Have you ever awoken to a numb hand? This is the result of one or more of the nerves in the arm being either clamped or stretched due to sleeping position. One of the most common nerves involved in this type of numbness is the ulnar nerve, as it passes around the elbow joint in such a way that it is easily bothered.
Ulnar nerve irritation is commonly referred to as the “funny bone” feeling that results from hitting one’s elbow on a corner in just the right way. (The feeling of jarring your ulnar nerve certainly isn’t funny, someone should change the name.) Numbness is manifested in the pinky finger and in the lateral half of the ring finger. This is not to be confused with the median nerve, which provides sensation to the tips of the middle finger, index finger, and thumb.
Illus #1: Sock puppet finger position
Stress on the ulnar nerve from sleeping comes from keeping the elbow flexed, usually more than ninety degrees, for a long period of time. Sleeping in the fetal position, wrapping a pillow around your head with your arms, or sleeping on top of a flexed elbow can all result in ulnar nerve strain. Most of the time our body will give us cues to move in our sleep and lessen the tension on the nerve. If we are sleeping very soundly, however, we may stay in a bad position for too long. Drinking alcohol before going to bed is not a great idea because sedatives tend to lessen our awareness of stress while asleep. Clinicians have dubbed the phenomena of alcohol-induced nerve damage from sustained elbow flexion as the “Saturday night special.”
Illus #2: Stressed ulnar nerve
Ulnar nerve irritation can become quite a problem if it is not dealt with. The early stages of irritation present themselves mainly with the numbness described above. If the nerve is repeatedly stressed, the muscles that are innervated by the ulnar nerve will start to become weaker.
If you wake up with numbness in your fingers, try to make a “sock puppet” position with your hand (see Illustration #1, above right).
If the ulnar nerve is highly stressed, the muscles of the last two fingers will not be able to hold this position. The result will look something like Illustration #2, above right.
This elbow immobilizer helps prevent harmful arm positions while sleeping.
If this is happening to you, take steps to remove stress on the ulnar nerve. Try to avoid sustained elbow bending when sleeping. If you are unable to do this on your own, it is a good idea to purchase a soft elbow brace that blocks the elbow from flexing excessively. This type of brace can help to keep the elbow relatively straight when sleeping.
It is also a good idea to avoid placing any direct pressure on the elbow. Avoid resting your elbows on a table or other surface while typing or working.
If the abovementioned conservative ideas do not seem to be helping, it is a good idea to see a doctor to see if any other factors are contributing. Also realize that a nerve that is damaged will take an appreciable amount of time to heal.
Approximately how long does the average case take to heal? Assume mild stress to the nerve, resulting in an incessant “pins and needles” sensation, with a conscious effort to allow healing to occur in a timely fashion.
Phil it all depends on how much you stressed the nerve out. There are three medical categories of nerve injuries, the worst ones involve loss of strength in the hand and a resting position of the last two fingers that does not look like the other hand. Those types of injuries can take six months or more to come back.
If it is just numbness that you are experiencing it will heal faster than that, maybe in 2-4 months?? I am also assuming here that you are not actively placing stress on that nerve. Here at physical therapy I will make sure that patients are using the sleeping brace to keep the elbow relatively straight until the symptoms are entirely gone.
I’ve had these symptoms for more then one year. Had physiotherapy (they treat my elbow), massage therapy (they treat my muscle) even had an EMG done (nerves are in good condition) but my fingers aren’t!!!! Why can’t I just get an operation done like they would done if I had carpal tunnel? Symptoms are numbness, pain sometimes, and other times just by touching it it burns. My hand feels cold too. Tell me what I can do other then rubbing myself every night with cream.
Lemay
I would have doctor take a good look at your neck and shoulder / chest. We want to make sure that there isn’t anything happening that has not previously been considered. It probably wouldn’t hurt to get one of those elbow braces to keep you from bending it while you sleep (if you haven’t already).
I’ve gone from constant parenthesis in both ring and pinky fingers to slight (about 40% loss of sensation in the half of ring finger closest to the pinky. I feel like it is getting better with night/day splinting.
The first month was worrisome with the constant tingling though. So I splinter my arm the majority of the day as well. I just stopped day splinting and I wanted to know if it is generally okay for me to move my arm like normal as long as it doesn’t start to irritate the initial symptoms again.
Also my elbow feels painful when working out, I believe it may be tennis elbow possibly from having my arm splinter at a slight angle for most of the day.
