Differential Diagnosis for Burning Sensation in Arm and Shoulders (Right)

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Musculoskeletal strain or injury: This is often the most common cause of a burning sensation in the arm and shoulder, typically resulting from overuse, poor posture, or direct injury to the muscles or tendons in the area.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Repetitive strain injury (RSI): Conditions like tendonitis or bursitis can cause a burning sensation due to inflammation of the tendons or bursae around the shoulder and arm.
• Cervical radiculopathy: Compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the cervical spine can lead to burning sensations in the arm and shoulder, often accompanied by neck pain.
• Thoracic outlet syndrome: Compression of the nerves or blood vessels that pass through the thoracic outlet (the space between your collarbone and first rib) can cause burning sensations, numbness, and weakness in the arm.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Myocardial infarction (heart attack): Although less common, a burning sensation in the arm, especially if accompanied by chest pain or discomfort, can be a symptom of a heart attack, particularly in women.
• Diabetic neuropathy: For patients with diabetes, nerve damage can cause burning sensations in various parts of the body, including the arms.
• Multiple sclerosis: This chronic condition can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, including burning sensations in the limbs, due to damage to the protective covering of nerve fibers.

Rare Diagnoses

• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition characterized by burning pain, inflammation, and sensitivity, usually in one of the arms or legs, after an injury or trauma.
• Brachial plexitis (neuralgic amyotrophy): An inflammatory condition that affects the nerves of the brachial plexus, causing severe pain, usually in one shoulder and arm, followed by weakness or atrophy of the muscles.
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD): While more commonly associated with leg pain, in rare cases, PAD can cause burning sensations in the arms due to reduced blood flow.

Each of these diagnoses has distinct characteristics and requires a thorough medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause of the burning sensation in the arm and shoulder.