Pain in the Hand: Additional Thoughts
Bloggers have pointed out correctly that cervical radiculopathy and/or thoracic outlet syndrome may be the problem causing pain radiating to the hands - and not carpal tunnel syndrome. That is why anyone with persistent symptoms should first be examined by an experienced doctor, hand specialist, orthopedic specialist or neurologist, or any specialist who deals with these problems on a regular basis.
There are tests which can confirm the diagnosis. The EMG is the definitive test for carpal tunnel syndrome. MRI may also be helpful in documenting other problems.
Anyone who has persistent pain and numbness in the upper extremity should try to perceive or localize where the problem originates - neck, wrist, elbow, etc. I know that pain radiates and it may not be easy to localize the originating site, but if you can, it is very helpful in diagnosing the problem.
Approach to treatment: Rest the hands and wrist - stop the offending activity for at least a short time. If possible, use splints to maintain extension of the wrists especially at night (flexion is thought to increase pressure in the wrists) and use mild anti-inflammatory analgesic medications i.e. Tylenol, Advil, etc.
I am not an advocate of injecting the carpal tunnel with steroids and I do not think massage will help in the long term either. B vitamins as suggested by a commenter may help - I'm neutral about B vitamins.
If there's no relief from rest, restricting activity, use of splints and mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications then consider surgical release. If there is persistent unrelieved pain which affects one's ability to function and use the hands, then surgery should be considered.
Surgery is designed to relieve pressure on the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. The thick covering over the carpal tunnel (volar carpal ligament) is opened and I also remove the lining around the nerve and flexor tendons. Most people are limited in the first week after surgery but by the 2nd or 3rd week function is normal.
Some commenters have reported that surgery has not helped. It's difficult to judge - presumably diagnosis was correct, perhaps the procedure was not complete or scar tissue formed, not a common problem. Lastly an individual may have waited too long and permanent damage to the median nerve occurred.
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: carpal tunnel, hand pain
There are tests which can confirm the diagnosis. The EMG is the definitive test for carpal tunnel syndrome. MRI may also be helpful in documenting other problems.
Anyone who has persistent pain and numbness in the upper extremity should try to perceive or localize where the problem originates - neck, wrist, elbow, etc. I know that pain radiates and it may not be easy to localize the originating site, but if you can, it is very helpful in diagnosing the problem.
Approach to treatment: Rest the hands and wrist - stop the offending activity for at least a short time. If possible, use splints to maintain extension of the wrists especially at night (flexion is thought to increase pressure in the wrists) and use mild anti-inflammatory analgesic medications i.e. Tylenol, Advil, etc.
I am not an advocate of injecting the carpal tunnel with steroids and I do not think massage will help in the long term either. B vitamins as suggested by a commenter may help - I'm neutral about B vitamins.
If there's no relief from rest, restricting activity, use of splints and mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications then consider surgical release. If there is persistent unrelieved pain which affects one's ability to function and use the hands, then surgery should be considered.
Surgery is designed to relieve pressure on the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. The thick covering over the carpal tunnel (volar carpal ligament) is opened and I also remove the lining around the nerve and flexor tendons. Most people are limited in the first week after surgery but by the 2nd or 3rd week function is normal.
Some commenters have reported that surgery has not helped. It's difficult to judge - presumably diagnosis was correct, perhaps the procedure was not complete or scar tissue formed, not a common problem. Lastly an individual may have waited too long and permanent damage to the median nerve occurred.
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: carpal tunnel, hand pain
59 Comments:
I am 54 yrs. old I live in Rochester,Mn. I get my Treatment @ Mayo Clinic here in Rochester. I had a Neck Surgery 12-06 a Hemilamenectomy @ C-5-6 and I was Pretty good after that but, about 2 months out I started getting a Numbness in my Right Hand again but, this time it was Contained to the Thumb,Index Finger and my Forearm on the Top of it?? I am certain that this is caused from the Neck Surgery I had 12-06. Now my Drs. want me to have Hand Surgery after I had a Negative EMG Test done last week?? I see the Neurologist this coming week and I'll keep Yah Posted.. Mike Rochester,Mn.
My name is Shawn Jordan and I live in Philadelphia. I feel a pain in between my thumb and my index finger. I wanted to know did the pain come before the Neck Surgery or after. The numbness started when I woked up and stop but the pain is irrating me so do you have any advice for me.
