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Painful "tendon" in armpit

For the past two weeks, I have had a long painful area in my armpit.  It feels like the pain of a swollen gland, but runs along the length of what (I think) is a tendon.  I don't feel any really distinct sore spots (as you might with a swollen gland), it is more like the whole line (of tendon, or whatever) hurts.  It doesn't hurt at all when I move my arm, only when I touch the area.  Any idea what this could be?
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Avatar universal
I found this question off a Google search. I have something very similar. A few weeks back I noticed some painful bumps/lumps in both armpits. I went into the doctor and was told it was likely some sort of infection that was causing my lymph nodes to swell. He put me on antibiotics. The nodes are still there after my antibiotics but they are less pronounced and are no longer painful. In the next week however I noticed what the OP is referencing - a cord-like something running from my armpit down the upper arm. It feels like a tight tendon. It doesn’t hurt generally, but there’s pressure and a bit of pain especially when I lift my arm as I would in the shower or to apply deodorant. It feels like there’s a not of tension. I followed up and asked my doctor and he said he was concerned and asked me to make an appointment ASAP. He also said if it worsened to go to the emergency room. Nothing about what it could be or why the urgency, but now I’m on edge thinking about it. Anyway, I have a follow up for later this week and will post back once I know more so those who have similar situations can follow along.
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Adding a follow up. My doctor said he is very concerned and it feels like a blood clot. Sending me to radiology. Of course I started googling and this feels like it fits the bill. If you have these symptoms make sure to ask about clotting as they will do imaging right away and it can be extremely serious.
Avatar universal
Short version: my doctor says tendinitis, apply ice for 10-20minutes 2-3+ times a day and take ibuprofen or Aleve if it hurts.

Longer version: I had the same symptoms as you: armpit has a ropey/tight tendon running vertically through the armpit, no swollen lymph nodes, no lumps, just this tendon feeling thing. Arm otherwise feels perfectly fine, no loss of motion or strength, but when my arm is raised and pressure applied (as when you put deodorant on) it felt tender/a little sore (like 2/10 on the pain meter). Doctor said to ice it, take pain killer like ibuprofen or Aleve if it hurts, but number one thing to do is give it a rest. To the degree possible don’t use it for anything and give it time to heal.  It’s easy to fall into the loop of “it feels better” start using it, damage it more so it starts hurting, stop using it, it feels better etc. so just stop using it as much as your lifestyle allows to give it time to heal. Nothing to worry about though. Hope this helps someone in the future who finds this!
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3 Comments
Thank you for coming back with this update.  That is very helpful and hopefully reassuring to others.  We are glad that the condition is not related to cancer for you and hope the doctor's recommendations alleviate the problem fully and quickly so you can get back to normal.  Best of health to you.
Yes, I’m very thankful Samurai42 let us know what her dr said. I have the very same symptoms and it’s reassuring to know that it’s likely tendinitis in my armpit. I also will practice the RICE method.
Hi skye6283.  how long have you had the issue?  Let us know if RICE works for you.  :>)
Avatar universal
I'm having the same problem... In my left arm. Its like a tuff string like cord running down my arm pit... It only hurts when I put prasher on it. Like my deodorant or if I'm taking a shower and I wipe under my arm... It worry's me.. Please if any one knows what this may be. Tell me..
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2 Comments
I’m just getting over a stomach flu but as soon as it’s finished up I’m going in to my doctor for a physical and for this exact problem. I’m going to try icing it and otc pain relief in the meantime but I promise if I get an answer I’ll write back here
Please do let us know what the doctors say.  However, lymph nodes such as this are not uncommon after an illness like the flu.  Thank you and we look forward to your update.
Avatar universal
Hi, did you ever sort out this problem? I have a very similar situation developing. I have seen a neurologist and he does not think it is a nerve.
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Avatar universal
Hi Cristi,

I am having exactly the same symptoms. Did you find out what the cause was and how did you manage to treat it?

Hope your symptoms went way and looking forward to get your answer.

Thx
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Avatar universal
Hi,

You should avoid lifting heavy weights, take some OTC pain releif medications , apply some local analgesic creams and warm compresses.

This could be due to trauma at the site, muscle pull , etc.

If the symptoms persist after a few days, it would be best to consult your doctor for a clinical examination and confirmed diagnosis.

Let us know if you have any other doubts and post us about how you are doing.

Regards.
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