Why are the fingers on my left hand numb?

If you’ve ever woken up in the morning to find your fingers asleep, you know how weirdly uncomfortable it feels. It’s like someone hit mute on that part of your body- everything else works but those little guys feel dead inside (no pun intended). But if this sensation persists throughout the day or even worse for a prolonged period of time, there are some underlying reasons why it could be happening.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of your median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel into your hand (ouch!). This compression can affect both sides of your hands and causes numbness in your fingers, especially during activities that require repetitive motion such as typing or playing video games (yes mom, I was wrong about having a ‘job’ in college).

Symptoms

• Tingling and numbness (especially at night)
• Weakness while holding objects

Diagnosis

Your doctor will do a physical examination to test for any weakness and ask about symptoms related to tingling/numbness before ordering tests such as electromyography (EMG) or ultrasound.

Treatment

Some treatment options include:
– Wrist Splinting: This may help relieve pain since immobilizing reduces stress on injured tissues.
– Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications may alleviate some discomfort
-Surgery:` The most common surgery performed for CTS is endoscopic release which involves using tiny tools )to cut ligaments pressing down onto nerves).

Radial Nerve Palsy

Radial nerve palsy results from damage to one or more nerves in your arm due to conditions like fractures/severed limbs or certain neurological disorders.

Symptoms

Here’s what happens with radial nerve palsy:
-Diminished motor function:drops things unintentionally
1.Loss Of Sensation:affects one side of the arm which could be scary

Diagnosis

Electromyography (EMG) is used to diagnose radial nerve palsy.

Treatment

• Surgery for underlying causes such as tumors.
• Physical Therapy: exercise and proper techniques can help in minimizing symptoms

Digital Nerve Compression

Compression by scar tissue or muscle spasm harms these tiny sensory nerves close to bone surface called digital nerves.

Symptoms

Possible indications:
– Tingling sensation I know it’s strange
-Loss of sensation at tips of fingers

Diagnosis

Physical examination will be done by your doctor, X-ray imaging may also be considered if compressed from bones.

Treatment

Physiotherapy with edema control, massage is an effective treatment option helping patients regain full body movement. If no improvement is made within weeks, surgery may need to happen..

Raynaud’s phenomenon

Raynaud’s phenomenon is characterized by blood vessel spasms that reduce circulation grossly impeding the blood flow. Essentially this occurs when our body overreacts to cold temperatures or stress causing a response in which fingers and toes turn brittle..

### Symptoms
Keep an eye out for symptoms like :
– Coldness in fingertips/fingers often accompanied with numbness
-Discoloration ,purple / blue colorization

### How Is Raymond’s Phenomenon Diagnosed?
A good physical exam helps figure out whether you have symptoms related to reduced blood pressure.

### What Treatments Are Available For Those Affected?
Treatment includes prevention strategies such as avoiding exposure excessively cold temperatures (sorry snow lovers)and daily medication routine prescribed closely by a health professional.

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment Syndrome (aka cyclists syndrome)

This rare condition arrises due to compression or damage along ulnar nerve pathway;usually seen occurring in those who repeatedly use their elbow/knee joints.

### Symptoms
You’re likely to have varying symptoms like:
– Numbness in hands (usually occurs on pinky/ringer fingers)
-Tingling feeling whilst holding/touching objects

Diagnosis

The diagnosis begins with a physical exam which may include nerve testing or x-rays if necessary to rule out other conditions causing similar symptoms.

Treatment

Several treatment options are available based on the extent of damage caused which includes surgical interventions, physiotherapy amongst them.

Tips For Prevention:

While some nerve-related issues are difficult to avoid completely, here area few tips that might be beneficial:

• Wiggle your finger and stretch before performing activities involving repetitive motion.
• Proper posture at work/school; Better understand ergonomic health.

Let’s hope you don’t feel stuck with numb fingers now because there is always an underlying cause providing discomfort.

So stay safe & Check out for these symptoms regularly!!(otherwise we’ll see you soon for another article).