Numbness in the hands causes, symptoms, risk factors

HomeClinical MedicineDiseasesDiseases of the musculoskeletal system

Almost every person has at least once experienced pain in the elbow joint, often accompanied by numbness in the fingers. These symptoms can occur for several reasons, including injuries and various diseases, both dangerous and not so. If you have recently suffered an injury that causes elbow pain and numbness in your fingers, then the symptoms are not particularly worrying, because the cause-and-effect relationship is obvious. The symptoms are much more disturbing when their appearance was not preceded by blows and bruises; many immediately begin to invent dangerous diseases for themselves. Let's figure out why the elbow joint sometimes hurts and the arm goes numb, and what to do about it.

Most often, pain in the elbow and numbness in the arm occurs due to various diseases. Moreover, the nature of the disease can be different: these are osteoarticular disorders, diseases of various organs, disorders of the cardiovascular system, neuralgic diseases, etc.

The disease epicondylitis occurs frequently in adults and is expressed in deformation of the epicondyle of the humerus. This disease is often of an occupational nature, i.e., it appears in people of certain professions who have to stand in a certain position every day.

Often, pain in the elbow and paresthesia of the fingers (numbness, tingling, goosebumps) are caused by osteochondrosis of the cervical or thoracic spine. In this case, there may be a feeling that pain is localized specifically in the elbow, although in fact there is no damage to this joint. When destroyed, the intervertebral discs become not as elastic and dense as they should be, even with small loads, for example, on the neck, the vertebrae move out of place, squeezing the nerve endings of the spinal cord, which also affect the sensitivity of the upper extremities. If there is pain in the elbow joint and numbness in the fingers, you should make an appointment with a surgeon or osteopath as soon as possible so that the disease does not lead to irreversible consequences.

If you feel that pain in the elbow and numbness in the hand are associated with a pinched nerve, this does not necessarily indicate the presence of osteochondrosis. The issue may be the so-called cubital tunnel syndrome, which also results in compression of the ulnar nerve. The syndrome can be caused by regular certain microtraumas and overexertion. The disorder often occurs in those who often like to lean on their elbows while doing their usual activities. Painful sensations arise, the fingers seem to “tingle”, this is especially typical for the little finger and ring finger. Sometimes similar symptoms are associated with another disease - neuritis. The causes of elbow pain that is not accompanied by numbness in the fingers can be completely different. This is important to consider when making a diagnosis and treatment.

What to do if pain in the elbow joint radiates to your fingers

Elbow pain and numbness in the fingers are serious symptoms that indicate many different diseases, including life-threatening ones. It is extremely important not to endure unpleasant sensations by self-medicating, but to see a specialist. The doctor may give directions for various types of examinations: ultrasound, x-rays, tomography, and prescribe treatment based on the confirmed diagnosis. There are also folk remedies to eliminate unpleasant sensations, but they all eliminate the symptoms and do not help get rid of the root cause. Even treatment with traditional recipes should be under the supervision of a doctor. Sometimes such remedies can help cope with the disorder, but they should be only part of a complete therapeutic treatment.

Paresthesia in cubital tunnel syndrome

Most often, numbness of the left forearm appears due to compression of the ulnar nerve in the cubital canal. The reason may be frequent monotonous bending of the arm, the habit of leaning on the elbow, a severe bruise or injury. The problem often occurs among drivers who often place their bent hand on the side of the door next to the glass.

If your left arm begins to feel numb from the elbow to the fingers and you think you have cubital tunnel syndrome, see an orthopedist to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. A specialist will tell you how to get rid of unpleasant symptoms and avoid their occurrence in the future. If necessary, he will prescribe you painkillers such as Diclofenac or Ibuprofen.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is characterized by a positive Tinel sign. It manifests itself as increased pain when tapping a finger on the site of a pinched nerve.

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September 27, 2019

• Pinched nerve in the elbow joint - symptoms and treatment of the disease

Ulnar nerve entrapment is a common condition and is usually not serious. However, it can cause serious complications if left untreated, such as paralysis and loss of sensation in the affected arm or hand. Timely diagnosis and treatment in most cases lead to full recovery.

