Numbness in Hands & Arms: 8 Possible Causes

If your hand or arm gets numb, the cause could range from carpal tunnel syndrome to a pinched nerve. No matter the reason, treatments can give you relief as well as get to the root of the problem.

The most common reason for getting a numb hand or arm is sitting or sleeping in the same position for a long time. That can put pressure on your nerves and cut off blood flow, which brings on short-term numbness.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel is the narrow passageway formed by connective tissue and small bones on the palm-side of your wrist. Tendons and your median nerve go through it.

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when inflammation or a narrowing of your tunnel puts pressure on a nerve inside. Sometimes this happens because of hand and finger movements you do over and over.

Problems often start gradually. You may feel numbness in your thumb and the two fingers next to it. It can be painful, too. Your hand might feel weak and you might drop things.

If you think you have carpal tunnel syndrome, take breaks during repetitive movement to rest your hands. Avoid activities that make your symptoms worse, and use cold packs to ease pain and swelling.

See a doctor if these symptoms don’t go away and they interrupt your sleep or daily activities. The doctor might recommend a splint, medicine, or surgery. Without treatment, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause permanent damage to nerves and muscles.

Pinched Nerve

If your cartilage, muscles, or tendons put too much pressure on a nerve, it might not be able to work right. This can cause numbness.

An injury or overuse can cause a pinched nerve. Sometimes it’s due to health problems like arthritis, a narrowing of the spaces between the bones in your spine, or a tumor on the spine.

If a pinched nerve made your arm numb, you might also have:

• Sharp aching or burning pain
• Tingling or “pins and needles” feeling
• Muscle weakness in your arm
• Frequent feeling that your hand has fallen asleep

Rest and over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve your symptoms. If they don’t, and your symptoms last more than a few days, see your doctor. They might recommend a splint, brace, physical therapy, medication, or surgery.

Migraine With Aura

Some migraine headaches include what’s called “auras,” which can affect your vision and other senses. Arm numbness can be one of those sensory problems.

If migraine with aura is the cause of your arm numbness, the symptoms usually start within an hour of the head pain. They last less than an hour.

Other aura symptoms include:

• Changes in vision or vision loss, including blind spots
• Seeing zigzag lines, flashes of light, or stars
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty speaking or finding the right word

Your doctor can prescribe medications to treat and prevent migraines if over-the-counter pain relievers are not enough.

You should see your doctor if you have the symptoms of migraine with aura because some of these, such as vision problems, are also symptoms of a stroke or a torn retina.

Diabetes

High blood sugar levels can damage your nerves and cause a problem called diabetic neuropathy. You may get numbness that usually starts in both of your feet. In rare cases, it can affect your hands, too.

If you have diabetic neuropathy, you might also have:

• Tingling or burning
• Sharp pains or cramps
• Increased sensitivity to touch (the weight of your clothes or sheets could be painful)
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of reflexes, especially in the ankle
• Trouble with balance and coordination
• Serious foot problems, such as ulcers, infections, and bone and joint pain

There’s no cure for diabetic neuropathy, but doctors can prescribe medicine to relieve the symptoms. Better blood sugar control can help slow the nerve damage.

If you think you have diabetic neuropathy, talk to your doctor about how to make improvements in your diabetes management.

Neurological Condition

Neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), can also cause arm numbness.

If a neurological problem is behind your arm numbness, you might also have:

• Numbness in your feet
• Problems speaking or concentrating

See a doctor to get treatment that can relieve symptoms, and, in some neurological conditions, help slow the progress of the disease.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Some types of chemotherapy for cancer can cause nerve damage that leads to numbness or tingling and pain in your arms, legs, fingers, toes, or other areas of your body. It’s called the “glove and stocking sensation” because it can feel like a thick, tight glove.

Medications can relieve these symptoms, especially the pain.

This is a normal side effect of some chemotherapy, but you should talk to your doctor if it prevents you from doing your daily activities. It could take up to 2 years after chemotherapy for full feeling to return.

Stroke

A stroke happens when a blood vessel carrying blood to your brain either bursts or is blocked by a blood clot.

Besides numbness in your arms or legs, a stroke may cause weakness, confusion, problems seeing and speaking, and drooping on one side of your face, but not always. Stoke symptoms occur suddenly and will only affect one arm. If you have any of these, call 911.

Heart Attack

Though other signs of a heart attack (like chest pain, shortness of breath, and breaking out in a cold sweat) are more common than arm numbness, you may also have arm numbness or arm pain. This sensation normally runs on the inside of your left arm and is accompanied by chest pain

If you suspect you or someone you’re with may have symptoms of a heart attack, call 911.

Is Arm Numbness and Tingling Ever Cause for Concern?

Numbness and tingling in your left arm or right arm isn’t always caused by poor body mechanics. Read on to learn what medical conditions might be behind it and when you should see a doctor.

Have you ever woken up with a pins and needles sensation on the arm you were sleeping on? Or, maybe, you were leaning back on your arm, and it went numb? These odd tingles are caused by pressure on a nerve, and luckily, they go away, when the pressure is taken off.

But, when bad posture isn’t to blame for arm numbness and tingling, it could be a sign of a medical condition. Here are a few possible causes.

