Experiencing Numbness and Weakness in Finger Joints: When to Seek Help?

Numbness and weakness in the finger joints?

Waking up, I often feel numbness and weakness from my elbow joint to my finger joints.
I also feel weakness when I make a fist.
Should I seek medical attention?

Haipa, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/09

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

Numbness from the elbow to the hand may be caused by compression of the nerves near the elbow joint, with the ulnar nerve and radial nerve being the most commonly affected.
The ulnar nerve runs along the inner side of the elbow joint, and if the compression is severe, it can lead to numbness near the little finger on the palm.
If the radial nerve is compressed, it typically occurs slightly above the outer side of the elbow joint, resulting in numbness near the thumb and the web space between the thumb and index finger.
Additionally, there may be weakness in wrist extension.
If your condition persists without improvement, it is essential to seek medical attention from an orthopedic specialist.
If you are looking for a subspecialist, you should consult a hand surgeon within the orthopedic field.

Reply Date: 2015/07/09

More Info

Experiencing numbness and weakness in your finger joints, especially if it occurs frequently or disrupts your daily activities, is a concerning symptom that warrants medical attention. The symptoms you describe—numbness from the elbow to the fingers and weakness when making a fist—could be indicative of several underlying conditions, including nerve compression syndromes, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome, or even more systemic issues like peripheral neuropathy.

When to Seek Help
1. Persistent Symptoms: If the numbness and weakness persist for more than a few days or worsen over time, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Persistent symptoms can indicate a more serious underlying condition that may require treatment.

2. Impact on Daily Activities: If your ability to perform daily tasks, such as gripping objects, typing, or even holding a cup, is affected, this is another strong reason to consult a healthcare professional.

3. Associated Symptoms: If you experience additional symptoms such as pain, tingling, or a burning sensation, these could provide important clues to your doctor about the underlying issue.

Possible Causes
- Nerve Compression: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome (compression of the median nerve at the wrist) or cubital tunnel syndrome (compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow) can lead to numbness and weakness in the fingers. These conditions often result from repetitive motions, prolonged pressure on the nerves, or anatomical variations.

- Cervical Radiculopathy: Nerve root compression in the cervical spine can also cause symptoms that radiate down the arm into the hand. This is often accompanied by neck pain or stiffness.

- Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition, which can be caused by diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or other systemic diseases, can lead to numbness and weakness in the extremities.

What to Expect at the Doctor's Office
When you visit a healthcare provider, they will likely perform a thorough history and physical examination. They may ask about:
- The onset and duration of your symptoms.

- Any activities that exacerbate or relieve the symptoms.

- Your medical history, including any chronic conditions or medications.

Based on the examination, your doctor may recommend diagnostic tests such as:
- Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): To assess the electrical conduction of the nerves.

- Electromyography (EMG): To evaluate the electrical activity of muscles.

- Imaging Studies: X-rays or MRIs may be ordered to rule out structural issues in the cervical spine or elbow.

Treatment Options
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your symptoms. Options may include:
- Physical Therapy: To strengthen the muscles and improve range of motion.

- Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief or corticosteroids for inflammation.

- Surgery: In cases of severe nerve compression that does not respond to conservative treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Self-Care and Prevention
In the meantime, consider the following self-care strategies:
- Ergonomic Adjustments: Ensure your workspace is set up to minimize strain on your wrists and elbows.

- Regular Breaks: If your work involves repetitive motions, take regular breaks to stretch and rest your hands.

- Wrist Splints: Wearing a splint, especially at night, can help keep your wrist in a neutral position and reduce pressure on the nerves.

In conclusion, while occasional numbness and weakness may not be alarming, persistent or worsening symptoms should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and prevent potential complications.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Joint and Nerve Issues: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello Doctor, since the beginning of last month, I have been experiencing numbness in all fingers of my right hand except for the pinky. The numbness worsens while riding my motorcycle, making it difficult to control the throttle accurately. After resting for a week, the numbness...

Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello: I recommend that you visit the Rheumatology and Immunology outpatient clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Numbness and Weakness: When to See a Neurologist

Hello doctor, my situation is as follows: at the beginning of July, while stretching during breaks at work, I experienced dizziness and numbness in the third and fourth toes of my right foot for more than ten minutes. Then, two weeks later at work, I suddenly felt numbness in my ...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello Mr. Lin: You mentioned that "suddenly both hands' fingers, or only the fingers of the right hand, experience a tingling sensation that extends to about ten centimeters into the palm, lasting approximately 10 to 30 minutes." This may indicate a potential issue...

Understanding Hand Weakness and Numbness: When to See a Specialist

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing issues with my hand for several years. Whenever I perform actions like wringing a towel or tying my hair, my right wrist sometimes becomes immobile for a period of time. It feels as if the tendons inside are about to snap. Recently, I starte...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: You mentioned that the action of twisting a towel to tie your hair has caused symptoms such as numbness and weakness in your wrist. From the perspective of potential causes, this may be related to compression of the median nerve. However, you also mentioned experiencing nu...

Understanding Nerve Pain and Weakness in Hands and Feet: A Patient's Journey

Since March of last year, I started feeling a foreign sensation behind my occiput upon waking up one day. I consulted a doctor and took medication, but it did not improve. Later, the foreign sensation suddenly disappeared, and I began to experience numbness in my hands. This mark...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Miss Vicky, You mentioned "Multiple sclerosis? Neuritis? Autoimmune diseases? Diabetes? Herniated disc? Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? CIDP?... Which specialty should I consult to thoroughly identify and resolve the issue?" You also noted that "the discomfort...