This has been the most helpful advice I found on the internet after hours of reading and searching on the internet and seeing a general practitioner doctor. So thank you so much in advance for your expertise and advice.
If the arm is feeling better, I think that it would be okay to start to use your arm in a functional way during the day. Be careful though, I have seen people here in physical therapy that irritate the same nerve by resting their elbows on a chair’s elbow rest. I wouldn’t do that as it places direct pressure on your “funny bone” area (this is the same involved nerve).
If the elbow is painful with workouts, give a bit more time to heal.
Lasst night my ring and pinky fingers on my right hand started to feel like they were sleeping. The feeling has not gone away. I’m able to move all the fingers. I am a diabetic (not a very good one). There is no pain. Iwas just at the Dr last week and everything was good.
Mary it may take a few days for that to subside. In the mean time it is a good idea to make sure that your elbow is not bending too much when you sleep.
I fell January 30 dislocated my shoulder. Er put the arm back. Had MRI. doc said I had a bad tear scheduled surgery for MARCH 27 . Is this length of time normal?
That is a bit of a long time between the injury and the surgery, but in most cases this is not an issue if it is just a labral tear. If the doc is okay with it I wouldn’t worry about it.
Don’t do anything stupid in the mean time Lillian. Nothing risky please.
Hi everyone,
I have had this same tingling sensation and numbness pain (at night mostly) in my left pinky finger and half of my ring finger for about a month now. Wakes me up all the time.
I cannot recall hitting my elbow or any strenuous activity to aggravate the ulnar nerve. I have tried holding my arm in place and changed position while sleeping but it they still go numb especially the pinky finger after a while. A little relief some nights through
I don’t feel these concerns in the day time at all (maybe a just subtle tingling/heating sensation from my lower arm or just my subconscious playing out). Could be as a result of reaction to the winter season or a stiff muscle mass pressing the ulnar nerve, also causing poor blood circulation to my lower left arm? Why the left hand and not the right hand (even when I try to sleep on my right hand)? I just want to have a grasp of what may be going and allow the body to correct itself and also help the doctor get to the root cause and probably avoid multiple visits. Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to us and respond in this forum. I appreciate it.
George have you tried getting a soft splint for the elbow to keep it from bending while you sleep? If it occurs mostly when you sleep then that would be my first guess as to the cause. The ulnar nerve can get caught up a bit in the elbow if it is bent for long periods of time.
Poor circulation generally does not manifest as numbness in the small finger and half of the ring finger. If it were circulatory it would usually be over a larger area than that. Definitely get it sorted out with the doctor.
Hello,
I recently have been experiencing numbness in my left hand ring finger tip (none in the pinky). I first noticed after bringing a heavy load of groceries in from the car where my ring finger was supporting a lot of weight (the person trying to carry a dozen plastic grocery bags, thats me). I am a musician by trade and am concerned that this may not subside quickly.
Any suggestions?
RB
You have to give it time to heal. No carrying, lifting, or otherwise taxing that finger. If you tractioned / pulled a nerve it will likely take a few weeks to heal. If it is not slowly getting better you should go and see a doc.
Hello Dan,
This was a very helpful page. Thank you for the information.
I have been experiencing similar numbing sensation in my right hand ring and pinky fingers for a few months. I am 34, and I use my hands frequently, primarily a computer/mouse at a desk. No other pain or sensations along the ulnar route. I just got back from urgent care because I felt as though it was time for an answer!
The doctor didn’t think it was serious, but did suggest I go to a neurologist to have them check it out. Everything I have read about this, I am guilty of… Elbow on hard desk while using a mouse, push-ups on pavement, even the “Saturday Night Special!”
Does this sound in your opinion to be in-line with an ulnar nerve issue? Even though there is no irritation anywhere in the elbow/neck?
Is proceeding with a neurologist overkill? Or a good idea in this case?
Just looking for some general input.
Thank you very much!
Erik
It cannot hurt for the neurologist to confirm it. The neurologist can tell you exactly where the entrapment is (elbow, forearm, or hand) by doing an emg.
Thank you very much!
E
Good Morning Dan,
I am glad to have found this site and read your column since I needed some answer regarding the general topic of numbness on fingers specially the left pinky finger and my ring finger. Its 2:30 in the morning and obviously I was awaken due to this numbness and was very concern about it.