1. Cervical spine issues

While it may not be the first thing that comes to your mind, the source of your arm tingling may actually be your neck. When the discs between the vertebrae in your neck bulge or slide out of place, arm tingling can be a clue that it’s happening. “Arm tingling is a common symptom of cervical spine issues,” says Jeffrey C. Wang, MD, co-director of the USC Spine Center at Keck Medicine of USC and professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. “The nerves originate from the spinal cord in the neck and travel down from the spine into the arm and hands. When there is a problem in the neck, such as an irritated or pinched nerve, this can cause symptoms like tingling or numbness that travels into the arm.”

Other clues that your arm tingling is related to your neck include neck pain and stiffness. This is especially true, if your symptoms start in your neck and travel down into your arm, he adds.

If you’re experiencing tingling, numbness or pain in your arm, Wang advises seeing a doctor. “There are tests and imaging studies that can be helpful in making the proper diagnosis,” he explains.

2. Type 2 diabetes

Numbness or tingling in the arms will not likely be the first sign of type 2 diabetes, but if you already know you have the disease, you should be on the lookout for this symptom, as it could signal a type of nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy. About half of people with diabetes develop peripheral neuropathy, which is caused by high blood sugar over time. Other symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include numbness, pain or weakness in your arms, feet, legs or hands.

If you think your symptoms might be peripheral neuropathy, talk to your doctor. Treatment options include medications for nerve pain and physical therapy.

3. Stroke

Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blood clot or a broken blood vessel, and symptoms can include numbness in the arm, face or leg — often on one side of the body. Other telltale stroke symptoms include severe headache, trouble speaking or walking, dizziness and confusion.

Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke is critical to preventing death or permanent damage. The symptoms usually come on quickly, and when they do, it’s imperative to get medical attention immediately.

4. Multiple sclerosis

Numbness or tingling can sometimes be a sign of multiple sclerosis, a disease in which the body mistakenly attacks the nerve coating, called myelin, in the central nervous system. Other common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include vision problems, such as blurriness and double vision, as well as fatigue, muscle weakness and loss of balance and coordination.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, it’s a good idea to see your doctor to be evaluated.

5. Seizure

Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, and one type of seizure, called a partial or focal seizure, can be associated with abnormal sensations such as numbness or tingling of the skin. Partial seizures are the most common type of seizure.

Partial seizures can manifest in different ways, with a wide array of symptoms that range from abnormal muscle contraction or eye movements to sweating or hallucinations.

Seek medical attention, if you think you have experienced a seizure.

by Tina Donvito

Are you concerned about arm numbness and tingling? Our experts can help. If you are in the Los Angeles area, request an appointment or call (800) USC-CARE (800-872-2273).

Tendonitis | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What are tendonitis and tenosynovitis?

Tendons are strong cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Tendonitis is when a tendon is inflamed. It can happen to any tendon in the body. When a tendon is inflamed, it can cause swelling, pain, and discomfort. Another problem called tenosynovitis is linked to tendonitis. This is the inflammation of the lining of the tendon sheath around a tendon. Usually, the sheath itself is inflamed, but both the sheath and the tendon can be inflamed at the same time.

What causes tendonitis and tenosynovitis?

The cause of tendonitis and tenosynovitis is often not known. They may be caused by strain, overuse, injury, or too much exercise. Tendonitis may also be related to a disease such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or infection.

Types of tendonitis and tenosynovitis

Common types of these tendon problems include:

• Lateral epicondylitis. This is most often known as tennis elbow. It causes pain in the backside of the elbow and forearm, along the thumb side when the arm is alongside the body with the thumb turned away. The pain is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist back and away from the palm.

• Medial epicondylitis. This is most often known as golfer’s or baseball elbow. It causes pain from the elbow to the wrist on the palm side of the forearm. The pain is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm.

• Rotator cuff tendonitis. This is also known as biceps tendonitis. It’s a shoulder disorder. It causes inflammation of the shoulder capsule and related tendons.

• DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis. This is the most common type of tenosynovitis disorder. It causes swelling in the tendon sheath of the tendons of the thumb.

• Trigger finger or trigger thumb. This is a type of tenosynovitis. The tendon sheath becomes inflamed and thickened. This makes it hard to extend or flex the finger or thumb. The finger or thumb may lock or “trigger” suddenly.

Bicep Tendonitis

This condition is an inflammation of the triceps tendon, which connects the triceps muscle to the elbow. Triceps tendonitis causes pain and limits movement in the arm.

Symptoms of tendonitis and tenosynovitis

Symptoms may include:

• Pain in the tendon when moved

• Swelling from fluid and inflammation

• A grating feeling when moving the joint

The symptoms of tendonitis can be like other health problems. Make sure to talk with a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Diagnosing tendonitis and tenosynovitis

Your healthcare provider will ask about your health history and give you a physical exam. You may have tests to check for other problems that may be causing your symptoms. The tests may include:

• Joint aspiration. The healthcare provider uses a needle to take a small amount of fluid from the joint. The fluid is tested to check for gout or signs of an infection.

• X-ray. A small amount of radiation is used to make an image. Tendons can’t be seen on an X-ray, but they can show bone. This test can check for arthritis.

Treatment for tendonitis and tenosynovitis

Treatment may include:

• Changing your activities

• Icing the area to reduce inflammation and pain

• Putting a splint on the area to limit movement

• Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine to reduce inflammation and pain

• Antibiotics if due to infection

• Surgery

Tips to Reduce Numbness in Hands While Sleeping

It is no surprise that pain can impact your quality of sleep. If you have ever woken up with a leg cramp or tried falling asleep with a backache, you know the trouble pain can cause. Waking up with numbness in your hands and fingers may feel as unnerving as waking up in pain.