I am a 14 year old male, I rock climb often and this thing with my hands have been happening for nearly a month now and is starting to get worse. My fingers and my wrists will lock into place. What do you think i have?
Hello, my name is Amanda, and I'm searching for some alternate ideas to my problem. I'm 27 years old, and have had no major lifestyle changes in a while. In march of '07 I had a left Ulner Transposition to fix the numbness in my left hand. At that time I was lead to believe by all my doctors that it could only have been caused by a random tramatic blow to my elbow even if I couldn't remember one happening. But in the last 2 weeks, I have now noticed the same numbness and loss of strenght in my right hand. I is there anything else that can cause the nerves in my elbow to be pinched? I welcome any and all theories you may have. Thanks
I wake up in the night with wicked pain and numbness in one ,sometimes both forearms and hands. Seems to start at the elbow. If I lay on my back with my arms straight at my sides, the pain subsides. It's when I bend my elbows it starts again. Any ideas on what or why.
i wake up at night with the same pain my forearm and shin/calf pain my dr. says it is from the fall i had from a ladder which gave me spinal canal stenosis with my #5 and#6 vertebre being pinched
I am a 39 year old female. I have pain in my hands, wrists and sometimes forearms. This pain has been constant, at various extremes, and has gotten worse the past few years. Two days ago I had an EMG, and introduced to the possibility that I have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. I can't understand if I have no neck, shoulder or upper arm pain, how this diagnosis can be accurate. The pain is in both hands (worse in left) and is not the same every day. Sometimes sharp, sometimes dull, etc. Does anyone have the same problem? Help! Please! Thank you.
Well all I know for sure is that I was playing a game and a little later my hand started to hurt when I was stretching. It kind of feels like being shocked in my wrist almost to the point of my inner elbow when I stretch. The more I stretch the less it hurts. I do feel somewhat numb towards the center of my palm. The day afer it happened I noticed that my right thumb muscle I guess was really swollen and a little blue. Are these symptoms of carpal tunnel? Is there a period when it goes away? This is day number 3 for me. Please anyone send me a message at mkdzombie@yahoo.com
Treat CTS with 200 - 300 mgs. of B6 daily. I can almost guaarantee relief.
Hi Amanda,
My son was complaining of numbness in his hand then the other hand. To make a long story short, he was just diagnoised with MS. Just to weed it out, have an mri done to your brain and neck.
I just want everyone to know: BACK SURGERY IS THE LAST RESORT, NOT THE FIRST!!! And neck surgery is even more important to put off and try the many other not-as-invasive techniques there are to try first. If the problem is in your back or neck vertebrae,discs, or nerves themselves, there are plenty of treatments before surgery.(chiropractic is NOT one of them! Stay away from chiropractors-they do more harm than good!) Remember back, and especially neck surgery only helps rid your pain in 50% of all surgical cases, however it jumps up to 80% for mobility. So if you have no mobility problems, do everything you can before you choose surgery. I passed on two different surgeries, one in my neck(C-6) and one in my lumbar region(L-4) and got injections instead.(epideral which didn't help, and "nerve root injections" which totally fixed me for going on 10 years now!!!) Surgery was cancelled both times. They were about a year apart. I couldn't move my shoulder or use my hand because of the neck disc protrusion in C-6, and the lower back(L-4) made it so I couldn't stand for long, and I had an 8 hours on my feet job. So my advice to everyone who is contemplating surgery on their back or neck, is to try everything you can before having back or neck surgery. I had 3 friends who had bad outcomes from the same neck surgery and one had the same back surgery I was supposed to have. One actually died,(the back surgery one) and the other two have limited use of their arms and hands after neck surgery because they both got blood clots in their necks afterwards. I'm NOT trying to scare anybody. I just want people to know that you don't take back surgery lightly. Your spine runs your whole body and if there's a problem, such as a blood clot or an "oops, the scalpel slipped" you could be in very big trouble. Now, the latter "scalpel slipping" is very, very rare.
Hello, My name is Donna, and I have neuropothy in my feet. I have just recently started feeling pain in the left forfinger, thumb, and palm of my hand, then the pain started going up my forarm all the way to the elbow. The pain is very intence at times and worse at night. My question is..could this be neuropothy as well, or something different? Please I need some advice..I am also dieabetic.
