Why Do My Left and Right Arms Differ? Whats the Cause?

We use our arms frequently in daily life, and thus, it is likely that they may encounter various problems. A typical issue is the noticeable difference between the left and right arms. There are various reasons for this difference, which can be physiological or caused by illnesses. Especially when abnormal symptoms appear, it is essential to pay attention to them. So, why do our left and right arms differ? Let's explore the reasons below.

Why Do Our Left and Right Arms Differ?

Firstly, it can be caused by strain and injury. Chronic strain or acute injury can lead to local congestion, edema, and infiltration of inflammatory cells, resulting in unequal thickness of the upper limbs.

Secondly, it can be due to local neuromuscular diseases. Common examples include peripheral neuropathy and muscle inflammation. Muscle breakdown can also lead to unequal thickness of the upper limbs.

Thirdly, disuse can contribute to unequal thickness of the upper limbs. In daily exercise or work, if one side of the body experiences long-term high-load labor or exercise, while the other side is relatively inactive, it can result in one side having more developed muscles and the other side having relatively less developed muscles, leading to unequal thickness. This can also occur when one side of the body is immobilized due to a fracture or other injury, resulting in disuse atrophy.

Fourthly, cervical spondylosis is a common cause. Cervical spondylosis can compress the nerves of the upper limbs, leading to unequal thickness.

What to Do If Your Arms Are of Different Thickness?

If the thickness of your left and right arms differs, it does not necessarily indicate a disease. Everyone has different habits when using their arms. For example, those who frequently use their right hand may have a slightly thicker right arm than the left. Additionally, there is no complete symmetry between the two sides of the human body, so this situation does not require treatment and is considered normal. However, if you feel that the difference in thickness is significant and aesthetically displeasing, you can strengthen the muscles of the thinner arm through appropriate exercise and daily use. This can help to alleviate the situation.