Nerve Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention

Numbness issues?

The ring finger and little finger of my left hand suddenly started to feel numb and painful two days ago.
After about 3-4 hours, the numbness in my elbow and shoulder improved, but my fingers continued to feel numb.
Suddenly bending my index finger causes pain, but it resolves after a while.
Now, two days later, sometimes I don't feel numbness, but if I touch my little finger or ring finger, I experience numbness.
Sometimes, I feel numbness without touching them.
This has persisted for two days without interruption, while my elbow and shoulder occasionally feel numb and painful.
I am currently taking pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication (Celebrex capsules).
What could be the cause of this? Is it too long to wait, and should I seek immediate evaluation, or can I wait for a month until my follow-up appointment with the cardiologist to discuss this, or should I see a neurologist on the same day?

Yuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/16

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Mr.
Yuan,
Your symptoms may suggest peripheral nerve involvement.
It is possible that the ulnar nerve is being compressed, or that the nerve roots at the seventh cervical or first thoracic vertebrae are under pressure.
If the nerve compression is causing peripheral neuropathy, the following characteristics may be present:
1.
Pain with a burning or electric shock-like quality.
2.
Symptoms that have a specific dermatomal distribution, which can be triggered by touch or pressure.
3.
Accompanied by muscle soreness and weakness.
I recommend increasing your intake of B vitamins and reminding yourself to stand up and stretch every half hour to avoid exacerbating symptoms due to nerve compression and muscle tightness.
If symptoms persist or worsen, I suggest visiting a neurology clinic for nerve conduction studies and further discussion.
Please ensure to practice self-protection, maintain cleanliness and disinfection, and adhere to new pandemic prevention measures before and after your medical visits.
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you have any related questions, feel free to discuss further!
Wishing you good health and peace,
Dr.
Jiang Junyi
Taoyuan Medical Center

Reply Date: 2021/07/16

More Info

The symptoms you are experiencing in your left hand, particularly the numbness and pain in your ring and little fingers, along with the occasional discomfort in your elbow and shoulder, could be indicative of a few potential underlying issues. Given the nature of your symptoms, it is essential to consider conditions related to nerve compression or irritation, such as ulnar nerve entrapment, also known as cubital tunnel syndrome. This condition occurs when the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inner side of the elbow, becomes compressed or irritated, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain in the fingers it innervates.

The fact that your symptoms began suddenly and have persisted for two days suggests that it is important to seek medical attention sooner rather than later. While some nerve-related issues can resolve on their own, persistent symptoms, especially those involving numbness and pain, warrant a thorough evaluation. Waiting for a month could risk further nerve damage or complications, particularly if the underlying cause is related to nerve compression.

In addition to ulnar nerve entrapment, other potential causes for your symptoms could include cervical radiculopathy, where nerve roots in the neck are compressed, leading to pain and numbness radiating down the arm. This could explain the involvement of your elbow and shoulder as well. Another possibility is thoracic outlet syndrome, which occurs when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib are compressed, leading to similar symptoms.

To determine the exact cause of your symptoms, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can perform a physical examination and possibly recommend diagnostic tests. These tests may include nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to assess the function of the nerves and muscles in your arm. Imaging studies, such as an MRI or X-ray, may also be necessary to evaluate for any structural issues in the cervical spine or elbow that could be contributing to your symptoms.

In the meantime, it is crucial to avoid any activities that exacerbate your symptoms, such as prolonged elbow flexion or repetitive motions that may irritate the ulnar nerve. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help alleviate discomfort, but it is essential to follow the advice of your healthcare provider regarding medication use.

In summary, while it may be tempting to wait for your scheduled follow-up appointment with your cardiologist, I strongly recommend that you seek evaluation from a neurologist or an orthopedic specialist sooner. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and may prevent the progression of any underlying condition. Your health and well-being are paramount, and addressing these symptoms promptly is the best course of action.

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