I am a chiropractor in the San Francisco Financial District. My clinic has been known for 15 years as the Carpal Tunnel Injury Center. My personal experience has been that true "carpal tunnel syndrome" is rare. Sure, the signs and symptoms of CTS are common...but compression of the median nerve inside the tunnel is not usually the cause. The cause is most often, problems in the neck. Conditions such as herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and vertebral subluxations, can cause the same symptoms...and at the same time predispose the upper extrmities to repetitive stress injury (RSI). We work from the neck to the finger tips on both sides to remove nerve pressure...to the extent that it is possible. Sometimes the damage is to great and the patient is unable to handle hands-on therapy. In the event that we are unable to help...which is rare, we refer out for surgical consultation.
I have been diagnosed with brachial plexus injury and c-4, c-5 posterior displacement 5 months ago. I have had pain in my left arm, shoulder and hand for 5 months anywhere from slight to excruciating. A neurologist said I also have carpal tunnel and wants to do a release. I have had 2 EMGS, first in 11/07 said brachial plexus irritation and carpal tunnel, second last month said only the carpal tunnel, but I have the brachial plexus pain still. I am currently taking Lyrica 150 mg bid, Ultram prn and Topamax 25 mg bid. Can the brachial plexus injury cause false + EMG results for carpal tunnel? Can the Lyrica effect the results of the EMG? How reliable is the EMG to evaluate nerve injuries at the shoulder level?
To Shawn Jordan: Pain after neck surgery extends to webb space ( area between thumb and index finger)-get EMG-determine origin.
To Anonymous, 14 year old rock climber,hand and wrist lock- ?muscle spasm- metabolic phenomenon. Drink fluids. Check with your physician.
To Anonymous with pain after playing a game: swelling and discoloration are not really part of carpal tunnel- although swelling may occur within carpal tunnel after injury thereby causing CTS- should resolve, if not check with your doctor. EMG test may help diagnose problem.
To Robert: B vitamins may help worth a try. Recommend B-complex.
To Anonymous: Individuals differ. Certain problems are more amenable to surgical treatment. Basically, agree to discuss prospects with your physician- consider all options- properly evaluated with appropriate indications and anesthetic pre-operation consultation. Results are excellent- individual experience helps give perspective- but ultimately decision should be a rational one in discussion with your doctor or doctors.
To Amanda: Cubital tunnel syndrome ulnar nerve compression( pressure on ulnar nerve) occurs and is associated with trauma- but can occur without traumatic incident- perhaps because of anatomical variant (overlying coverings are too tight). Exact reasons not known- surgical treatment includes opening the coverings and moving nerve( transposition) to a less exposed place.
To Anonymous with pain in both forearms and hands: EMG may help document problem- might be compression of nerve at elbow or wrist.
To Anonymous with pain in forearm and calf: EMG test may help document nerve root compression C5 & C6 responsible for upper extremity and the legs -more likely from lumbar vertebral problem- 2 different problems or levels of spinal cord.
To Donna: Diabetic notoriously have problems with neuropathy which can affect upper and more commonly lower extremities. Diabetics also have increased incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome nerve compression- you should be evaluated by a doctor- EMG probably indicated.
To Dr. Eben Davis: I agree with your approach to neck compression in common- some people have both- neck and CTS compression.I disagree that CTS is rare.
To Anonymous with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Anatomic variations on extra rib or projections may impinge nerve roots.
To Anonymous with Brachial Plexus: EMG is reliable. Discuss the nuances with your neurologist . In the end carpal tunnel surgery is not nothing but it is straightforward relatively quick procedure( not debilitating) and may be worth a try if problem remanins unresolved.
I'm 66 yrs old and last July 2007 I had a C-Scan and a week Later I had an MRI both test were done with a Blood Dye - About two months later my hands started hurting with both center fingers get a snap action when trying to grip something hard and now 8 months later my center fingers cannot be layed flat with other fingers (Note: I had Carpol Tunnel Sugery in 1992 on both hands for numness that problem has not returned at present) My Doctor at Kaiser Permente in San Diego will not even discuss this with me for some reason??
Hello, my daughter call me he other day . she said she woke up and her whole body was numb. But not only that her body tinking at night also.
