There is a tingling sensation in the fingertips of the left hand?
Hello, doctor.
Recently, I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed with work, and I'm not sure if it's related to that or if there's an issue with my health.
Over the past couple of days, I've noticed a slight tingling sensation in the tips of my left hand's last three fingers.
I've never experienced this before, so I would like to ask you if this could be due to fatigue or if there might be something else going on with my body.
Thank you.
Fang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/03/18
Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
Hello, the hand is innervated by the ulnar nerve (which supplies the little finger and half of the ring finger) and the median nerve (which supplies the other fingers), while the back of the hand is primarily controlled by the radial nerve.
Numbness in the tips of the last three fingers may be caused by compression of the ulnar and median nerves or by local circulatory issues; a small portion may also be due to cervical nerve involvement.
It is recommended to reduce wrist activity and perform finger extension exercises, shake the hands, or apply local massage.
If symptoms persist for 10 to 14 days, you should consult a neurologist for further evaluation.
Thank you.
Reply Date: 2008/03/18
More Info
Numbness in the tips of your fingers, particularly in the last three fingers of your left hand, can be concerning and may arise from various underlying causes. Given your description, it is essential to consider several potential factors that could contribute to this sensation.
Firstly, one common cause of numbness in the fingers is nerve compression or irritation. This can occur due to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist. However, since you are experiencing numbness specifically in the last three fingers (the ring finger, middle finger, and index finger), it is more likely related to the ulnar nerve, which innervates these fingers. Ulnar nerve entrapment can occur at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome) or at the wrist (Guyon's canal syndrome), leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and weakness in the affected fingers.
Another possibility is that your symptoms could be related to repetitive strain or overuse, especially if your work involves prolonged typing or manual tasks. Over time, repetitive motions can lead to inflammation and irritation of the nerves, resulting in numbness or tingling sensations. This is often exacerbated by poor ergonomics, such as improper wrist positioning while typing.
Additionally, systemic conditions such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies (particularly B vitamins), or thyroid disorders can also lead to peripheral neuropathy, which may manifest as numbness in the fingers. If you have a history of such conditions or other symptoms, it would be prudent to discuss these with your healthcare provider.
Stress and fatigue can also play a role in physical symptoms. High levels of stress can lead to muscle tension, which may contribute to nerve compression. If you have been under increased stress or have changed your workload recently, this could be a contributing factor.
To address your concerns, it is advisable to take the following steps:
1. Ergonomic Assessment: Evaluate your workspace to ensure that your keyboard and mouse are positioned correctly. Your wrists should be in a neutral position, and your hands should not be excessively bent while typing.
2. Take Breaks: Implement regular breaks during your work to stretch and relax your hands and wrists. This can help alleviate tension and reduce the risk of nerve compression.
3. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Given that this is a new symptom for you, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider, preferably a neurologist or a physical therapist. They can perform a thorough assessment, including a physical examination and possibly nerve conduction studies, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.
4. Self-Care: In the meantime, you can try gentle stretching exercises for your hands and wrists. Applying ice or heat to the affected area may also provide relief.
In conclusion, while fatigue and overuse may contribute to your symptoms, it is crucial to rule out any underlying conditions that may require specific treatment. A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional will help you understand the cause of your numbness and guide you toward appropriate management strategies.
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