Sudden Hand Weakness and Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns

Sudden weakness and pain in the palm?

It seems that starting from yesterday evening, I suddenly felt pain when pressing on my left palm, with a bit of weakness, although I can still exert some force.
However, after one night, the soreness has become more pronounced, and there is a feeling of tightness, making it difficult to exert strength or make a fist.
Additionally, there is slight pain in my elbow, and pressing on the muscles near the elbow joint causes soreness.
Pressing on my upper arm also results in a soreness similar to post-exercise discomfort.
Is it possible that this could be rhabdomyolysis? However, I noticed these symptoms after eating raw red shrimp at a fishing port, which I picked up from the ground and rinsed briefly in seawater before consuming.
Afterward, I suddenly felt pain when pressing on my palm.
Is it also possible that I could have been infected by Vibrio species? Thank you!

Angie, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/09/13

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology

I am not sure if you have any wounds on your hand, but if you do, along with redness, swelling, and heat in the hand and arm, you should be cautious about the possibility of an infection.
If you consumed raw food, it should not be an issue unless there was a puncture or abrasion while eating.
If it is unrelated to eating raw shrimp, isolated rhabdomyolysis is uncommon unless there has been excessive use of one hand.
However, based on your symptoms, it appears there is a progressive inflammation affecting one upper limb, rapidly leading to weakness.
You should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If there is no neurology clinic available, consider starting with the emergency department for some blood screening, and then the emergency physician can decide on referrals to relevant subspecialties for further evaluation and management.

Reply Date: 2015/09/13

More Info

Sudden hand weakness and pain can be concerning, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as soreness and difficulty in movement. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a combination of localized pain in your left hand and elbow, along with a feeling of tightness and weakness. Let's break down the possible causes and concerns related to your symptoms.

1. Muscle Strain or Overuse: Given that you mentioned pressing down on your left palm, it is possible that you may have strained the muscles or tendons in your hand or forearm. This can lead to localized pain and weakness, especially if the muscles were not adequately warmed up or if they were subjected to excessive force. Muscle strains are common in individuals who engage in physical activities without proper conditioning.

2. Tendonitis: Repetitive use of the hand can lead to tendonitis, which is inflammation of the tendons. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and weakness in the affected area. If you have been engaging in activities that require repetitive gripping or pressing motions, this could be a plausible explanation for your symptoms.

3. Nerve Compression: Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve entrapment can cause weakness and pain in the hand. These conditions occur when nerves in the wrist or elbow are compressed, leading to symptoms like tingling, numbness, and weakness. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it may be worth considering a nerve conduction study to evaluate for any nerve-related issues.

4. Infection: You mentioned consuming raw shrimp and the possibility of a marine bacterial infection. While it is less common, certain infections can lead to systemic symptoms, including muscle pain and weakness. However, infections usually present with additional symptoms such as fever, swelling, or redness at the site of infection. If you develop any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

5. Rhabdomyolysis: This condition occurs when muscle tissue breaks down and releases myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney damage. It is often associated with intense physical exertion, trauma, or certain infections. While your symptoms do not strongly indicate rhabdomyolysis, if you experience severe muscle pain, swelling, or dark urine, you should seek immediate medical attention.

6. Psychological Factors: Sometimes, anxiety or fear related to a previous injury or health concern can exacerbate the perception of pain and weakness. If you have had prior experiences that were traumatic or painful, it may influence how you perceive your current symptoms.

Recommendations:
- Rest and Ice: Give your hand and elbow some rest. Applying ice can help reduce inflammation and pain.

- Gentle Stretching: Once the acute pain subsides, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help restore function and prevent future injuries.

- Seek Medical Evaluation: If your symptoms persist for more than a few days, worsen, or if you develop additional symptoms (like fever or swelling), it is essential to consult a healthcare professional. They can perform a thorough examination and may recommend imaging studies or blood tests to rule out serious conditions.

In conclusion, while there are several potential causes for your sudden hand weakness and pain, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you have any concerns about infections or if your symptoms do not improve, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes and prevent complications.

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