Now I also have tinking in my whole body also but it get worst when I am iron short and b12 short. Is ther any help for this problem.
my husband just recently started a job on a rig doing very strenuous work,which he is not used to doing,he worked seven straight days on twelve hour shifts,and when he returned home for his off days he complains of numbness and swelling in his forarms and hands and they also seem slightly swollen,which this makes it almost impossible for him to get any sleep,he is vey restless and is constantly shaking his arms trying to get the circulation to flow,but it just won't.Is this normal just because of the strenuous work,and will it finally go away once he gets in shape and gets used to this type of work?
siva
I am 41 I live in Nashville TN,I have been going to the doctor with my hand problem since 8/05 I even have surgery on my left hand and the orthopedic who did the surgery give me a steroid shot in my right hand saying that would prevent it from getting bad as the left. three years going and both my hands are worst . all the doctors i visit just give me antiinlfamitary to take and said is tendernitist, but i done believe its that because my hands pain ,burn like fire under the skin
and tingling in my hands ,and the same symtom also in my neck, only the neck tingle and itch real bad so how can that be tendernitist.
Extreme pain in left shoulder, left elbow and numbness pain and swelling in my fingers. The pain is not as bad during the day when I am active but increases tremendously when I sit or attempt to sleep. I cannot sleep in the bed. I try to sleep sitting in a recliner with my left arm placed on a pillow on my lap. Pain in my shoulder, elbow and hand continues all night. My average sleep per night is 2-3 hours. I am constantly shaking my arms in an attempt to get circulation in my hands hoping the pain will stop. Can you help?
Hi, my name is Matt, I'm 27 yrs old. I'm an avid world of warcraft player (online gaming, lots of typing and wrist movement) and I'm also a welder and mechanic. Lately I've been having really sharp pain in the left side of my right wrist, between the bones in my thumb and forefinger. The pain is so bad that usually cannot move my wrist for a minute or two. Sometimes I stretch and it feels better, but other times the pain just comes right back and even worse. Is this CTS or some other type of wrist problem associated with all the wrist activities I perform each day? Should I contact a doctor or are there home remedies I can use to prevent this so I don't have to pay an arm and a leg?
I have increasing pain in my hands when I sleep. During the day, they are mostly just kind of numb. I also have a pinched feeling in my right shoulder that has lasted a couple months. In full disclosure, I have about 4 drinks a night and use tobacco. I'm wondering if this is a problem with my lifestyle affecting my circulation or if its related to my shoulder pain.
My name is Kim and I'm 44 years old. I am also overweight. I too experience tremendous pain in both forearms, (all the way down to my finger tips on my right hand). It starts at the elbow and goes down. It has been so bad at times that it wakes me up during the night. I have been doing some very strenuous work outside, (digging, moving dirt), actually sitting up an above ground pool. Just wondering if that is the problem. Or...carpal tunnel or pinched nerves or...what?! I just wished I could stop the pain!
Im a bank teller so I work with my hands all day long, I started having neck pains that send sharp pains to my hand, now both my hands hurt really bad and ive been very stressed!! jw what I should do
Hi, I am Andrea and I am 28 years old and I have been having a problem with my arms for the past couple of years. 2 years ago it got so bad that I went ahead and had carpal tunnel surgery. When I had the EMG done at that time, they said that my nerves were not that bad, but I was in such pain that I could not even change a diaper or hold one at that. I also was having to sleep with something over my arms just to keep them straight because if they were not straight, I had dull pain starting from a little above my elbows down to my wrists (sometimes fingers). I also had to sleep with my fingers staight too. So I went ahead with the surgery. That relieved so much pressure for awhile anyway. Then a couple of months after that I started having to sleep with my arms straight again, and my fingers have to always be straight too. I can't hold my husbands hand for longer than a minute. At night if my arms are not straight down at my side, then I have this dull pain and it really bothers me. It feels good if someone pushes down on the nerve that is just above my elbow and then runs their hands to just below my elbow. I can feel it all the way down to my hand, and that feels good too, but unfortunately, no one can do that forever. I went back in last fall to get another EMG done only this time looking at the nerves in my arms and I was told again that there was no nerve problems. I am trying to figure out what this is. It also bothers me when I can't straighten my arms down to my sides when in the car when I am driving, and bending my elbows when I am laying down is the worse. It bothers me everynight. Many nights it hurts so bad that sleeping up right in a chair and having my arms straight at my sides feels the best. Does anyone else have these same problems? Help!!!! Andrea
To anonymous: Better check with doctor. Iron deficiency and B12 and B vitamins in general are involved with nerve function but your daughter should be checked by a doctor.
to anonymous whose husband has numbness and swelling in his forearms and hands: Very suggestive of carpal tunnel syndrome(which is activity related). If persists check with doctor.