Many people experience the occasional numbness or tingling hands upon waking due to sleeping in a position that cuts off blood circulation. However, numbness in hands and fingers may also indicate a larger issue. An estimated 7% to 10% of people report experiencing some kind of nerve pain that impacts their quality of life, including sleep. For most people, waking up with numb hands once in a while is not cause for concern. However, if your symptoms greatly interfere with sleep or persist after you are up and moving, it may be time to see a doctor.

Why Do I Wake Up With Numb Hands?

Numbness in your arms or hands is a loss of sensation that can occur due to a variety of causes. Your hands or arms might become numb — or “fall asleep” — because a nerve was compressed, your circulation was cut off by your sleeping position, or because of an underlying cause.

Sometimes numbness is followed by a tingling or pins and needles sensation, called paresthesia. Like numbness, paresthesia can occur during sleep as a result of certain sleeping positions. Both numbness and paresthesia are also associated with nerve compression and certain underlying health problems.

Nerve Compression or Damage

A common culprit of numb hands during sleep is a damaged or compressed nerve. Nerves in the hands and arms can become damaged after repeated movements. When this damage occurs as a result of a person’s occupation, symptoms may be called “working hand syndrome.” People who make repetitive movements with their hands and arms for work are more likely to experience numbness, pain, and tingling in their hands, especially at nighttime.

Nerve damage causing numbness and tingling in the hands, which is also called peripheral neuropathy, can result from more than repetitive manual labor. Some people experience similar symptoms due to drug use, infection, hereditary disease, injury, or inflammation.

Ulnar Nerve Compression

The ulnar nerve helps you grip things using your forearm muscles and brings sensation to the pinky and ring fingers. This nerve runs from your elbow to your fingers. The ulnar nerve is responsible for the tingling and numbness you experience when you hit your elbow.

Pressure on your elbow or your wrist could compress the ulnar nerve, creating numb fingers when you wake up. Your ulnar nerve is likely involved if you wake up with numbness in your:

• Pinky finger, either front or back side
• Ring finger, usually closer to your pinky
• Hand, below the pinky and ring fingers

If you experience minor ulnar nerve compression at your elbow, learning to position your arm differently might be enough to treat the problem. If you experience more serious compression, surgery could help provide relief.

Radial Nerve Compression

The radial nerve controls the muscles in your forearm and wrist that help extend your wrist and fingers. Pressure on your wrist, forearm, and bicep can pinch the radial nerve and cause numbness or pain. Sleeping on your wrist or forearm, or sleeping with your arm draped on something, could compress the radial nerve. If you are traveling and want to sleep on a plane or car, try to avoid using your forearms or curling your wrists against a window as a pillow for your head, which could put pressure on the radial nerve.

Your radial nerve might be compressed if you feel numbness in your:

• Index finger
• Thumb
• Hand, between the index finger and thumb

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome, a disorder often associated with office employees, is the most common entrapment neuropathy, or nerve compression issue in the arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the arm. The median nerve brings sensation to the index and middle fingers. Like the ulnar nerve, this nerve can be compressed at both the elbow and the wrist, so it helps to be mindful of how you are curling up each night.

Your median nerve may be compressed if you experience numbness in:

• The front of your thumb
• Your index or middle finger
• The base of the thumb

Although most people associate carpal tunnel syndrome with computer work, any small, repetitive movement of the wrist can cause it. About 3% of people experience carpal tunnel syndrome, and the disorder is more common in women. Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome get better on their own over time, but some people’s symptoms worsen. People who experience carpal tunnel syndrome often report waking during the night due to pain in their hands and wrist.

Wearing a brace as you sleep or stretching your hands and wrists may help relieve carpal tunnel pain. If your pain persists, see a doctor. More severe cases of carpal tunnel that last for several months may require surgery.

Other Medical Issues That Cause Hand Numbness

Compressed nerves aren’t the only reason you may wake up with numbness in your hands. These other medical disorders can also cause numbness:

• Cervical Spondylosis:  A chronic degenerative disease that impacts neck muscles, tendons, and bones, cervical spondylosis is fairly common. It is more often seen in older adults. Common symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, as well as pain and numbness in the arms, shoulders, and fingers.
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: This disorder involves compression or irritation of blood vessels in the upper chest due to anatomical variations of the muscles in that region. Most cases of thoracic outlet syndrome are caused by whiplash or other neck trauma. Sometimes the disorder is caused by repetitive motions or, less commonly, by having an extra rib.
• Diabetes Mellitus: More commonly known as type 2 diabetes, this disorder is characterized by an inability of the body to use or create insulin adequately and can result in nerve damage. Nerve damage can cause numbness and tingling sensations in the hands and feet.

Tips to Reduce Numbness in Hands When Sleeping

Depending on the cause, you may be able to reduce numbness in your hands while sleeping a few ways. First, it may help to have a pillow and mattress that are supportive yet soft, so pressure points are less likely to develop in your neck or shoulders. Supporting the neck and spine is an important step to getting good rest. You can also try the following:

• Wear a wrist brace to bed to help stabilize your wrist during sleep.
• Try a new sleeping position, particularly on your side.
• Avoid laying on your arms under your pillow, which can compress nerves. Make sure your wrists remain unflexed, since flexing can lead to tingling.
• If you often sleep on your back with your arms overhead, try keeping them next to you to reduce nerve pinching.
• Try stretching your hands and wrists before going to sleep.
• Rule out any other underlying disorders with your doctor.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

Usually, numbness and tingling experienced during the night happens infrequently and goes away fairly quickly. However, if numbness in your arms and hands is persistent or causing poor quality sleep, it might be time to see your doctor.  If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may want to consider making a doctor’s appointment:

• Numbness that lasts into the day
• Numbness across the body, not just in your hands
• Muscle weakness
• Clumsiness in your hands or fingers
• Sudden weakness or dizziness
• Pain in arms and legs that won’t go away

Your doctor should be able to assess your symptoms and help you determine the next steps.