I felt that the numb sensation originated from my left elbow which radiates to my fingers(small pinky and ring finger). the fact that I was awaken due to this sensation is alarming to me. The thought of impending heart problem specially at 53 yrs of age is really of great concern.
Thank You for your time,
Vic
Glad to be of help!
Since October 2014, I’ve had stiffness from the left side of my neck, to the back of my left shoulder/scapula/trapezius, to my left pec. I always have a tight feeling in my pec minor that no amount of stretching will alleviate. I also have a pulling/tingling sensation from my tricep to the teres minor when I raise my arm above my head. To top things off, I do wake up on occasion with the numb feeling from my left elbow to the ring and pink fingers.
What could be the cause of such symptoms? No significant trauma, but this has been an issue for nearly 5-6 months. Rotator cuff?
Andrew I would get it checked out by the MD. The numbness from the elbow to the small finger can be explained by the ulnar nerve entrapment fro sleeping with the elbow bent, but the rest needs a trained eye to get answers.
My guess is that you might have an issue with one of the nerve roots coming out of your cervical (neck) vertebrae.
At first my 3rd and 4th finger on my left hand would cause me alot of pain,especially when I was sleeping. I would hang it off bed touching the floor to relieve some of pain,but not totally. If I would rub on it, it just made the pain worse. And i would have numbness. But here recently no pain, but my 4th finger stays numb now. Like all the time. And only half of my middle finger is numb. Still comes with pain. But not as bad as before. The pain would actually wake me up from a deep sleep. And i am a heavy sleeper. What do you think is wrong? And what can I do for it? I don’t have money to go see a doctor. Please any advise
It sounds like the ulnar nerve is being irritated. I would try getting a soft brace for your elbow that keeps the elbow from bending excessively while you sleep. I would also stay away from putting direct pressure on your elbow when you are sitting.
Hi there,
I was diagnosed with bi-lateral forearm tendonitis and then another one added bi-lat epicondyl…
my problem is typing. I type for my job and apparently this is the problem. No one will give me injections because they don’t know where to put them since I have pain in a lot of places on my arms…..mostly writs, forearms and elbows…I do not have carpal, been tested twice for that…..my left two finders(pinky and ring) are numb and tingly for so long now I want to chop my arm off(I won’t of course) but feel like running out of the building screaming sometimes. Isn’t there something they can do to determine what is the cause in there and fix it?
Get an ergonomic consult for your workspace. You need an adjustable keyboard tray at the very least. I would also go and see a good PT.
If you use your phone for texting etc., stop it for a good month.
thank you. Yes, I use a split keyboard for awhile now. They have sent me to trigger point massage and it is very painful. I don’t text or anything on a phone. just type all day long.
There is no magic way to look at the arm as a whole and see what to do with it? Like an MRI?
Not really. You could get an EMG to see exactly where the ulnar nerve is getting trapped and causing your fingers to go numb, but the forearm tendonitis sounds to me like it is over-use.
It might be worth your time to go and see a physiatrist (physical medicine doctor). You might get a better explanation through that channel.
So I am a gamer and a mother and an in home care provider. Recently I found a game I love a lot and I went a bit overboard playing it. I played for roughly a 24hr period and noticed when I took my hands away from the keyboard the fingers on my left hand wont work right and there is that numbness in my pinky and ring finger…also the tip of my thumb. My fingers aren’t working the way they used to now and I am terrified I wont be able to game any more….or feel my fingers
That ulnar nerve that is discussed in the article also is fairly superficial at the level of the wrist. You probably put pressure on that nerve while your hand was resting on the keyboard. Ease off the keyboard and hand-held devices for a while.
If the numbness doesn’t get any better I would see a doc. In most cases the nubness will slowly go away by itself, but if you are concerned I would see the doc.
Also all of my fingers on my left hand wont widen out and I can’t straighten my fingers and the base of my hand hurts
Ok thank you for your advice
. any idea of how long I should wait before going to the doctor.
Eh, based on what you are saying Cinnamon I would get in soon. If you call a doc’s office and tell them what is going on they may also give you some guidance in terms of how soon to get in.
Ok thanks again
Good morning and I enjoy reading your site. Question is, I was working in my attic last night and leaned on the outside of my hand on all 4’sides for approximately 20 minutes. My left hand fingers 4 and 5 were numb and tingly. The sensation has gotten batter by this morning but still pressure feeling and some tingly. How long can I expect to “re-liven” feeling again. Also, I have a ball of foot pain and what is your opinion on a deep tissue ” stone bruise” and length of time to heal? Thank you.