The ulnar nerve is a long nerve of the brachial plexus that provides sensation to the 4th and 5th fingers and mobility of the hand and fingers. The nerve gets its name from its location near the ulna bone. The ulnar nerve begins in the neck and runs through the entire arm to the fingers, innervating the flexor muscles of the arm.

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Because the ulnar nerve runs the entire length of the arm, there are several areas along its path where it can become damaged. The pressure and irritation is called an ulnar nerve entrapment. This is the 2nd most common painful pinched nerve in the upper body, scientists say.

The ulnar nerve can become pinched anywhere along its course, but most often it occurs at or near the crease of the elbow. This disorder is known as cubital tunnel syndrome. Less commonly, the ulnar nerve becomes pinched in the wrist area.

The most common cause of a pinched ulnar nerve is compression, researchers say. It can occur when a person leans on the elbow for a long time, when the nerve slips out of place when bending the elbow, from fluid accumulation in the elbow joint, from injuries and bone spurs of the elbow, from arthrosis or swelling of the elbow or wrist, as well as from repeated prolonged flexion and extension. hands at the elbow joint.

Some symptoms of ulnar nerve entrapment may occur in the elbow joint, but most symptoms involve the palm and fingers. Many symptoms are more severe when the arm is bent at the elbow.

Symptoms of a pinched ulnar nerve include numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, poor hand control, difficulty controlling the fingers when performing tasks (such as typing on a keyboard or playing instruments), sensitivity to cold, pain or weakness in the elbow joint, and late stages of the disease - muscle atrophy.

Early diagnosis of ulnar nerve entrapment can usually help avoid long-term loss of function and sensation in the hand and fingers, scientists say. If symptoms of the disorder persist for several weeks, you should seek medical help.

• Diseases that cause pain in human elbow joints, a list of causes and symptoms

Treatment for ulnar nerve entrapment depends on the severity of the disorder. For mild cases, treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling, orthodontic braces or splints to keep the elbow in a straight position overnight, and physical therapy. In severe cases of ulnar nerve entrapment, surgery is indicated.

To prevent ulnar nerve pinching, scientists recommend avoiding any activity that involves repeated flexion and extension of the elbow, adopting a correct posture when working at the computer, keeping the elbow joint straight at night, not leaning on the elbow, and avoiding putting pressure on it. By following these rules, most people can avoid the appearance of unpleasant symptoms, experts say.

Based on materials from www.medicalnewstoday.com

At an appointment with a surgeon, you can often hear the question of why your elbow hurts and your hand goes numb. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. Each case must be considered in the context of concomitant symptoms and the presence of chronic diseases, the musculoskeletal system, the cardiovascular system, and the endocrine system.

Causes of numbness in limbs

Numbness of the limbs can occur due to pathological processes in the peripheral nerves, in the presence of disorders in the spinal cord and brain. Numbness can occur with:

• Vasculitis or stroke, they worsen, block the blood supply to the nerves.
• Injury or neuropathy of the sensory pathway.
• Compression on any part of the route.
• Nerve infections (leprosy, HIV, Lyme disease).
• Inflammation or destruction of the outer layer of nerves.
• Metabolic disorders (diabetes, heavy metal or toxin poisoning).

It is also worth paying attention to excessive pressure on the nerves, repeated for a long time, for example, crossed legs when sitting. Narrowing of the lumen in the spinal canal, osteoarthritis, damage to the intervertebral discs. Pressure near the spinal cord due to a tumor, hematoma, or damage to the spinal cord due to trauma. Only a neurologist can more accurately determine the cause of numbness. The following are common causes of numbness in body parts:

• The head area and areas of the face may become numb due to: fungal infection, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, herpes zoster, trigeminal neuralgia, stroke, migraine and osteochondrosis.
• The torso area becomes numb in the presence of: suspicion of radiculitis, intercostal neuralgia, coronary heart disease, pathologies of the genitourinary system, kyphosis.
• Hands may go numb due to: diseases of the spine, diabetes and intoxication, disturbances in the functioning of the heart.
• Fingers may go numb due to: a hernia in the spine, hand injury, heart disease, carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Legs and toes go numb with: the presence of hernias, cauda equina syndrome, osteochondrosis and pinched sciatic nerve. Various types of varicose veins, atherosclerosis and arthritis may be present.

