps, or swollen lymph nodes.

  • They'll also check the regions around your armpit, such as your head and neck, arms, and chest.

  • They might want to do a neurological exam to rule out nerve compression.

  • They also might do a thorough breast exam (even if you are a man, you can still get breast cancer)

If they suspect any sign of lymph node condition or breast cancer, they will require a blood test and perhaps a biopsy of tissue from a lymph node or, if present, a lump. Your doctor may also include a complete blood count (CBC) and a marker test specific to the suspected disease. Then, depending on their findings, further tests may be done.

What about treatment?

  • Doctors recommend resting the muscle by stopping the activity that caused the pain for muscle strain. To relieve pain and swelling, they suggest applying ice to the affected area and taking over-the-counter drugs. You can use heat to help increase circulation in the region as the discomfort goes away; it can also be improved by light stretching. If your symptoms worsen or the strain does not heal in a few weeks, you should consult your doctor.

  • For skin conditions, treatments include:

    • Acne medicines

    • Antibiotics

    • Immunomodulators

    • Surgery

    They may differ depending on the condition. But bear in mind that boils and fistulas between the infection and the skin's surface may occur if the infection is not treated. Antibiotics and acne-fighting medicines are used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa. However, if the disease does not respond to treatment, surgery may be required.

  • As for shingles, antiviral medicines such as acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and famciclovir (Famvir) can be used to destroy the virus and keep symptoms at bay. If the pain is unbearable, lidocaine (AneCream, LMX 4, LMX 5, RectaSmoothe, RectiCare) or capsaicin cream (AneCream, LMX 4, LMX 5, RectaSmoothe, RectiCare) may be required.

  • Infections can be treated depending on the type. For fungal infection treatment, some of the medicines used are:

    • Clotrimazole

    • Econazole

    • Miconazole

    • Terbinafine

  • For enlarged axillary lymph nodes, the reason affects the treatment. Your doctor might have to prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections, but a viral illness typically requires only time to heal. In the meantime, to relieve discomfort, it is suggested to:

    • Use a warm, moist towel placed to the afflicted area of the armpit.

    • Use an over-the-counter pain reliever.

    • Make sure you get enough rest.

  • Breast cancer that has progressed to your lymph nodes can be treated in several ways. Depending on the stage and kind of cancer, you and your medical team will choose one of the treatment options:

    • Surgery: Your doctor will remove the cancer lump while leaving as much of the normal breast as feasible during breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy). They'll also release a few lymph nodes as well as some healthy tissue. However, your doctor will have to perform a complete breast removal (mastectomy) if this type of surgery is not an option.

    • Radiation therapy is a type of treatment that involves using high-energy radiation or particles to kill cancer cells, reduce the risk of recurrence, and extend your life.

    • Chemotherapy: It is an aggressive chemical drug used to kill fast-growing cells in the body.

    • Hormone treatment: it is used to reduce the chances of your breast cancer returning after surgery.

Can we prevent armpit pain?

To prevent the occurring pain, you must work on preventing the causes. Unfortunately, although scheduling annual checkups might help you detect your conditions early, preventing breast cancer or lymphatic problems may be almost impossible.

However, other causes of underarm discomfort can be avoided with a few tips:

  • Stretching and not pushing yourself beyond your ability in the weight room, for example, can help you avoid a strained muscle.

  • Getting the shingles vaccination can substantially lower your chances of contracting the virus, even if it isn't 100% effective (especially for older people.)

  • Replacing deodorants, antiperspirants, or detergents irritating your skin can help you avoid less significant skin issues.

  • Keeping your skin clean and practicing good hygiene in places where oil, sweat, and grime might collect will take you a long way.

  • Visiting your doctor will help you treat the problem right away and prevent any severe cases that might occur.


If you or anyone you know is suffering from pain, call us today on (469) 562 4188 to book an appointment with our expert doctors.