To Siva: Recheck with doctor-can get 2nd opinion. I do not have enough information. Also, another EMG test will help determine nerve compression.
To anonymous with extreme pain in left shoulder...: Check with doctor. Nerve compression such as carpal tunnel syndrome(compression of median nerve at wrist can cause what you describe. EMG test may help document CTS.
To Matt: I suggest for a start, restrict activity. Use a long wrist splint. After one to two weeks no better, see a doctor.
To anonymous who has pain on hands: Can't definitely relate shoulder problem to drinking and smoking. Pain, numbness on hands are affected by smoking. Check witha doctor. Naturally, I recommend stop smoking and drinking for a start.
I am a 32 year old female. About 5 years ago, I started getting pain in my left wrist. Over the years, it spread to my elbow and is now in my shoulderblade. I have two children that are 15 months apart (now 7 and 5) and always held them with my left arm while I did other things with my right. I think this contributed to my pain. I have had an MRI, EKG, nerve damage testing, braces of all sorts, physical therapy and still no real diagnosis. When I use my left arm for anything, I am in pain the days following. I have lost muscle due to the inability to use it. This past 4th of July weekend, I moved a dresser and walked miles carrying bags of purchased items. I have been in extreme pain for 4 days now, resulting to taking vicodin for the pain. I have an appointment in a few weeks with yet another specialist but am tired of dealing with this pain and no diagnosis. When I went for therapy, one of the therapists put his hands just below my neck and lifted up, I was laying on my back. Almost instantly, the pain in my arm went away. When he released, the pain came back. I am desperate to find out what this pain is. It is affecting my daily life with my kids, work and feel I am too young to be experiencing this much pain. Any thoughts? Thanks - Ana
Hello, I am 43 years old and about a month ago my right index finger middle joint became real tender and hurts to use it with alot of pressure. My left index does the same thing but not as bad. If I gently sqeeze the lower part of my right index finger it is real tender all the way down. And the top joint of the same finger is stiff and feels like it needs to vbe popped. Any ideas what it could be...Both index fingers aching?
38 years old. Have worked in industry with a lot of physical stress on my hands for past 18 years. Have noticed stiffness in base of thumb and have started to notice that index finger on that hand will involuntary make slight movements that I do not control. As if tendon is having a spasm. Is this a characteristic of arthritis? Motrin or advil seem to help.
I am sixteen years old. Just recently, the lower part of my left ring finger started to hurt, almost a stinging feeling. It feels close to the soreness of a blister. I don't recall any stings or bites in the past few weeks, nor has the pain spread anywhere else. Any ideas on what it could be?
Hi, I am a 14 year old female and for about a year now i have had a pain in my left wrist when i put pressuer on it. (ex. when i carry my books around to class) I played lacrosse this year...but it was hurting before then. I also have been doing swimming and diving for 2 years. My wrist hasnt bothered me for a while...but then today in the shower i could barely squeeze my shampoo bottle. I am putting ice on it now...but I'm really starting to get nervous that it wont go away.it also hurt when i squeezed my brush.And it hurt when i flexed it back. other than that it doesnt hurt. iT hurts on the right side of my wrist (under my pinky) especially where when you turn your wrist over so your palm is facing up and then you flex your wrist back and a bump thing appears ...its on my other wrist too...i dont know what its called though. it seems to hurt under that. and along the front of my wrist a little. Please help me. I am going to ask my mom to bring me to the doctor soon. Thanks. Bye.
Hi. I'm 22 years old and I live in Richmond va. About 2 weeks ago my left hand, wrist and arm started to feel numb and tingly all the time, like when your leg goes to sleep, but mainly just numb. Whenever I lean on my left elbow as well it makes it a lot worse. Anything to help would be great.
Thank You
54 years old - i have burning, tingling and numbness in both hands. I have been a transcriptionist for the past 30+ yrs. Went to a hand specialist - suggested carpal tunnel surgery after nerve conduction studies were done. He did the left hand first - still have the same burning, tingling and numbness as I do in my rt. hand. Have been to physical therapy with temporary relief while I am there and then goes right back to pain, esp. in my finger tips - just burn and I am at a loss as to where to turn for this problem now. Since the surgery didn't work on the left, I do not want to do it on the right. Any suggestions would be appreciated, where to go, what to do, what would help. I where hand braces but that does not seem to help either. I am in constant pain with my hands.
