Right Armpit Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps

Pain in the right armpit?

I initially experienced itching and pain during urination, and after a week, I visited my family physician.
The doctor tested my urine and diagnosed me with a urinary tract infection, prescribing antibiotics.
Today marks the fifth day of my medication, but I still experience itching and pain while urinating.

However, starting from the second day of taking the medication, I noticed occasional sharp pain in my right chest and right back.
By the fourth day, I found a painful spot in my armpit that hurts when pressed.
Additionally, raising my right arm or rubbing against it also causes pain.
When lying flat, pressing on my right armpit reveals a painful lump.
There is also a small wound near my right nipple (about five tiny holes resembling post-pimple wounds), but I am unsure how these wounds occurred.
The surrounding skin appears slightly red.
I would like to know what might be causing these symptoms.
Since I will finish the antibiotics on Monday and return to my family physician for a follow-up, should I mention this as well? Should I request any additional examinations? Thank you.

Dada, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/11

Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology

It may be mastitis with associated axillary lymphadenopathy.
You can consult an infectious disease specialist; during your follow-up visit, please ask your family medicine physician to check as well.

Reply Date: 2021/07/11

More Info

Understanding right armpit pain, especially in the context of recent urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment, involves considering a variety of potential causes and the interconnectedness of symptoms. Your situation is multifaceted, and it’s essential to approach it systematically.

Firstly, the urinary tract infection you are experiencing can lead to referred pain in other areas of the body, including the chest and back. This phenomenon occurs because the nerves that supply the bladder and the lower urinary tract also share pathways with nerves that supply other regions, such as the thoracic area. Therefore, it is not uncommon for individuals with a UTI to experience discomfort that radiates to the back or chest.

The pain you describe in your right armpit, particularly the localized tenderness and the presence of a painful point, could be indicative of several conditions. One possibility is that you may be experiencing muscle strain or myofascial pain syndrome, especially if you have been using your arm differently due to discomfort. The pain could also stem from inflammation in the muscles or tendons around the shoulder and armpit area, which can occur due to overuse or poor posture, particularly if you have been favoring one side of your body.

The small wounds you mentioned near your right nipple, resembling post-acne marks, could be a separate issue. These might be related to skin irritation, folliculitis, or even a mild infection. The redness around these areas suggests that there may be some inflammatory process occurring, which could be exacerbated by your recent UTI and the antibiotics you are taking. It’s crucial to monitor these wounds for any signs of worsening, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge.

Given that you are experiencing multiple symptoms, it is advisable to discuss all of these issues with your family physician during your follow-up appointment. Be sure to mention the ongoing pain in your armpit, the tenderness you feel when pressing on it, and the condition of the small wounds near your nipple. Your doctor may consider performing a physical examination to assess the painful areas and may recommend imaging studies, such as an ultrasound, to rule out any underlying issues like lymphadenopathy or other abnormalities.

In addition, if the pain persists or worsens, your physician might consider referring you to a specialist, such as an orthopedic doctor or a dermatologist, depending on the findings. It’s also essential to discuss the effectiveness of the antibiotics you are taking for the UTI, as persistent symptoms may require a reassessment of your treatment plan.

In summary, while your right armpit pain could be related to your recent UTI, it is crucial to evaluate it in the context of your overall health. Be proactive in communicating all your symptoms to your healthcare provider, as this will help them determine the best course of action for diagnosis and treatment.

Similar Q&A

Sudden Armpit Pain When Raising Right Arm: Causes and Solutions

When raising or slightly moving the right arm, there is pain in the right armpit, and it is noticeably swollen compared to the left armpit. This occurred suddenly; there were no issues the day before, and then it happened overnight. There is also pain upon palpation. Could this b...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your description, it is likely that there is an inflammatory condition, possibly caused by poor posture or a strain. Additionally, vaccination or a localized infection could also lead to this phenomenon. I recommend applying local ice packs or using anti-inflammat...

Understanding Right Armpit Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello doctor, I woke up the day before yesterday and suddenly felt a lot of pain in my right armpit. There’s no pain when I touch the surface, and I don’t feel any swelling, but when I press hard, I can feel a lump that moves. It doesn’t hurt when I raise my arm, but I can feel s...

Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Shanshan, Hello, it may be due to lymphadenopathy. You can first visit a family medicine clinic for an examination, and based on the results, you can then see a specialist if needed. If a biopsy or excision is required, you can consult a general surgeon. Wishing you safet...

Understanding Axillary Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Recently, I experienced sudden pain in my right armpit. It hurts significantly when I touch it, raise my arm, or squeeze my armpit. Upon closer examination, I found a small swollen area. The next day, I visited a dermatologist who diagnosed it as inflammation. After taking medica...

Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Miss Chia-Yu, Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Regarding the swollen feeling in your armpit, please consider whether it is related to your menstrual cycle. If the swelling and pain occur before and after your period, it may be linked to hormonal change...

Understanding Intermittent Pain in the Armpit: Causes and When to Seek Help

Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain from my right armpit to the area near my right rib cage for the past two days. I have not experienced anything like this before. When I raise my arm to examine the area near my breast or armpit, I do not notice anything u...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, the lower right side of the chest consists of skin, muscles, ribs, pleura, lungs, and liver. All of these structures, except for the internal part of the liver which lacks pain receptors, have nerve distributions. Any inflammation or pathological...