Nerve Pain: When Hand and Foot Numbness Occurs

Q: Nerve Pain: When Hand and Foot Numbness Occurs

Hello Ms. <br>HARU： You mentioned that "the joints in your fingers hurt and your shoulders are stiff." If your issue involves multiple joints, it may be related to a multi-joint disease. <br>You might also want to consider autoimmune-related arthritis. <br>Thank you for your inqu

Numbness in the hands followed by numbness in the feet?

In May, I experienced a stiff neck and accidentally strained my back while lifting heavy objects.
I applied heat therapy, which helped somewhat.
However, starting in mid-June, I began to experience unexplained pain in my arms (despite not lifting anything heavy).
Initially, I thought it was a sports injury (as I have a regular exercise routine), but the pain intensified and became more frequent.
After several ineffective rehabilitation sessions, I started experiencing not just pain but also intermittent numbness in my hands.
I consulted a neurologist and underwent nerve conduction studies (for my upper limbs), but the doctor said there were no issues and advised me to avoid resting my hands on the table.
However, by July, I continued to experience intermittent numbness in my fingers and toes, joint pain in my fingers, and shoulder stiffness (sometimes with no symptoms at all).
Which specialty should I consult next?

HARU, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/07/17

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello Ms.
HARU: You mentioned that "the joints in your fingers hurt and your shoulders are stiff." If your issue involves multiple joints, it may be related to a multi-joint disease.
You might also want to consider autoimmune-related arthritis.
Thank you for your inquiry, and I encourage further discussion.
I recommend consulting a rheumatologist for evaluation and treatment.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Neurology Department, Tao Medical Center, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2023/07/17

More Info

Understanding nerve pain, especially when it manifests as numbness or discomfort in the hands and feet, can be complex and multifaceted. Your symptoms, which include arm pain, hand numbness, and occasional foot numbness, suggest that there may be underlying issues related to nerve function or musculoskeletal health.

Firstly, the history of a "stiff neck" and a back strain from lifting heavy objects may indicate that your symptoms could be related to nerve compression or irritation. The cervical spine (neck area) is particularly susceptible to issues that can lead to radiating pain or numbness in the arms and hands. Conditions such as cervical radiculopathy occur when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness that can radiate down the arm.

The fact that you have experienced persistent symptoms despite undergoing physical therapy and nerve conduction studies that returned normal results suggests that there may be other factors at play. It's important to consider that nerve conduction studies primarily assess the electrical activity of nerves and may not always detect subtle issues such as nerve entrapment or musculoskeletal imbalances.

Given your ongoing symptoms, it would be prudent to consult with a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as a physiatrist. These specialists focus on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, and they can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms. They may recommend additional imaging studies, such as an MRI of the cervical spine, to rule out any structural issues that could be contributing to your symptoms.

In addition to consulting a physiatrist, you might also benefit from seeing a neurologist if you haven't already. Neurologists specialize in disorders of the nervous system and can provide further insights into the nature of your symptoms. They may also explore other potential causes of your numbness and pain, such as peripheral neuropathy, which can be caused by various factors including diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or autoimmune conditions.

It's also worth considering the role of ergonomics in your daily activities. If you spend long hours at a desk or in a position that puts strain on your neck and shoulders, this could exacerbate your symptoms. Simple adjustments to your workstation, such as ensuring your chair and desk are at the correct height, can help alleviate some of the strain on your neck and arms.

In summary, your symptoms of hand and foot numbness, along with arm pain, warrant a thorough evaluation by a specialist. A physiatrist or neurologist can help identify the underlying causes and develop a tailored treatment plan that may include physical therapy, ergonomic adjustments, and possibly medication to manage pain and inflammation. It's crucial to address these symptoms early to prevent them from becoming chronic and impacting your quality of life.

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