5 years ago, after a 2 weeks holiday from work, I went into work & all of a sudden my left shoulder down to my left hand was in tremendous pain, I had to go to my Dr there & then, he told me it looked like it was Frozen Shoulder & Carpel Tunnel. He gave me a steroid injection in my shoulder which worked for about 2 months, but it turned out I needed specialist help, I went to see a Rheumatologist, he then sent me for an MRI, which showed that I in actual fact had 2 prolapsed cervical discs in my neck between(C4-C6), so I was admitted for surgery to remove the worst of the 2, & 2 years later I had surgery to remove the other. Now I have been told I now have Carpel Tunnel (again), I've had a steroid injection in my wrist, which did work for about 6 months, but the pain is now back, & it goes all the way up to my shoulder. My Dr has managed to get me another appointment with my Neuro Surgeon, but don't know what to expect when I go, all I want is to be free of pain, & not have to take anymore meds - Pregabolin capsules 300mg 2xday, Ibuprofen 400mg 3xday. Could you please tell me what the next step will be.
Hi, i am a 16 yr old male, and i play computer games alot and use both hands a lot. Out of nowhere today my left pinky and ring finger started to get numb. Its been 5 hours now and it is still numb. Please help, thanks.
My teen daughter came home from school saying her right hand thumb is numb on one side. Her body is trembling. Any ideas anyone?
I am 48 years old and have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis. I have a problem with my right hand. When I over use it,my thumb and first 2 fingers tingle for a while. I had CTS surgery in 1990. If I do not use my hand I have no problems. Doctors cannot seem to agree if it is my neck or something to do locally with my hand. Help!
My name is Nick and I live in Ca. I feel pain in my wrists and forearms. It hurts really bad when I bend or put pressure on my wrists and sometimes the pain will appear randomly. But I don't know why it still hurts cause I've been wearing a wrist splint non stop for a couple months, so could you tell me what it is and the fastest way to get rid of it
I was dagnosed with DeQuarvain"s tendonitis over a yr ago.I wore splints, took motrin and had cotisone shots.The shots did help,but the time they lasted was short lived.I opted for a release.I was told piece of cake, no big deal.I had surgery on 8/01/08 and knew immediately something was wrong. I opted to have a block and kept thinking the numbness in my thumb,index and middle finger would eventually wake up.I have almost lost my mind over the pain.Numb..but my hand feels as tough it has been burned,bolts of lightening like pain so severe that lortab wouldn't even touch.I was told the nerve has trauma to it due to the nerve being pulled out of the way to do the release.I was prescibed neurotin, elavil and PT with the tens unit. What do you think? Was the nerve cut? The side effects of the meds scare me to death and do they really work? I am miserable and would trade the prior pain with this,i would rather be dead than to put up with this pain.
Thank you DR.Haselkorn for any hope you can give.
Judy...I was in a bad car accident & lt foot and lt wrist had multiple fx as well as broken rt clavicle and two upper rt ribs. this was in dec -06. I have not returned to work but am now having severe pain in hands.Nct said severe Ct in rt. and borderline in Lt. Hand doc wants to do sx on rt.They did not do NCT up in neck/shoulder area & I have concerns it may be something else as I have headaches-shoulder pain. Bone scan was also done and showed Osteoarthritis in joints-severe in Lt foot-moderate in lt hand and severe in rt hand. Also rt thumb hurts bad & Doc said it was athrophy...second opinion?
I'm Cherie of Phx, AZ. I'm 52 and work involves lots of computer time. Work station ergos in question/don't sit correctly sometimes hunching over keyboard. Have numbness in RH ring & baby finger and runs up arm almost to elbow. Pain with sharp pins/needle feeling.Burning sensation between shoulber blades.Neg for diabeties,carpal tunnel,nerve/muscle damage.Also experiencing sensations in left groin close to fermol nerve area up to ribs. neg for hernia. Pain Mgt Dr gave me Gabapentin and recommending ilioinguinal nerve block. Could work station and way I sit, hunching over keyboard, reaching for desktop contribute to symptoms?
Hey I'm a 20 yr old female and i have been having this excruciating pain that starts in my right shoulder and radiates down my arm to my elbow and my forearm and hand goes numb and it hurt really bad for a longtime and i can't seem to do anything to stop it. i have tried taking OTC pain relievers and anti-inflammatories and nothing has helped. Any ideas???
