Managing Persistent Numbness in Left Hand: Causes and Solutions

The fingers and the wrist of the left hand feel numb?

Director Yeh, I have been experiencing persistent numbness in my left hand fingers and wrist (not just a brief tingling sensation), and it becomes significantly worse when lifting heavy objects.
What should I do at this point? What kind of simple tests can be performed? Is acupuncture an option? Please advise, thank you! Note: I previously had an injury to my wrist from a bicycle accident and have been engaged in research and development work (PC user) for a long time.

Long, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/02/14

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology

Please schedule a neurology consultation to check for nerve conduction issues related to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Let's identify the cause first before considering acupuncture.

Reply Date: 2009/02/14

More Info

Managing persistent numbness in the left hand can be a complex issue, especially considering your history of injury and the nature of your work. Numbness and tingling sensations in the hand, particularly when they are persistent, can be indicative of several underlying conditions. Here’s a comprehensive overview of potential causes, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies.

Potential Causes
1. Nerve Compression or Injury: Given your history of a bicycle accident, it’s possible that you may have sustained a nerve injury or compression. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome (compression of the median nerve at the wrist) or ulnar nerve entrapment (often at the elbow) can lead to numbness and weakness in the hand.
2. Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated, often due to a herniated disc or degenerative changes. Symptoms can radiate down the arm and cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand.

3. Peripheral Neuropathy: This can result from various factors, including diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or exposure to toxins. It typically presents as numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet.

4. Repetitive Strain Injury: Given your work as a PC user, repetitive motions can lead to conditions like tendinitis or tenosynovitis, which may cause discomfort and numbness.

5. Circulatory Issues: Reduced blood flow to the hand due to vascular issues can also cause numbness.

Diagnostic Approaches
To accurately diagnose the cause of your symptoms, a thorough evaluation is necessary. Here are some steps you might consider:
1. Medical History and Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will take a detailed history of your symptoms, including the onset, duration, and any associated factors. A physical examination will assess strength, sensation, and reflexes.

2. Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies: These tests can help determine if there is nerve damage or compression.

3. Imaging Studies: An MRI of the cervical spine may be warranted to check for any disc herniation or other structural issues that could be affecting the nerves.

4. Blood Tests: These can help rule out systemic causes such as diabetes or vitamin deficiencies.

Management Strategies
Once a diagnosis is established, management can be tailored accordingly:
1. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the affected area, improve range of motion, and alleviate symptoms. A therapist can also provide ergonomic advice for your workstation.

2. Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and pain. If nerve pain is significant, medications such as gabapentin or pregabalin may be prescribed.

3. Activity Modification: Adjusting your workstation to ensure proper ergonomics can help reduce strain on your hands and wrists. Taking regular breaks during prolonged computer use is also essential.

4. Surgical Intervention: If conservative measures fail and significant nerve compression is identified, surgical options may be considered, such as carpal tunnel release or ulnar nerve transposition.

5. Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture may provide relief for some individuals, but it should be considered as a complementary approach rather than a primary treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any alternative therapies.

Conclusion
Persistent numbness in the left hand warrants a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying cause. Given your history of injury and the nature of your work, it’s crucial to address these symptoms promptly to prevent further complications. Consulting with a healthcare professional specializing in neurology or orthopedics would be a prudent step to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Numbness in the Left Hand: Causes and Concerns

Hello Doctor: In the past few days, I have been experiencing frequent numbness in my left hand, similar to the sensation of pressure for too long, leading to poor circulation. I am a bit concerned that I might be having a stroke (or have already had one). Recently, I have been ta...

Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Internal Medicine
The most common cause of hand numbness is "carpal tunnel syndrome," which occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel. This condition is often seen in pregnant women, typists, workers who frequently twist their wrists, computer user...

Understanding Persistent Left-Sided Numbness: Causes and Concerns

Dear Doctor, In the past, I occasionally experienced numbness in my hands while sleeping at night, but for the past month, I have been experiencing daily numbness, specifically in my left hand, which is unusual as it used to be more sporadic. The numbness is primarily on the out...

Dr. Du Haojie reply Neurology
1. Limb numbness is a common symptom of peripheral neuropathy, often caused by compression in younger women, such as in carpal tunnel syndrome. Neurological examinations may appear normal even if symptoms are mild. 2. Headaches can be evaluated with an electroencephalogram (EEG)....

Understanding Numbness in the Left Hand: Causes and When to See a Doctor

Hello Doctor: My husband has recently been experiencing numbness in his left hand, specifically in the ring and little fingers. Could you please explain why this is happening? Does he need to see a doctor? Is this related to work stress? Thank you for your response! Chiouya

Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: This situation may be caused by nerve compression. One possibility is that the ulnar nerve is compressed at the elbow due to prolonged pressure, which is often related to occupations such as athletes or computer typists. Another possibility is that prolonged neck flexion l...

Understanding Nighttime Hand Numbness: Causes and Solutions

For the past two weeks, I have been waking up every day with numbness in my left hand, which continues to wake me up repeatedly until dawn. The numbness is primarily in my palm, and at times it feels like pins and needles. I would like to ask the doctor: why does this not occur d...

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your question. I would like to address your inquiry, which can be divided into three parts: 1. The nerves of the palm are primarily innervated by the median and ulnar nerves. Given your young age, the likelihood of poor circulation is low; it may be due...