Dan it may take a week or so for it to go away. In the mean time do not put pressure on the outside of the hand, and do not keep your elbow bent for long periods of time.
If it gets worse, or if the pain does not get a lot better in a week I would see a doc.
I’m 21 years old and recently I’ve been having issues when I wake up from naps or normal sleep. When I sleep on my side I’ve been finding my pinky toe going numb and sometimes my hands or fingers at random. Now today I took a nap and I felt this weird numbness from my wrist to my elbow. I am also feeling it on my foot from the top part on my left and left knee. This had never happened to me before and I would like appreciate it if you could give some idea of what it may or may not be.
Ileana given that it happens when you sleep my guess is that it has to do with your sleeping positions. Nerves can get pinched with different degrees of knee and elbow bending. I would visit your primary care physician and have him do a quick assessment.
I clean houses for a living and clean all day 5 days a week. My pinky and ring finger have been going numb and tingling every night . right now as I lay on the couch typing this on my phone my ingex finger on the same hand is tingling and nb feeling. I have pain in elbow as I clean. Always the right arm is the problem. Also have pinpoint severe burning in a muscle near back of neck on right side between neck and shoulder when I’m cleaning and doing a lot of scrubbing. I want to know what kind of treatment should I look into. No narcotics.
I would see an orthopedist Charlotte. The numbness could be coming from the nerve getting pinched at your elbow, but it could also be coming from the nerve as it exits your neck. It is difficult to tell based on what you have said.
In the mean time I would try to keep the elbow from bending too much when you sleep.
Hi,
Over the last two to three weeks I have been waking up during the night with my ring and pinky finger going numb, for the last two to three weeks I have been told to wear a wrist brace given the high likelihood of carpal tunnel so the brace was to help rest the nerve. It is only since I have been wearing the brace that I have noticed these two fingers going numb before that it was pretty much my hand going numb or tingling. I’ve also been experiencing tingling and numbness in my hand when at yoga mainly in any position where our hands are flat on the floor. I have ‘referred’ pain in my shoulder – well they believe it is referred pain. I am discussing the need for nerve conduction studies with my doctor this week, I was wondering would you suggest that when I have the conduction studies done I have both the carpal nerve and the ulna nerve tested?
Also any helpful hints would be great
I would keep the elbow from bending too much when sleeping as well (in addition to the wrist). The EMG should tell your doc where the nerve(s) is / are being impinged. It makes it easier to treat if we know where to focus. I think that the EMG should automatically check both of those nerves? If not, ask the doc if they should do both. It sounds like a good idea to check both.
Thank you, I saw my doctor today who has referred me on to see a neurologist and also prescribed Lyrica 75mg twice a day until I can get in and quite possibly longer all depending on what happens at the neurologist. My doctor has switched from ordering the tests himself to getting a full neurological consultation and allowing the neurologist to decide what further tests are required more than likely a MRI and EMG to see what is going on.
I shall attempt to keep my elbow from bending too much and see how I go.
Wow great article…..I’ve had 2 shoulder surgeries..both for labrum repair…every night since I started having shoulder troubles I’ve woken up on the morning with my ring and pinky finger on my left hand completely numb. This is issue has gone on for about 6 yrs and is now starting to affect my right arm…..until now I just thought it was a side effect from the dislocations or surgeries……any advice on how should go about preventing this? Is this something I should see a doctor about? Could this become serious?
Brandon if it is happening on the side that you are sleeping on, try to avoid sleeping on the side. Sometimes the shoulder that you sleep on will get pushed forward and cause some irritation. It could also be possible that you are sleeping with the elbow bent excessively. If you think that is the case, see if you can sleep with the elbow in a more straightened position.
If you were to see a doc about it, he or she could probably do some tests to isolate out where the numbness is coming from.
During a workout four days ago, my outer two fingers (ring and pinky) went numb on both hands. At first I just thought I was gripping my dumbbells too tight. But it hasn’t gone away. The numbness on my right hand comes and goes but it is constant in between my left ring and pinky finger. The majority of that workout was spent doing push ups with dumbbells as well as planking variations with dumbbells. Does this sound like an ulnar nerve entrapment in the wrist or elbow? I have to add that I am fused from C4-C7 since 2013. Should I possibly be concerned about a herniation at C7-T1? That thought makes me very nervous. I talked to my doctor’s office and have decided to wait a few more days to see if it gets better on its own.