Hello:
I am a 46 yr. old female programmer who used to spend long hours on the computer. After I started a new job and switched to a laptop, I started having pain in both hands and forearms. Then the pain crept up to the elbows. Shortly after that, I started having severe pain in the right shoulder blade area. It is like I have concrete blocks crushing my shoulder. The skin on my right arm is red and spidery. Now, I'm starting to get the same pain in my left shoulder blade. I have had pain in the upper back and neck area for years, not sure if it is related. I've been to multiple drs. and chiropractors and still have no diagnosis. I've tested negative for diabetes, rhuematoid arthritis, lupus.
EMG was normal, MRI of cervical spine was also normal.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Hi,
My name is Kiran and I am 20 years old. For the last 6 0r 7 months, I have pain in my left hand's lower joint above the palm and fingers. Should I consult a hand specialist or what should i do. I feel numb in my lower joint of my left hand and extreme pain.
I need serious assistance and information as to what should I do.
Thanks!!
To Jennie: You describe pain in left upper extremity- not enough information. I assume you are not sure yourself but as a start it is important to localize where it starts(i.e. exact spot that precipitates the symptom). Check with either hand specialist of neurologist. MRI and EMG(not EKG) may help document problem.
To anonymous with "joint pain index finger"- I'm not sure if it is actually joint pain and problem such as arthritis or actually tendon obstruction such as occurs with trigger finger- often initially perceived as joint problem. Check with doctor.
To anonymous who is 38 yrs. old: Basilar joint arthritis( base of thumb is common problem)- responds to motrin type medications.
To anonymous who has pain left ring finger: I need more information.
To 14 year old anonymous: Pain possibly side of hand . 1st step is to rest your hand-give time to recover- perhaps up to a week. If no improvement check with doctor. Not enough information to make diagnosis.
To anonymous from Richmond, VA: May be result of nerve compression. Important to describe pattern. There are 2 main nerves(palm side). Areas of numbness vary according to site of compression and nerve involved. If problem persist check with doctor.
Dear Carol: Job activity probably a fctor. Unsuccessful surgery may occur as a result of scar formation or because of permanent nerve damage- the nerve doesn't recover. Check with your hand surgeon. I still recommend surgery on right side to try to relieve pressure on nerve.
Dear Ja-de: Multiple problems neck, shoulder, wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome) all could be responsible for different symptoms. Acute pain relieved by injection more typical of shoulder bursitis. MRI confirmed cervical disc problem- presumably EMG confirmed pattern compression from the disc- also there is pattern of pain, numbness with CTS. EMG should help document. I am not an advocate of injecting the wrist carpal tunnel.
Dear John: Rest. If no relief after later part of week- check with doctor- ulnar nerve compression.
Dear Vanessa: calm down. If no relief, check with doctor.
To 48-year old anonymous: EMG may help document problem.
Dear Nick: Wrist pain prolonged problem even after limiting with splints. Need to check with doctor- possible ligament/bone problem.
To anonymous with DeQuervain's tendonitis: Operation for DeQuervain's disease - I characterize as small and straightforward and indicated when steroid injection fail to relieve problem. There is a nerve the sensory branch of radial nerve which is in the field and cutting from manipulation of being cut accidentally can cause problems you describe. If persists, more likely nerve was cut and you have neuroma. Discuss with your doctor/hand specialist.
Dear Judy: Usually EMG of your upper extremity can distinguish or at least give information as to whether there is nerve root compression in neck and/or median nerve compression at wrist. Discuss your concerns with doctor- " severe cts with symptoms" - you are candidate for carpal tunnel surgery.
I have a injury to rt hand/ rt arm. My orthopedic is thinking ulner neropathy with a possible compression somewhere. This is workmans comp so he has to go step by step. He suspects a compression and would like to do EMG. In the mean time ibruphrophen and gave me a shot that he describes as little crystle that roll around and evetually sink in hoping to provide some relief ( shot did nothing but flare me up and cause more pain) 3 days after shot my Lt hand pinky finger n ring finger is now just as numb as the other and now alot of pain has set in. I also have shoulder bladepain and that is where he gave the shot abouve the blade toward the shoulder. since the shot i have neck popping, stiffness and pain at night /some during the day pending what i am doin. I would so apppreviate you describing what is going on for workmans comp has control over me and it wont be till end of sept till i can see doc again. please help me understand this. I am misserable, in pain and we all know how comp works they aren't out for the patient. i have been a caregiver for 15 yrs, I want to continue what i love. TY and God Bless you.
