Why Does My Left Hand Go Numb When Washing? A Neurological Concern

Q: Why Does My Left Hand Go Numb When Washing? A Neurological Concern

Hello： It is suspected that the nerves in your hand may be compressed. <br>It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. <br>Wishing you the best with Dr. <br>Lai Chao-Kang, a neurosurgeon.

When demonstrating the handwashing posture, the left half of the palm may experience numbness?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask about an issue I've been experiencing.
Every time I get home from work and first show the gesture of washing my hands, the left side of my palm becomes numb.
This does not happen while I'm at work.
It occurs about once a day, with varying duration; sometimes it resolves quickly, while other times it lasts for about 1-2 hours.
The numbness affects my left hand, specifically the middle finger, ring finger, little finger, and half of the palm.
The sensation is similar to having a muscle that has fallen asleep, but it lasts longer.
I do not feel any tingling or sharp pain, just a persistent numbness, and it does not affect my daily activities; I can still hold a cup without any issues.
What could be wrong with my left hand? Should I see a doctor? If so, which specialty should I consult? This symptom has been present for at least a week.
By the way, I am right-handed.

winniw, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/06

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery

Hello: It is suspected that the nerves in your hand may be compressed.
It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon.
Wishing you the best with Dr.
Lai Chao-Kang, a neurosurgeon.

Reply Date: 2018/08/06

More Info

Experiencing numbness in your left hand, particularly when washing your hands, can be concerning and warrants a closer look. Based on your description, it seems that the numbness primarily affects the middle, ring, and little fingers, along with the corresponding part of the palm. This pattern of numbness can be indicative of several underlying neurological issues, particularly those related to nerve compression or irritation.

One common cause of numbness in the hand is carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when the median nerve, responsible for sensation in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger, becomes compressed as it passes through the wrist. However, since your symptoms are localized to the left hand and involve the middle, ring, and little fingers, it may suggest an issue with the ulnar nerve, which affects the ring and little fingers. Ulnar nerve compression can occur at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome) or at the wrist (Guyon's canal syndrome).

Another possibility is that the numbness is related to a temporary position or posture that compresses the nerves or blood vessels in your arm while washing your hands. This could explain why you only experience the numbness after a specific activity and not during your workday. If you are leaning on your arm or holding it in an awkward position, it could lead to transient numbness.

Given that this symptom has persisted for about a week, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. A neurologist would be the most appropriate specialist to evaluate your symptoms. They can conduct a thorough examination, which may include a physical assessment of your hand and arm, as well as nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to assess the function of the nerves and muscles.

In the meantime, consider monitoring your posture and hand positioning during activities that trigger the numbness. If you notice a specific position that exacerbates the symptoms, try to adjust your posture to see if it alleviates the numbness. Additionally, if you experience any other symptoms such as weakness, persistent pain, or changes in coordination, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, while the numbness in your left hand could be due to a variety of factors, including nerve compression or positional issues, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Early intervention can help prevent potential complications and improve your overall hand function.

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