Michele it is a bit strange that it happened in both hands. Usually if the ulnar nerve pinch is coming from the elbow or hand it usually only manifests on one side. It is possible that you tweaked both because of the type of exercises you were doing.
Because of the fusion and the bilateral symptoms however my money is on irritation at the neck. I would have the doc check you out to be safe.
I’ve had the same numbness (right) vary minimal (left) extreme. .. 30 days ago bowling stressed right shoulder seen the doc.. pain pills for 25 days till pain in shoulder was 99% gone.. 1-day after stop taking meds..the numbness started. .. Has lasted about 4 days… should I be concerned?
Let the doc know. It does usually take quite a bit of time for neurological tissue to heal when it is strained like that. It could take another month or so.
Hi,
I have been battling numbness in my hands for some time in particular my right hand and even more so my ring and pinky fingers – i lose feeling in them often but if i concentrate i can use them a little better.
I have an old injury on the pinky and it does not grow correctly but has never given me any pain. I have seen a Dr. and had X rays and the advice was it would most likely cause arthritis and if i wanted to get it fixed it would require micro surgery. I also have other hand and arm injuries through sport growing up.
I have also had some minor anxiety issues in which this first started occurring (or i noticed the loss of movement) i thought i was having a stroke and i slowly got used to the numbness in my hand, although it seems to come and go.
One thing i should add is i use my iphone and ipad etc a lot and mostly when laying down in bed..
Thanks for the help because it kinda freaks me out
David I do not think that your pinky injury and growth problem has anything to do with your numbness.
I would have a neurological work-up done by a neurologist. I would have a physical and make sure that all of the bloodwork looks good.
There are factors that can make nerves more susceptible to irritation. If your blood sugar is off that could be an underlying problem, or it could be propping your head up while in bed causing stress to the nerve roots that come out of the spine. In the mean time I would try doing the iPad work sitting up.
Hi! Thanks so much for taking the time to read these comments. I have this numbness issue whenever I am sleeping and whenever I come out of a slumber. Not just my pinky and ring finger but my entire lower half of my forearm. It only happens with my left arm. It doesn’t happen all the time, maybe just twice a week but it’s annoying and uncomfortable. This first started happening after I had jaw surgery in the summer of 2013. I’m not sure how this is connected to my numbness at all but I know for a fact that it only started happening immediately after the surgery. The last time I told my doctor about this she dismissed it so I’m not really sure what to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
I forgot to add… Why is it that this only happens when I am falling asleep or waking up? I find it so weird! It never happens at any other time!
KK if it were a nerve or nerves, you would have a specific pattern of numbness. Are you sure that it is your entire lower arm / hand? Next time it happens, test all of your fingers with a pen tip or something like that to see if all of the fingers have sensation.
If it all goes numb, maybe it is more of a blood flow thing? The brachial artery could possibly get a bit cramped at the elbow. Lots of people will sleep with the elbow flexed, and this could be causing it. You could try getting a soft brace that keeps the elbow from bending excessively.
If your doc is dismissive a about it, find another doc who will look at the problem with a fresh eye.
i suffered a cut wound on Palmer aspect of right hand now i have a inability of full extension of the pinky and ring fingers P.s sensation and movement exist but side movement is totally missed, i have a claw hand now i wonder if it will heal or i need a surgery, been a month since the injury took a place, strength of the hand improved during this month.
Mahmoud I would see a doctor about this, you may have cut a small nerve that goes to several of the muscles in the hand.
well, maybe i got muscle tear or wasting also?, i wanna know if only nerve injury can cause this little claw hand or muscle can cause claw hand also, and what if its a muscle tear or waste what is the suitable physical therapy
It is most likely the nerve that is injured, not the muscle. I would see a doctor either way.
See the doc Meranda. We need to figure out where and how the nerve is getting pinched.
Harry you might want to get an x-ray to make sure that you did not get a tiny fracture in one of those carpals or metacarpals. Those last two fingers do not have as much ligamentous support as the other fingers have. The ulnar nerve is likely being irritated somewhere in your wrist or hand. I do not think that the nerve is being irritated up at your elbow.
It might heal by itself, but I would still get an x-ray.
