I broke my pinky finger 4-5 years ago and the doctor did a really bad job at putting on the splint so the finger is now slightly deformed and is occasionally numb. Over the past 2 years, however, I have been experiencing arm weakness, aching, shoulder discomfort on the arm with the broken finger. Sometimes I can't fall asleep because my arm is bothering me so much. Also, I'm not sure but when I raise my arm to drain the blood to my shoulder region, it actually feels better so I'm suspecting it has something to do with blood circulation to my arm? I have seen 2 doctors but they have not made a conclusive diagnosis. I have tried weight training using my shoulder/arm muscles but it hasn't gone away. Is the finger injury related to the arm pain? Any suggestions to what might this condition be? Thanks!
2006-08-10 08:04:54 · 4 answers · asked by billprang 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
I doubt that the two are related, but one can never really know. It sounds like the problem with your arm and should might be related to some thoracic outlet syndrome.
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) consists of a group of distinct disorders that affect the nerves in the brachial plexus (nerves that pass into the arms from the neck) and various nerves and blood vessels between the base of the neck and axilla (armpit). For the most part, these disorders are produced by positional compression of the subclavian artery and vein, the vertebral artery, and the nerve cords of the brachial plexus. The disorders are complex, somewhat confusing, and poorly defined, each with various signs and symptoms not only arising from the upper extremity but also from the chest, neck and head. (from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoracic_outlet_syndrome )
Go speak with your doctor or book an appointment with a therapist for an assessment.
2006-08-10 08:37:19 · answer #1 · answered by Muse 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't want to steer you in the wrong direction but I would say your pinky finger is not related to the discomfort in your arm and shoulder. It sound like you have a muscle injury or maybe even nerve damage in your shoulder or neck and it is descending down your arm into your hand. You may just be feeling it stronger in your pinky because you have had previous damage to it. I wish I could help you as far as doctors go...I've had nerve damage in my neck for 2 years and I can't get anyone to do anything about it...GOOD LUCK!!
2006-08-10 08:13:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a referral to an orthopedic surgeon (a specialist in bone and joint disorders) and ask for a examination. You may have tendinitis in that arm not related to the old injury.
2006-08-10 08:10:28 · answer #3 · answered by soxrcat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
SUE THE DOCTOER
2006-08-10 09:44:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