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What Causes Pain In Upper Arm After A Tetanus Shot?

Posted on Tue, 3 Feb 2015

Question: Hi is it possible to have pain in the upper arm after a tetanus shot even after 2 weeks? Why does this happen? Not getting a clear answer from my doctor.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Can occur.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney.
I understand your concern.
Pain can occur after 2 weeks of tetanus shot but it usually occurs only at the injection site.
If you just have pain at the injection site just watch carefully if you have developed any abscess over there. If no abscess is there then nothing to worry.
In case you have pain in whole hand or at area other then the injection site then it is not because of Tetanus vaccine.
I hope it helps.
If you have any further query, please ask me.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (6 hours later)

I am having muscular pain on my deltoid and shoulder region. I had no pain prior to the vaccine. Can it be possible that the vaccine was not injected in the right area and pinched a tissue or nerve. It's a very irritating pain though it is not that severe but I have pain to sleep on my left side especially when I am a lefty. I am not getting it as to where the fault lies.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It's post injection effect.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
A few people do get such reactions to tetanus injection.
Apply ice on the involved area.
You should be fine in a week.
If you have any further query, please ask me.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T