Right Hand Pain and Left Hand Numbness: Causes and Treatments

Q: Right Hand Pain and Left Hand Numbness: Causes and Treatments

Hello： Your symptoms in the right hand resemble those of nerve root compression in the cervical spine. <br>Preventive measures include： 1. <br>Change positions： Change your posture every 15 minutes to allow the neck tissues to rest. <br>Any posture (including normal ones) maintai

Pain in the right hand and numbness in the left hand?

Hello, I would like to ask about my right hand.
Initially, I experienced pain in my wrist (extending from my thumb to my wrist), which later spread to my forearm and then to my right shoulder.
The pain started about a year ago, and I managed to alleviate it significantly by taking B vitamins.
When I visited the doctor, they only prescribed anti-inflammatory medication.
Recently, the pain in my right shoulder has returned, accompanied by a burning sensation.
I would like to know how to address this issue.
As for my left hand, I have been experiencing numbness in my pinky and ring fingers, and there is also sensation in the palm area (only in the palm and fingers, not in the arm).
This started in the last week or two.
During work, I don't feel much discomfort, but after work, the lower half of my left palm starts to feel numb, sometimes intermittently for a long time.
I would like to know if acupuncture or chiropractic treatment would be effective for these two conditions, or if surgery is necessary.
Should I consider using a splint?

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

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: Your symptoms in the right hand resemble those of nerve root compression in the cervical spine.
Preventive measures include: 1.
Change positions: Change your posture every 15 minutes to allow the neck tissues to rest.
Any posture (including normal ones) maintained for a period can lead to tissue fatigue and inflammation, so moving around briefly can reduce the chance of muscle inflammation.
2.
Rest: Rest is essential to allow the muscles and nerves to utilize their self-repair capabilities; vigorous exercise should be avoided during this time.
3.
Neck heat therapy: Apply heat for 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring the temperature is safe to avoid burns.
4.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): For individuals without a history of peptic ulcers, allergies to NSAIDs, or normal kidney function, consider using NSAIDs to alleviate inflammation and reduce pain if necessary.
5.
Neck muscle stretching exercises: After the acute pain phase, develop a habit of performing slow, gentle neck stretches in all directions (up, down, left, right) every 15-20 minutes, ensuring not to provoke discomfort.
The numbness in the left hand is more indicative of ulnar nerve compression: 1.
Stop any harmful movements, especially those that trigger symptoms; this can significantly improve or even resolve the condition.
For individuals whose work requires prolonged repetitive bending and straightening of the elbow, consider extending rest periods or increasing the frequency of breaks, or even reducing work hours.
2.
Wear a slightly weighted elbow brace while sleeping to limit elbow movement, or use a splint to prevent elbow flexion.
For those who frequently compress the elbow or habitually lean on it at a desk, in addition to reducing such activities, using a cushion in between can help alleviate pressure.
3.
If you are unsure about your harmful movements, consult a physician or physical therapist to identify bad habits or situations that may be putting pressure on or injuring the ulnar nerve for improvement.
4.
Use medications that alleviate symptoms.
NSAIDs can reduce inflammation of the nerves or joints, decrease swelling to increase space, and improve symptoms.
In more severe cases, local steroid injections may be considered.
It is recommended that you consult a neurologist or a rehabilitation physician to discuss examination and treatment options.
Wishing you good health, peace, and joy.
Dr.
Jiang, Neurology, Taoyuan Hospital, cares for you.

Reply Date: 2018/08/08

More Info

The symptoms you are experiencing with your right hand pain and left hand numbness can be indicative of several underlying conditions, and it is essential to approach this issue with a comprehensive understanding of potential causes and treatment options.

Understanding Right Hand Pain
The pain in your right wrist, extending to the thumb and shoulder, could be attributed to several factors. Given that it started about a year ago and has progressively worsened, it may be related to repetitive strain injuries, such as tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Tendinitis occurs when the tendons in the wrist become inflamed due to overuse, which is common in individuals who perform repetitive tasks. Carpal tunnel syndrome, on the other hand, is caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand.

The burning sensation you mentioned in your shoulder could indicate referred pain from the neck or upper back, possibly due to muscle strain or nerve compression in the cervical spine. This is not uncommon, especially if you have a sedentary job or engage in activities that require prolonged periods of poor posture.

Left Hand Numbness
The numbness in your left hand, particularly in the little and ring fingers, suggests potential ulnar nerve involvement. The ulnar nerve runs along the inner side of the arm and can become compressed at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome) or wrist (Guyon's canal syndrome), leading to numbness and tingling in the fingers it innervates. The fact that you experience this numbness primarily after work hours may suggest that your daily activities are contributing to nerve compression.

Treatment Options
1. Conservative Management:
- Rest and Activity Modification: It is crucial to rest the affected areas and modify activities that exacerbate your symptoms. For instance, if your job involves repetitive wrist movements, consider ergonomic adjustments to your workspace.

- Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the wrist and shoulder, improve flexibility, and alleviate pain. A physical therapist can also provide you with specific exercises tailored to your condition.

- Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat can help relax and loosen tissues, while cold therapy can reduce inflammation and numb sharp pain. Alternating between the two may provide relief.

2. Medications:
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. However, it is essential to use them under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

- Vitamin B Complex: While you mentioned that taking B vitamins has helped, it is important to ensure you are getting adequate nutrition to support nerve health.

3. Alternative Treatments:
- Acupuncture: Some individuals find relief from pain and numbness through acupuncture, which may help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.

- Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments may help alleviate nerve compression and improve overall spinal alignment, which could be beneficial for your shoulder pain.

4. Surgical Options:
- If conservative treatments do not provide relief, and if there is significant nerve compression or structural issues, surgical intervention may be necessary. This could involve decompression of the affected nerve or repair of any damaged structures.

5. Splinting:
- Using a wrist splint, especially at night, can help keep your wrist in a neutral position and reduce pressure on the nerves.

Conclusion
Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist, who can conduct a thorough examination and possibly order imaging studies (like an MRI or nerve conduction studies) to determine the exact cause of your pain and numbness. Early intervention is key to preventing further complications and ensuring a better outcome.

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