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Carpal tunnel syndrome – HSE.ie

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is pressure on a nerve in your wrist. It causes tingling, numbness and pain in your hand and fingers. You can often treat it yourself, but it can take months to get better.

Check if you have carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

The symptoms of CTS include:

• an ache or pain in your fingers, hand or arm
• numb hands
• tingling or pins and needles
• a weak thumb or difficulty gripping

These symptoms often start slowly and come and go. They’re usually worse at night.

How to treat carpal tunnel syndrome yourself

CTS sometimes clears up by itself in a few months, particularly if you have it because you’re pregnant.

Wear a wrist splint

A wrist splint is something you wear on your hand to keep your wrist straight. It helps to relieve pressure on the nerve.

You wear it at night while you sleep. You’ll have to wear a splint for at least 4 weeks before you start to feel better.

You can buy wrist splints online or from pharmacies.

Stop or cut down on things that may be causing it

Stop or cut down on anything that causes you to frequently bend your wrist or grip hard. This could be using vibrating tools for work or playing an instrument.

Painkillers

Painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen may offer short-term relief from carpal tunnel pain.

But there’s little evidence to say they can treat the cause of CTS, so it’s important not to rely on them.

Hand exercises

There’s a small amount of evidence to suggest hand exercises help ease the symptoms of CTS.

What happens at your appointment

Your GP can usually diagnose CTS by asking about your symptoms and checking your hand.

If they’re not sure it’s CTS, they may refer you to hospital for tests, such as nerve conduction studies. These measure how fast an electrical impulse moves through your nerve and can identify nerve damage.

Treatment for CTS from a GP

If a wrist splint does not help, your GP might recommend a steroid injection into your wrist. This brings down swelling around the nerve, easing the symptoms of CTS.

Steroid injections are not always a cure. CTS can come back after a few months and you may need another injection.

Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery

If your CTS is getting worse and other treatments have not worked, your GP might refer you to a specialist to discuss surgery.

Surgery usually cures CTS. You and your specialist will decide together if it’s the right treatment for you.

A local anaesthetic injection numbs your wrist so you do not feel pain and a small cut is made in your hand. The root of the carpal tunnel inside your wrist is cut so it no longer puts pressure on the nerve.

The operation takes around 20 minutes and you do not have to stay in hospital overnight.

It can take a month after the operation to get back to normal activities.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

CTS happens when the carpal tunnel inside your wrist swells and squeezes one of your median nerves.

You’re more at risk if you:

• are overweight
• are pregnant
• do work or hobbies that mean you repeatedly bend your wrist or grip hard, such as using vibrating tools
• have another illness, such as arthritis or diabetes
• have a parent, brother or sister with CTS
• have previously injured your wrist

A sinister cause of shoulder pain, with numbness and weakness in the ipsilateral hand

1. Ravi Popat, core surgical trainee year 11,
2. Josh Derodra, consultant vascular surgeon2,
3. Stella Vig, consultant general and vascular surgeon2,
4. Eric Lim, consultant thoracic surgeon3

1. ¹London Deanery, London WC1B 5DN, UK
2. ²Croydon University Hospital, Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, Croydon, UK
3. ³Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London

1. Correspondence to: R Popat, 20 Weston Drive, Stanmore HA7 2EU, UK ravipopat{at}doctors.org.uk

A 41 year old patient with insulin dependent diabetes presented with a one month history of progressively worsening pain, numbness, and weakness of his right shoulder and arm. His history included peripheral vascular disease, chronic renal failure, and chronic pancreatitis. He was also a smoker with a 60 pack year history.

On general inspection, he appeared cachectic. On closer inspection of the right upper limb, he had wasting of the intrinsic muscles of the hand. Finger abduction and adduction in the right hand was weak, as was flexion of the right ring finger and right little finger. Tone and reflexes were normal; however, sensation along the right little finger and the ulnar aspect of the upper limb on the right side was reduced. On examination, his elbow and shoulder were normal.

He underwent chest radiography (fig 1⇓), followed by computed tomography of his chest and abdomen.

Fig 1 Anteroposterior radiograph of our patient’s chest

Questions

• 1 What are the radiological findings?

• 2 What condition do these findings probably represent?

• 3 What further investigations would you request?

• 4 What are the common presenting symptoms of this condition?

• 5 How would you manage this condition?

Answers

1 What are the radiological findings?

Short answer

The radiograph shows an area of opacification in the right lung apex but is otherwise normal.

Long answer

The chest radiograph shows an area of opacification in the right lung apex but is otherwise normal (fig 2⇓).

