Arm Problems, Noninjury: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you think you have an infection in your arm?

See significance of an infection if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have diabetes?

Yes

Do you have peripheral arterial disease?

Yes

Do you have a disease or take medicine that causes problems with your immune system?

Yes

Do you have red streaks running up your arm?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in your arm?

Yes

Do you have pus in or around a sore place on your arm?

Yes

Do you have a red, tender lump or bump on your arm?

Yes

Do you know or think you have a fever?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had mild pain and swelling with redness of less than around the affected area for 24 hours or longer?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck or armpit for 2 weeks or longer?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	July 28, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer