Rare Conditions: Dealing with Numbness and Pain in Limbs

Numbness in the hands and feet?

Hello, for the past few days, I've been doing repetitive work, and it's caused soreness in the bone at the back of my right shoulder.
The next afternoon, my entire right arm intermittently felt achy, and my fingers and palm had a tingling sensation that felt electric.
I've never experienced anything like this before! However, the next day it started again, and in the afternoon, I felt a bit of tingling and numbness in the sole of my left foot.
This intermittent condition lasted for four days and then stopped.
To this day, I still have some pain in my upper shoulder during certain movements.

A week later, I did the same type of work again, and after just one day, the symptoms recurred, similar to the previous episode.
Sometimes all my limbs feel tingly, especially my left foot and right hand, which feel more prickly.
My right hand feels achy along with the tingling, and it comes and goes.
It's so strange! This winter, my hands and feet have been extremely cold.
I'm really worried and scared.
I've checked my blood pressure, and it's normal! I might be overweight.
Dr.
Chen, please respond to me as soon as possible; I'm really afraid I might have some illness.
Please help me.
Thank you!

Nunu Mi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/03/26

Dr. Chen Shunsheng reply Rare Disease

Peripheral nerve-related conditions include the following possibilities, arranged by frequency of occurrence:
1.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist.
It is commonly seen in occupations that require repetitive wrist movements, such as manual laborers or athletes.
Symptoms include numbness in the palmar aspect of the first to fourth fingers (half of the fourth finger), which worsens when gripping objects.
Tapping over the carpal tunnel or flexing the hand may provoke the numbness.
In severe cases, atrophy of the thenar muscles may occur.
It can affect one or both hands.
2.
Ulnar Nerve Entrapment: This is most commonly caused by compression of the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel at the elbow, which can result from occupational factors, posture, or trauma.
Symptoms include numbness in the fourth (half) and fifth fingers.
Tapping over the cubital tunnel may provoke numbness.
In severe cases, atrophy of the muscles of the little finger and the interossei, as well as some forearm muscles, may occur.
It can affect one or both sides simultaneously.
3.
Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition is caused by compression of the cervical nerve roots due to cervical spine degeneration or herniated discs.
Symptoms include:
- C6 nerve root involvement: numbness and pain in the first to third fingers.
- C7 nerve root involvement: numbness and pain in the third and fourth fingers.
- C8 and T1 nerve root involvement: numbness and pain in the fourth and fifth fingers and the inner aspect of the arm.
Corresponding muscle groups may also experience weakness and atrophy.
4.
Brachial Plexopathy.
5.
Polyneuropathy: Patients with polyneuropathy may experience numbness in the distal extremities or weakness in both legs, which can progress symmetrically upwards, potentially affecting swallowing and respiratory functions.
Some patients may also experience ocular movement issues and facial paralysis.
Approximately half of the patients may have autonomic nervous system involvement, leading to unstable blood pressure, heart rate irregularities, and diaphoresis.
The disease course is progressive and can worsen continuously, typically reaching its most severe state within two weeks; however, some cases may deteriorate rapidly within days, leading to respiratory difficulties.
The underlying causes are varied and need to be investigated.
As for what you need to do:
A.
Please consult a neurologist for a clinical neurological examination and diagnosis.
B.
Undergo nerve conduction studies and electromyography to confirm the clinical diagnosis.
C.
If cervical radiculopathy is suspected, further imaging studies such as cervical X-rays or advanced imaging may be necessary.
D.
Treatment will depend on the diagnosis.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Reply Date: 2006/03/26

More Info

Dealing with numbness and pain in the limbs can be a concerning experience, especially when symptoms appear suddenly and seem to fluctuate. Based on your description, it sounds like you are experiencing intermittent pain and numbness in your right shoulder, arm, and left foot, which has persisted over several days. This type of symptomatology can be indicative of various underlying conditions, and it is essential to approach it with a comprehensive understanding.

Firstly, the symptoms you describe—such as the aching in your shoulder, the intermittent numbness and tingling in your fingers and palm, and the sensations in your left foot—could be related to several factors. One possibility is that you may be experiencing a form of nerve compression or irritation. This can occur due to repetitive movements, poor posture, or even muscle tension that affects the nerves in the shoulder and arm, leading to symptoms like tingling, numbness, and pain. Conditions such as thoracic outlet syndrome or cervical radiculopathy could be potential causes, where nerves are compressed as they exit the spinal column or pass through the shoulder area.

Another consideration is the possibility of a musculoskeletal issue, such as a strain or sprain in the shoulder or upper back. If you have been performing repetitive tasks that require overhead lifting or awkward positioning, this could lead to muscle fatigue and discomfort, which might also contribute to nerve irritation.

Additionally, the fact that you mentioned feeling cold in your hands and feet during winter could suggest a circulatory issue or even a condition like Raynaud's phenomenon, where blood flow to the extremities is reduced in response to cold or stress. This could explain the sensations of numbness and tingling, particularly in colder weather.

Given that your symptoms have persisted and recurred with similar activities, it is crucial to take a proactive approach. Here are some recommendations:
1. Seek Medical Evaluation: It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a neurologist or orthopedic specialist, who can perform a thorough evaluation. They may recommend imaging studies like an MRI or nerve conduction studies to assess for any underlying nerve compression or other issues.

2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can be beneficial. A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and neck, improve posture, and alleviate any nerve compression.

3. Ergonomic Adjustments: If your work involves repetitive motions, consider making ergonomic adjustments to your workspace. This could include using supportive chairs, adjusting the height of your workstation, or incorporating breaks to stretch and move around.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and practicing stress-reduction techniques can also help improve circulation and reduce symptoms.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any activities that seem to exacerbate them. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider in diagnosing the issue.

6. Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While it is natural to worry about potential diseases, self-diagnosing can lead to unnecessary anxiety. Focus on gathering information and seeking professional guidance.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be concerning, they are not uncommon and can often be managed effectively with the right approach. Early intervention and a comprehensive evaluation will be key in addressing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to health concerns, so do not hesitate to seek medical advice.

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