Fig 2 Anteroposterior radiograph showing an area …

A 27-Year-Old Man with Worsening Arm Pain

We have described a patient at the typical age and with the typical symptoms of a desmoplastic fibroma of the proximal aspect of the radius. On conventional radiographs, the lesion had features of a lytic bone lesion. Typical features for a desmoplastic fibroma are cortical aneurysmal expansion, thick pseudotrabeculation, and a narrow zone of transition. There was no cortical breakthrough. To confirm the diagnosis, a CT-guided core biopsy was performed. This showed a fibro-osseous lesion with fibroblastic and collagen components, without cellular atypia. With knowledge of the aggressive local behavior of a desmoplastic fibroma and its high rate of recurrence, we planned a wide resection and confirmation of negative margins with intraoperative frozen sections.

Desmoplastic fibromas are benign, locally aggressive, collagen-producing tumors that were first described by Jaffe in 1958. They are extremely rare, with an estimated incidence of 2.5 patients per 100 million people per year. Approximately three-quarters of patients present within their first 3 decades of life, and there is no sex predilection. Patients usually present with a painful mass. The most common locations are the long bones and the mandible, where tumors typically arise from the metaphysis. The etiology is unknown, but a possible relationship between prior trauma and hormonal dependence has been proposed. Furthermore, an association with trisomy 8 and/or 20 has been described. Treatment options are intralesional curettage or resection; the latter is the preferred treatment method because of lower recurrence rates. Overall, recurrence rates of 15.4% to 72% have been reported. Evans et al. showed that soft-tissue invasion was associated with higher recurrence rates. When tumors are inoperable, radiation therapy can reduce pain and prevent tumor progression.

There have been 3 case reports in the literature documenting desmoplastic fibromas of the radial shaft. In these reports, the radial shaft defect was reconstructed with a vascularized fibular autograft (n = 1) or a nonvascularized fibular autograft (n = 2). The study by Giessler et al., written in German, described a 16-year-old patient who had undergone vascularized fibular autograft reconstruction of a large 11-cm defect of the radial shaft, and reported pronation and supination of 80° and 45°, respectively. The other 2 studies did not elaborately describe the patient outcomes after nonvascularized fibular autograft reconstruction. Therefore, the case reported herein adds to the English-language literature on desmoplastic fibroma by describing the presentation, diagnostics, treatment, and outcomes of a patient with a desmoplastic fibroma of the proximal aspect of the radius.

On conventional radiographs, desmoplastic fibromas appear as aneurysmal lytic bone lesions, similar to giant-cell tumors, aneurysmal bone cysts, solitary bone cysts, hemangiomas, fibrous dysplasia, nonossifying fibromas, and chondromyxoid fibromas. CT is preferred for evaluating the cortical breakthrough that is present in 23% to 29% of desmoplastic fibromas, and its presence should alert for a malignancy. MRI is used to assess soft-tissue extension, showing that most lesions are confined to the intramedullary space and the cortical bone. On T1-weighted images, lesions show low-to-intermediate intensities, and a heterogeneous hyperintense signal is seen on T2-weighted images. Because of the high fibrous composition of these tumors, T2-weighted images also may show areas of low intensity. These features are similar to extra-abdominal desmoid tumors. Intravenous contrast with gadolinium shows a nonhomogeneous signal distribution due to pseudotrabeculation, varying hypocellular zones, dense fibrous tissue, and collagen depositions.

Histopathologically, desmoplastic fibromas show slender fibroblastic to stellate cells in an abundant collagenous matrix. Mitotic figures are scarce and, rarely, there may be deposition of osteoid or chondroid matrix, especially with recurrent desmoplastic fibromas, making it difficult to distinguish them from fibrous dysplasia. There are no specific immunohistochemical markers for desmoplastic fibromas. There is histologic overlap between desmoplastic fibromas and desmoid-type fibromatosis with regard to histology and epidemiology; however, desmoplastic fibromas lack mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC)/β-catenin pathway. Additionally, desmoid tumors are more common in women. Another important histologic differential diagnosis is a low-grade fibrosarcoma of bone because it also shows collagen-rich matrix. Additionally, a low-grade central osteosarcoma with little cytologic atypia can be mistaken for a desmoplastic fibroma.

This case report describes a young man with a desmoplastic fibroma of the proximal aspect of the radius that was successfully treated with wide resection and vascularized fibular autograft reconstruction. This patient had good functional outcomes despite the restricted supination.

Reference: Lans J, Chebib IA, Castelein RM, Chen NC, Lozano-Calderón S. Reconstruction of the proximal aspect of the radius after desmoplastic fibroma resection: a case report. JBJS Case Connect. 2019 Jan-Mar;9(1):e12.

Hand does not rise (Frozen shoulder)

Can’t raise your hand? Do you experience acute pain and discomfort during shoulder rotation? Is the problem negatively affecting the quality of life? You do not need to endure all these symptoms, especially since modern medicine can effectively treat an existing ailment.

Specialists of the Freedom of Movement Medical Center will diagnose and make an accurate diagnosis, prescribe a course of treatment and prophylaxis for your speedy full recovery.

Frozen shoulder syndrome or capsulitis is a restriction of mobility of the shoulder joint, which occurs against the background of a lesion of the capsule. The capsule becomes denser, its cavity becomes inflamed, and the synovium stretches and becomes thicker. In this regard, the patient feels limitations when raising the arm frontally, as well as when moving it to the sides.

Causes of frozen shoulder syndrome

• mechanical injuries;
• Uneven shoulder load;
• genetic predisposition;
• viral infection;
• hypothermia;
• Disruption of the metabolic process due to certain diseases (diabetes mellitus, tumor processes, etc.).