Hi my name is Rosa, I am happy to say that, with diet and excercise, I am able to control my diabetes without medication. The problem that, I have having is numbness in my right hand. No pain just numbness. More in the finger. Could you please help me?
Warmly,
Rosa
i am 55 year old male and on my hand my index finger locks up when i try to straighten it out it goes half way then locks up and then goes the rest of the way can you tell me what that is
I am 50 yrs. old and recently have a tingling sensation in my hands - the same type of feeling as when people say their foot 'fell asleep'. Almost nightly, I wake up with this feeling in both hands - as if my hands fell asleep. During the day, I get a slight tingling sensation and sometimes the middle joints of my fingers have a slight dull ache. What can be causing this recent pain? The hand sensations are a bit stronger in my right hand. I am right handed, but I'm presently trying to do more with my left hand. What is causing these sensations and dull pain? Any advice or suggestions?
Dear Cherie: Sitting could affect or exacerbate your problem. The groin and lower extremities are affected by nerve root in low back. Your hand problem is typical of ulnar nerve compression at elbow. Doctor should order EMG for upper and lower extremities.
To 20 year old anonymous: Check with doctor. Your perception is that origin is shoulder. Could be neck nerve root( brachial plexus). Numbness suggest nerve compression otherwise shoulder tendonitis or both.
I am 18 years old and for the past 5 months I have been having pain the the joints of my hands. It hurts so bad sometimes that I can't even bend my fingers, or grab things. Sometimes a literally can't bend my index finger all of the way..not because of pain, but simply because I can't. I have been told it could be tendinitis, or something similar. It is usually worst in the morning, but sometimes doesn't get any better throughout the day. Any ideas? What could I do to make it better?
I was diagnosed in 2003 with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in both hands. The pain I suffered then was numbness in hands and pain from forearm to elbow. Well, I went through therapy, accupuncture but to no avail. Had endoscopic release at wrist. AFter surgery, the pain got even more sever from wrist to elbow. Then was diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome. Got the ulnar nerve transposition. Now, my elbow still burns, ring and pinky finger cannot straighten out or severe pain persists. It is hard to write as keeping my hand closed around the pen or pencil gives me excruciating pain. What could be the problem? I have this in my left also but haven't had any surgeries for that arm yet.
Hello, my name is gloria, i been having a horrible pain in my right hand,firts starts on my hand then on my fingers then my whole arm hurts ,and it gets numb and tingilig specily when im sleeping i wake up in the middle of the night wit this horrible pain can some one tell me what this is and what can i do
Hello! My problem is my right wrist, the back of my hand, just above the wrist joint below my 4th and baby finger. I have a very slight pain occasionally when I move my wrist side to side. Its almost wrong to call it pain, but when I play tennis it gets progressively worse. It hurts for a day after playing then subsides. I've tried ice, heat, and rest, but it doesn't seem to progress. Any advice
one day at work i crushed my hand inbetween two heavy metal parts, the location was in the middle of my pointer finger and my index finger. of course it hurt for 2 days later, then it was fine. when i picked something up it would drop it sometimes. the pain went away, now 2 weeks later i get a sharp pain it seems when i extend it to reach for something and the same sharp pain re occurs. theres no swelling, never was, and looks fine, just sometimes when i reach for something it occurs?
My name is Tammy I'm 35. I'm from Allentown, Pa. I have two numb fingers in my left hand, my ring and pinky finger. Can this really be from my diabetes type 2? This is what I've been told by the doctors?
I am 12 years old. I live in NC and for about 4 weeks now my hand has been getting cramps and swelling up for about 5 to 10 minutes once a day. It hurts to type and write. When I wake up every morning I can not feel my hands and I cant move them. Once I take a shower it goes away. What could I have??? Is it bad for a 12 year old teen to have???
I am a 40yr old woman, I have been having joint pain in my hands for 4 months. It started with my left hand index finger,then right hand index finger. Then all 4 fingers on both hands. They are stiff in the am and by 10am the aching starts and worsens. By 6pm it hurts so bad it is hard to do anything. I have tested negative for RA & Lupus. I have been taking ibu 800mg and then celebrex 200mg and those do not help. I am now on prednisone 4mg am & 3mg pm. I would like to have a diagnosis. Ruth, MN
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