Relatively safe causes of the pathological condition

First of all, you should make sure that the pain in the elbow and numbness in the hand are not associated with a banal injury. Often, soft tissue bruises cause swelling, which puts pressure on blood vessels and veins, impairing blood circulation.

What else you need to pay attention to:

• the presence of bad habits (weakening of blood flow may be associated with alcohol abuse, smoking);
• comfort of a night's rest (uncomfortable pillow, tight sleep clothes often become a source of discomfort);
• professional duties (elbow hurts and hand goes numb with prolonged use).

The risk group usually includes professional athletes, manual workers (loaders, construction workers), and chiropractors.

Treatment of numbness

After diagnosis, the neurologist will select the appropriate treatment method. Our specialists use the most proven and effective methods to prevent inflammatory processes, restore blood flow and improve nutrition in tissues:

• Reflexology.
• Medical massage.
• Therapeutic physical education, kinesiotherapy.
• Manual therapy and osteopathy.
• Ozone therapy, shock wave therapy.

Depending on the suspected cause of numbness in the extremities, appropriate types of diagnostics are prescribed:

• X-ray – used for possible disorders of the spine or skull, its base.
• Angiography is used in the diagnosis of blood vessels; it is also possible to prescribe ultrasound, CT, and MRI.

If spontaneous tingling or numbness occurs in any part of the body, you should immediately contact a specialist. Ignoring such problems can lead to serious complications, causing surgery or disability. Medical specialists have more than thirty years of experience in neurology, which allows them to accurately, quickly and efficiently determine the cause of an emerging illness. Take care of your health and do not ignore your body's signals!

Make an appointment with a Neurologist

When to seek help from doctors

Unfortunately, many people underestimate the danger of poor circulation. Specialists note that swelling, pain in the elbow and numbness in the hand may be the body’s first warning signs of a sharp deterioration in the condition of the heart and blood vessels, which means an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

You should consult your doctor if:

• What to do if your elbow hurts and your hand goes numb

• unpleasant sensations occur only in the left hand;
• numbness affects other parts of the spine (neck, chest);
• discomfort does not go away for a long time.

It is very important to exclude thrombosis and other diseases characterized by blockage of blood vessels.

What diseases cause pain in the elbow and numbness in the hand?

The most dangerous condition is considered to be one in which discomfort most often occurs on the left side of the chest. In this case, you must immediately call an ambulance. Doctors must rule out a pre-infarction condition.

In addition to the cardiovascular system, other parts may also be affected. Most often, the described symptoms affect the spine and nerve endings.

1. Rheumatoid arthritis provokes an inflammatory process that can manifest itself as pain in the elbow and numbness in the hands.
2. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine causes disturbances in the functioning of the circulatory system. Intervertebral discs do not receive enough nutrients and oxygen and are gradually destroyed.
3. Atherosclerosis is characterized by the accelerated formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels. The lumen decreases, and interruptions in blood flow begin.
4. Neoplasms in the brain or spinal cord. Fortunately, such diseases are diagnosed quite rarely. The tumor compresses the nerve endings, causing discomfort.
5. Raynaud's disease can be determined after a hardware examination. The elbow hurts and the hand goes numb due to pathological damage to small vessels.

Separately, it is necessary to highlight tunnel syndrome. This disease develops during prolonged work at the computer. Symptoms of the pathological condition occur when the nerve responsible for wrist movements is compressed.

Osteochondrosis as a cause of paresthesia

A tingling sensation in the left limb may appear with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. The reason is pinching of the roots involved in the formation of the nerves of the forearm. People with osteochondrosis rarely experience numbness in any specific part of the arm. As a rule, paresthesia spreads to the neck, shoulders and both upper limbs.

If your left arm is numb from the elbow to the fingers, consult a cardiologist. Paresthesia can be one of the first signs of angina pectoris, a dangerous heart disease.