There are also factors that increase the risk of frozen shoulder syndrome: bad habits, improper diet, an inactive lifestyle.

Depending on the reasons, two forms of pathology are distinguished: adhesion (when the joint capsule decreases in volume, the disease occurs against the background of a certain disease) and post-traumatic (provoked by mechanical damage to the shoulder or incorrect surgical intervention).

Make an appointment

Severe symptoms of frozen shoulder

In addition to pain in the shoulder joint, limited movement, the syndrome is accompanied by:

• pain in the neck area, back, lower back;
• hands and fingers may go numb;
• discomfort appears more often at night;
• the patient feels a lack of energy;
• with the development of the inflammatory process, the temperature may rise.

Frozen Shoulder Syndrome Treatment

To get rid of the condition when the hand does not rise, experts recommend:

• take a course of physiotherapy;
• therapeutic massage;
• kinesiotherapy;
• for pain relief – drug therapy.

This is important! In the absence of proper treatment, the limb may atrophy. That is why it is worth contacting specialists as soon as possible who will help restore the functions of the damaged shoulder.

Start your treatment with an appointment at the Freedom of Movement Medical Center, where a team of experts work. You can sign up by phone: +7 (495) 212-08-81

90,000 ARM forearm (pain) | NEO-AYURVEDA

Physical lock

Hands are among the most commonly used parts of the body, as they perform many functions. They are involved in almost every physical activity that we perform. We need them to hug other people and also to play.An injury to the hand can affect one or more of these functions.

Emotional blocking

Problems with hands often arise in a person who does not feel himself a useful enough worker and doubts his abilities. He grieves and grieves, withdraws into himself and begins to revel in his suffering.

A person who finds it difficult to hug those he loves and those in front of whom he feels guilty can also suffer from pain in his hand.He must find out what exactly prevents him from hugging people or touching them with his hands.

Hand pain can also occur because a person feels unable to exert strength to help someone. With the right hand a person gives, with the left hand he accepts.

Pain in the hand also often occurs in people who have everything they need to accept a new situation, but do not move on to action, as their own thoughts or someone’s influence interferes with them.

Hands are connected to the part of the body in which the heart is located, and this suggests that we should use them to express our love, and not to carry heavy things (for example, to believe that we are responsible for something) this or someone).The hands are located in this part of the body for a reason. We must lovingly accept people and situations with them and work with love – this is what our heart wants.

If the right hand hurts, it is possible that the person doubts his ability to be someone’s right hand.

Mental blocking

If you doubt yourself, your abilities, your usefulness, this means that you are listening too much to the quiet inner voice; this voice tries to convince you that you are unable to do anything, that you do not have enough knowledge and experience to achieve your goal, etc.d.

If you doubt your ability to be someone’s right hand, try to rationally analyze these doubts. Do they have a real basis? Whatever your ego whispers to you, you must act with confidence and make sure that you have all the qualities you need to achieve your goal. Only your doubts can stop you. If it turns out that you are still better off doing nothing, your hands will not fail you. The pain you feel indicates that your way of thinking is hurting you.While doing something, try to determine what positive qualities of your personality are manifested in this business. Self-praise contributes to the achievement of the goal much more than the lack of confidence in one’s abilities.

If the pain is caused by the fact that you rarely hug those you love, try to do it more often. This does not mean that you need to do this all the time, twenty times a day; just try to change your attitude towards this way of expressing your feelings. You shouldn’t think of yourself as a cold person anymore.

If pain occurs in the elbow region, see also ELBOW (pain).

90,000 Hands hurt and numb. Reasons for loss of sensitivity

Hands grow numb and hurt for a variety of reasons – hard workout in the gym, dragging weights, overcooled, or doing monotonous work for several hours. If such painful sensations and numbness disappear, do not panic. Repetitive and persistent pain can signal a hidden pathology or exacerbation of an existing disease.

Important to know: Muscle numbness can be caused by injury, nighttime sleep discomfort, or occupational duties. At risk are athletes, movers and builders, pianists, programmers and other specialties whose work is associated with monotonous or complex actions.

Because of what the right arm hurts or becomes numb

Sensitive loss on the right is formed for a variety of reasons:

• cervical chondrosis, disc protrusion or hernia;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia, pre-stroke condition, high blood pressure;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• multiple sclerosis;
• gout;
• endocrine disorders caused by a malfunction of calcium metabolism;
• anemia in which all limbs are affected;
• polyneuropathy due to diabetes mellitus, poisoning or renal failure;
• brain tumors.

Inactivity, overwork, stress, poor nutrition and alcohol intoxication can be factors causing temporary paresthesia. To determine the reasons why the left hand or fingers hurts and grows numb, doctors prescribe a number of diagnostic techniques that will help find the source of the problem.

Diagnostics: looking for a pain point

Often, when the right arm or the opposite limb hurts and grows numb, it is necessary to visit a consultation with a cardiologist, therapist or neurologist.Having decided on the range of questions, the doctor gives a direction for laboratory and instrumental research.

1. Examination of the heart using ultrasound – makes it possible to identify abnormalities in the functions of the organ, detect structural changes and examine the activity of heart valves.
2. Angiography – the study of the state of blood vessels can indicate disruptions in blood circulation in the shoulder or forearm, as well as the carpal area.
3. Doppler ultrasound is a diagnostic method for assessing blood flow velocity, tracking potential pathological processes in blood vessels (blood clots or cholesterol plaques).
4. Computed tomography (MRI) – suitable for detecting pathologies in the central nervous system and the brain, if it is with such deviations that the arms and hands become numb and sore.

