Deltoid pain: Symptoms, Types and Treatment

The deltoid is a large muscle responsible for lifting the arm and giving the shoulder its range of motion.

It is located in the uppermost part of the arm, at the shoulder. Tendons attach the deltoid to the collarbone, shoulder blade, and upper arm.

Like many other muscles, the deltoid can be sore for a variety of reasons, including overuse and tendon injuries.

In this article, we explore the causes of deltoid pain. We also describe home remedies and treatments that can provide relief.

Symptoms

When the deltoid muscle is injured, a person may feel pain or tenderness at the front, side, or back of the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm.

In some cases, the deltoid muscle may be torn and cause swelling and bruising.

Strains are given a grade of 1–3, according to their severity:

Grade 1: These mild strains are characterized by tightness in the muscle and minimal swelling. Using the arm may produce slight pain, but the range of movement is often not restricted.

Grade 2: Increased pain, swelling, and limited movement are typically present with a grade 2 strain. In many cases, doing push-ups, presses, or lifting the arm in any direction can cause pain.

Grade 3: These serious injuries can cause severe pain, swelling, and a muscle bulge or gap. Due to the pain, movement of the arm may be severely limited or impossible.