When toget immediatemedical help

See your GP immediately if:

• your arm pain is brought on by exercise and relieved with rest; it may be a sign of angina (restrictedblood supply to the heart)
• you think you may have a broken arm (but aren't sure)
• your arm becomes red, hot and swollen over a period of a few hours, and you start to feel generally unwell and develop a high temperature; you may have an infection

Call 999 for an ambulance if:

• the pain has come on suddenly and your chest feels like it's being squeezed (you may be having a heart attack or stroke )
• you have obviously broken your arm (it looks the wrong shape)

Read onto get a better idea of what might be wrong with your arm, butdon't use this informationto diagnose yourself always see your GP for a proper diagnosis.

Shoulder pain is covered separately.