Before dealing with a problem, you need to be accurately and comprehensively examined and find out why the right hand is numb and sore, or both at once. Based on the results of the examination, a qualified specialist will select an individual treatment regimen, medications, vitamins and a balanced diet to compensate for possible deficiencies.

What to do if: Your arm hurts for more than a month

Good afternoon! Because of the coronavirus, I am afraid to go to the clinic in order not to get infected, so it is impossible to take a picture. The problem is that more than a month ago, I was carrying a heavy bag on my right shoulder and in my hands there were still bags, probably under 10 kg on my shoulder, maybe more, I began to feel how my right hand ached. This went on for 3 weeks, maybe a little more, the pain was aching. But accidentally at night she took out the phone from under the pillow and felt a sharp, sharp pain.I had 2 tablets of ibuprofen (200), I drank on one day and on the second. Then she began to stretch her arm, doing therapeutic exercises, and again felt a sharp pain. My sister advised me to bandage my hand. I bandaged it with an elastic bandage, it became a little easier, but at night I take off the bandage and tonight my hand was already so sore that I could not sleep at all, and in the morning tears flowed like a river … Question. Please tell me, since I cannot take a picture, will the finalgon ointment help in my case? This ointment is expensive enough for me and I don’t know if it will help or not? There was a moment when my lower back hurt, because I lifted a child of 5 years old, and there was also this ointment, then I smeared my lower back, and the pain went away.But now this ointment is no longer there, so I cannot smear her hand. If she helps in my case, then of course I’ll have to buy. I do not suffer from joint diseases, the weight is not very large, with a height of 163, weight of 54, although it was 49.700 I am sending a letter with e-mail. your daughter’s address, since your email. there is no box. I really look forward to your reply, please tell me what to do?

Galina Nikolaevna,

female,

1969 years,

28 May 2020

Hello.

Apparently, you may have a sprain.

You need to ensure complete rest of the injured arm, also immobilize the arm using an elastic bandage or a special fixator, you can use ointments containing NSAIDs (it is not necessary finalgon, there are also cheaper drugs).

For severe pain, oral medications will be prescribed.

If in the near future it does not become easier for you, be sure to consult a doctor.

Health to you.

Left hand goes numb – what can cause this symptom

Quite often, therapists and cardiologists hear from patients complaints that their left hand is numb. A similar phenomenon is a symptom of a number of rather serious diseases, therefore, timely seeking professional medical help is necessary. The sooner the diagnosis is carried out and the cause is identified, the sooner the individual treatment tactics are developed, the better. In this way, much more serious problems can be avoided.

At the same time, it should be understood that numbness of the left hand is not necessarily a sign of a pre-infarction or pre-stroke condition. It is quite harmless, appearing as a result of an unsuccessful posture during sleep or the habit of sleeping on the left side. That is why, when faced with him, you do not need to wind yourself up right away – it is better to contact a trusted clinic, whose specialist will prescribe a study and help to find out this phenomenon.

Where to go if your left hand grows numb?

If you are faced with a similar problem in Moscow, please contact CELT.Our clinic is multidisciplinary, which means that we have doctors of different specialties. You can get professional advice from a therapist, cardiologist or neurologist and, based on the research results, contact an orthopedist, surgeon or rehabilitologist.

The diagnostic department of our clinic is equipped with the latest technology. Our specialists have the broadest capabilities in terms of accurate diagnosis and detection of diseases at the early stages of their development.We employ leading Russian specialists, doctors of the highest category, candidates and doctors of sciences, who are leading scientific activities and have many years of practical experience.

You can find out the cost of our services by going to the “Services and prices” tab of this section. We recommend that you check the numbers with our operators by contacting them by phone: +7 (495) 266 91 14. This way you can avoid any misunderstandings.

Reasons why the left arm is numb and symptoms

The desire to know why the left hand is going numb is natural for any person who is faced with a similar phenomenon.It’s not a secret for anyone that it is often a clinical manifestation of serious pathologies of the CVS and the nervous system. First of all, it is associated with such a serious pathological condition as a stroke in the right hemisphere of the brain, which carries a threat to life, but this is far from the only reason.

Localization of points of numbness of the left hand

Localization of numbness of the left upper limb depends on the cause that caused it, and therefore may be different.

Numbness in the left arm is not uncommon during pregnancy. It can be caused by pathological conditions of the spine. It is important to understand that it is during this period that chronic diseases become aggravated, and those that are still hidden – manifest themselves. Another reason is a decrease in physical activity and weight gain, which provoke a deficiency in blood supply.The third trimester is characterized by edema, and many patients complain of numbness in the fingers.

Diagnostics of the causes of numbness of the left hand

Since the treatment of this problem requires elimination of the cause that caused it, first of all, you need to correctly establish it. For this, a comprehensive diagnosis is carried out. After examination and collection of anamnesis, the patient is prescribed laboratory blood tests – general and hormone tests, as well as an analysis for vitamins. Having received them, the doctor prepares a preliminary picture of the patient’s state of health, comparing and analyzing the information received.

Based on his conclusions, he develops further tactics of specialized studies, prescribing the patient to undergo:

• Radiography – the resulting image shows damage to the spine, herniated discs, their displacement, neoplasms of any etiology, pathological conditions of a degenerative-dystrophic nature;
• Electroencephalography – effective for suspected violations in the central nervous system;
• MRI – allows you to identify the compression state of the spinal nerves;
• Duplex scanning – makes it possible to determine the state of blood veins and arteries, identify blood clots in them, examine the vascular walls and determine their pathological changes;
• Electroneurography – allows you to examine the nervous system and determine the extent of the damage.

