Finger and hand numb/tingly?

Question

This started last sunday, and has not gone away. My ring and pinkie finger feel somewhat numb and tingly to the point where it feels as though it is somewhat asleep as well as half of my hand. I don't think or hope it is carpal tunnel because the symptoms of carpal tunnel involve tingling and burning in the index, thumb and middle fingers. I don't know what it could be, it has happened before but it went away. I do use my computer everyday and only work on the weekends as a cashier. I read that it mainly occurs in older adults and I am 18 right now. I am going to the doctor soon but wanted to see what other people think. Any ideas?

Answer 1

The numbness and tingling; weakness and pain you describe in your 'pinkie' and ring fingers can be caused by pressure on the ulnar nerve. The nerve can be damaged by an injury or dislocation of the the elbow. Such numbness can also be caused by prolonged pressure on the elbow joint. In your instance, this seems to be the case. However, its always best to consult a doc if your problem persists or worsens.


I had the same thing. Ulnar nerve entrapment. or ulnar nerve compression. I also can't rest my elbow on hard surfaces. If you avoid postures like resting your arms on things ( chronic bracing), keep you elbow straight once in awhile to let it breathe . Maybe yours will go away too. Mine did


There is little clinical data to prove whether repetitive and forceful movements of the hand and wrist during work or leisure activities can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Repeated motions performed in the course of normal work or other daily activities can result in repetitive motion disorders such as bursitis and tendonitis.


Writer's cramp - a condition in which a lack of fine motor skill coordination and ache and pressure in the fingers, wrist, or forearm is brought on by repetitive activity - and is NOT necessarily a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome


Underlying causes such as diabetes or arthritis should be treated first. Initial treatment generally involves resting the affected hand and wrist for at least 2 weeks, avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms, and immobilizing the wrist in a splint to avoid further damage from twisting or bending. If there is inflammation, applying cool packs can help reduce swelling

Non-surgical treatments

Drugs - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonprescription pain relievers, may ease symptoms that have been present for a short time or have been caused by strenuous activity. Orally administered diuretics ("water pills") can decrease swelling.

Corticosteroids (such as prednisone) or the drug lidocaine can be injected directly into the wrist or taken by mouth (in the case of prednisone) to relieve pressure on the median nerve and provide immediate, temporary relief to persons with mild or intermittent symptoms.

Caution: persons with diabetes and those who may be predisposed to diabetes should note that prolonged use of corticosteroids can make it difficult to regulate insulin levels. Corticosterioids should not be taken without a doctor's prescription.) Additionally, some studies show that vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) supplements may ease the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.


Exercise - Stretching and strengthening exercises can be helpful in people whose symptoms have abated.

Alternative therapies - Acupuncture and chiropractic care, to release the pinched nerve. and yoga.


How can ulnar nerve compression and CTS be prevented?

At the workplace, workers can do on-the-job conditioning, perform stretching exercises, take frequent rest breaks, wear splints to keep wrists straight, and use correct posture and wrist position.

Wearing fingerless gloves can help keep hands warm and flexible. Workstations, tools and tool handles, and tasks can be redesigned to enable the worker's wrist to maintain a natural position during work. Jobs can be rotated among workers.


Employers can develop programs in ergonomics, the process of adapting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of workers.

Ulnar Nerve Compression

What Is It?
The ulnar nerve is what people commonly call the "funny bone". The ulnar nerve fits in a groove in the bottom of the elbow and is very vulnerable to be hit or stressed or overused.

What Causes It?
Multiple traumatic events or congenital abnormality can lead to a chronic condition. Compression can be caused by leaning on elbows or prolonged flexion (arms bent) such as sleeping with your hands under your head.

Symptoms
Lack of sensation, muscular weakness, and shooting pain from the elbow down to the pinkie and ring finger. Numbness and tingling in ring and pinkie fingers are the most common symptoms. Patients may also experience discomfort on the pinkie finger side of the elbow.This numbness and tingling sensation may come and go.

Initial Evaluation
The physician will examine your arm and elbow and ask about your medical history, any injuries you may have sustained to your arm, the job that you perform, hobbies or sports you participate in, etc. An x-ray or other lab tests may be performed to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

Treatment
Whenever possible, non-surgical treatment is attempted first. Splints, oral anti-inflammatory medications, and adjustments in daily activities may be successful in reducing the swelling around the nerve. If the finger does not respond to non-surgical treatments, surgery may be recommended. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis. Post-surgically, the tendon will glide smoothly and active motion returns fairly quickly. Hand therapy is usually recommended for 4-12 weeks following surgery.


Lifting weights may have damaged or irritated a nerve. You may want to refrain from weights or exercises that put pressure on your wrists for a few weeks to see if you heal.

I hope you find the information and thorough answer I gave as helpful. You're right in stating that CTS is common in older adults. Since you're only 18. Furthermore, it's common among women.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Finger and hand numb/tingly?
This started last sunday, and has not gone away. My ring and pinkie finger feel somewhat numb and tingly to the point where it feels as though it is somewhat asleep as well as half of my hand. I don't think or hope it is carpal tunnel because the symptoms of carpal tunnel involve tingling and...

Answer 3

Finger Pain, finger numbness and/or finger clumsiness particularly in the thumb and/or in the index or middle fingers. (the pinky or little finger is not affected or controlled by the median Nerve nor is it generally associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome).
http://www.mycarpaltunnel.com/symptoms-carpal-tunnel-syndrome.shtml


The median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers. It is also important for sending impulses to the small muscles of the hand that allow fingers (except the pinky finger) to move.
http://www.progressivehealth.com/catalog/Neurophine.htm

People with CTS experience numbness, tingling, and pain in the first three fingers of the affected hand (or hands). The pinky finger is usually spared, which often provides a valuable clue in the diagnosis of the condition.
http://www.lef.org/protocols/neurological/carpal_tunnel_syndrome_01.htm


Pressure on the nerve in the elbow (the ulnar nerve) may be felt as tingling in the pinky finger. This condition is referred to as Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.
http://www.uaw.org/hs/03/01/hs01.cfm

Answer 4

Yes, it is possible that it's the beginning of CTS, but there is another possibility. You said you are on a computer a lot. If your hands aren't positioned properly and you lay them on the keyboard or keyboard stand, there is a chance you could have a pinched nerve.

My best advice would be to see your doctor as soon as you can. Be sure to keep a note of when this began, what you are doing when it hurts or bothers you most, and what time of day it seems to ease up and what you are doing when it does ease.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

I just had surgery 2 weeks ago and I m scared I might of done something wrong.i had had carpal tunnel and ulner nerve decompression.i m tingly in all my fingers and I m scared.what suppose happen.
I have been doing light duty things so I hope the light duties thungs didn t damage anything

Answer 6

You're right. Carpal tunnel is a compression of the median nerve, and your symptoms are more in the distribution of the ulnar nerve, though it might even be as far removed as a herniated disc at the base of the neck (also unlikely at your age). In young people, one wonders about a habit of resting the base of the palm (at the hook of the hammate, if you're anatomically inclined) on something repetitively. One example that happens fairly commonly is cyclists bouncing along on their handlebars. At any rate, it's a well-known syndrome to doctors, so if you need to see your doctor, he'll know what to do.

Answer 7

Unfortunately It could very well be the beginning of carpal tunnel syndrome. I recommend using wrist braces to relieve the pressure and take antiinflammatories (Motrin/Advil) for a few days to see if the numbness improves.

Answer 8

Sometimes that happens to me when I need to have an adjustment in my back. It could be where your nerves in your back are being pinched so if you can see a chiropractor it might help.