Depending on the situation, the above instrumental examinations can be carried out separately or in combination, providing a versatile picture of the patient’s health.

Treatment of left hand numbness with folk remedies

Traditional methods of treating numbness of the left hand can only be used as an addition to the main tactics. Before you start using them, you need to first consult a doctor and only then resort to them.The main ones are as follows:

• Baths with rosemary – provide for the use of an infusion of three liters of water and flowers, which is added to a bath with water and taken before bed for 15 minutes;
• Application to problem areas with a solution of one liter of water, 10 ml of camphor and 50 mil ammonia, as well as 1 tbsp. l. table salt;
• Applying a tissue bag with pre-cooked wheat porridge placed in it to the diseased area for 30 minutes.

Prevention of left arm numbness

Numbness of the upper extremities – the cause of discomfort, limited movement and a decrease in the quality of life. A range of preventive measures will help to exclude its appearance:

• Regular moderate physical activity and the form of exercises to maintain the muscles of the arms in good shape;
• Minimizing the amount of salt in food consumed;
• Proper nutrition, ensuring the body receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals;
• Elimination of tobacco smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages;
• Prevention of hand cooling as it has adverse effects on joint health.They need to be kept warm and be sure to wear mittens or gloves during the cold season;
• A systematic exercise for the arms, alternating with stress.

Remember, numbness in the left hand can be a symptom of a serious illness. Trust its diagnostics and treatment to professionals – contact CELT!

90,000 Numbness and “chills” in the arms and legs: causes of paresthesia and diagnosis

Numbness in the arms and legs is an unpleasant sensation that is familiar to everyone.Often unpleasant “bonuses” to it are tingling in the limbs and running “goose bumps”.

Often, we experience similar sensations in the limbs if we “sit” a leg or press a hand. Then there is nothing wrong with that, because the numbness quickly passes.

And what if paresthesia (this is the medical term for numbness of the arms and legs, along with “goose bumps”) is prolonged? What reasons can provoke its appearance? How to diagnose the true causes? Read about it below.

Numbness of hands and feet – what causes it?

As described above, paresthesia normally occurs due to the presence of a part of the body in a compressed position for a certain time. After normal blood flow is resumed in the limb, this is accompanied by tingling sensations, those very “goose bumps”, sometimes even a slight burning sensation. This is fine.

But if numbness of the arms and legs begins to occur frequently for no apparent reason, you should be alert and undergo a diagnosis.

The most common causes of pathological paresthesia:

• Mechanical damage to nerves.
• Infectious or metabolic diseases affecting nerve endings.
• Neoplasms.
• Avitaminosis.

Pathological numbness of the arms and legs is nothing more than a reaction of the body to constant irritation or damage to nerve endings. Paresthesia is also possible as a response to damage to the brain or spinal cord.

The causes of numbness in the arms and legs may differ depending on the location of the lesions in the body.

Causes of hand numbness:

• Osteochondrosis, trauma and neoplasms of the vertebrae in the cervical spine. Then the loss of sensitivity in the hands is combined with pain in the muscles and the inability to clench the hands.
• Problems with the muscles of the neck (inflammation or simply overstrain). Not only can the neck hurt and the hands are taken away, but even the temperature can rise.
• Circulatory disorders in the vessels supplying the brain. Then numbness in the hands may be the first symptom of a stroke. Therefore, if, after paresthesia, a person has paralysis and speech disorders, do not hesitate! Call an ambulance, because the count goes for minutes!
• Multiple sclerosis (necessarily accompanied by many other symptoms).
• Lack of calcium in the body. In this case, muscle cramps will also be observed.
• Damage to nerve endings is a consequence of various causes (infections, diabetes, alcoholism).

Causes of leg numbness:

• Any surgical intervention in the spinal cord (puncture or surgery). In addition to numbness, the patient will also feel weakness and pain in the muscles.
• Degenerative diseases of the spine, trauma and neoplasms in the spinal cord region (especially at the lumbar level). All signs are the same as for surgery.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Raynaud’s disease (feeling of cold feet and paresthesia down to the tips of the toes).
• Disturbance of normal blood flow (this often occurs in atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus). In this case, the skin turns pale, at night a person suffers from cramps and pain in the legs.
• Polyneuropathy (damage to nerve fibers). Develops with diabetes, intoxication, alcoholism.
• Rabies. If the bite of an animal has led to the development of the disease, then paresthesia of the limb for which the animal has bitten will be only the first symptom. If the bitten leg begins to go numb, you should immediately go to the hospital!

Numbness of hands and feet – the best diagnostic methods

If any of the above symptoms occur, the patient should consult a neurologist.

This specialist will not only prescribe the necessary diagnostic tests, but also further therapy based on the results of the examination.

One of the most popular, informative and well-proven methods all over the world is MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging allows you to obtain high-precision images of the spine, spinal cord and brain to reliably identify the causes of numbness in the arms and legs.

Among the additional diagnostic methods for paresthesia:

• Doppler ultrasonography of the vessels of the head, neck and extremities.
• Electrocardiography (ECG).
• Electroencephalography (EEG).
• Electroneuromyography (ENMG).
• Rheovasography (RVG).