The rubber band probably did that. In terms of the extent of nerve damage, it depends on how long the finger was sectioned off for, but if the nerve is clamped just the right way it does not take too long for damage to occur. If the numbness does not improve I would see a doc about it.
I have been a driver by profession for the last fours years. I spend almost 8 hours a day driving . I constantly rest my left elbow on the door arm rest of the vehicle. I rarely do that with my right elbow since it’s the one that I usually use to hold the steering wheel. I know its not conventional to drive with one arm but trust me, after staying on the road for more than three hours all things conventional go out of the window. It’s a habit that I knew would one day cost me.
In the last month or so, I have been experiencing pain in and around my elbow but I’m afraid of kneading around it to try and find wear exactly it’s coming from for fear triggering the ‘funny bone’. The pain comes and goes.
Occasionally, i’ve been waking up in the middle of the night with a numbness in my pinky and ring finger. I have been ignoring it but for the first time tonight, my pinky and ring finger were numb and bent and wouldn’t hold position but only after a couple of minutes. So here I’m googling away in the middle of the night trying to find out what’s wrong.
Should I seek medical attention or just avoid some of the causes of this problem and it will eventually go away?
I would do both. You need to figure out a way to keep that elbow off the side rest when it is flexed, and you probably should also try to keep the arm relatively straight while you sleep. There is a brace that can do that.
I would also see a doc to get an opinion.
I got not so deep cut from a sharp object that impacted to my palm, the cut itself was not too deep and didn’t bleed that much but the impact of the object toward my palm caused sever pain and immediately after the incident my ring finger and part of the pinky got numb, two days later one side of my ring finger is still in that numb condition.. How long it usually takes that the feeling comes back to the fingers? Should
i go to the doctor?
Nadia I would definitely see the doctor. You might have cut one of the superficial nerves in the hand. That is not by itself a huge deal, but get it checked out anyways. If you just bruised the hand from the impact of the object and put pressure on the nerve, it may take several weeks for that to slowly go away. Realize Nadia that I am just guessing here. See the doc.
Hi Dan,
I’m actually a licensed massage therapist and recently have been getting the numbness on my left hand, but only from my ring finger not my pinky and ring finger. I right away thought of the ulnar nerve but the fact that it’s only my ring finger I’m not sure what to think, I do use my elbows a lot while working on clients that want more pressure. At first it was just sometimes that I’d get the numbness but the last few days I’ve been having it no matter what I do. I’m also 8.5 months pregnant so can’t really go on any medications or get xrays done.
I would lay off the elbow manual work with clients for a few weeks and see what happens. Try using the forearms instead of the elbows maybe? I would also try to avoid excessive elbow flexion while sleeping.
hi, so this morning i woke up with “wrist pain” i complained at first but tried to ignore it. The pain continued all day. i started to realize it was starting at the elbow and then to the wrist from there to my fingers. This is a very dull achy throbbing pain. i feels like the pain of hitting the “funny bone” just constant. I am a little worried because i am only 18 and i don’t know what is going on. I have in the past woke up with a completely numbed “asleep” arm where i would have to physically pick it up with my other arm and move it. I am a deep heavy sleeper and i sleep on my stomach and my arms under my pillow. at what point should i see a doctor? this pain is very distracting.
It wouldn’t hurt to make an appointment to see an orthopedist who specializes in upper extremities. You are probably pinching one of the nerves running down the arm with your sleeping position. My guess is that the nerve is probably being pinched at the elbow.
My left baby finger is num all the time lately, and I don’t know why but I’m scared.
That happens a lot from placing the wrists on a table while typing at the computer. I would get it checked out by a doc. It is a lot easier to deal with something like that when we know where in the arm the irritation is coming from.
Jordan it may take many weeks for that to come back, but I would definitely see a doc and get it assessed. It is possible that you fractured the elbow. In the mean time I would not bend the elbow too deeply as that places stress on the ulnar nerve.
well. I don’t know what happen. Out of the blue my pinky and some of my ring finger got numb. its been like that for awhile now. I don’t feel any pain. I feel most of the numbness at the tips of my finger, every once in awhile there tingling comes and goes. I do have full function in my hand, no weakness. The tips of my fingers are cold at time too. Do I need to see my doc. or can I find away to fix it on my own?
what should I do?
Try keeping your elbow from bending excessively while you sleep, sometimes that is the cause (Especially if it is worse when you wake up). You can get a soft brace online that will keep it from bending too much. Of course it is always recommended to see the doctor to get an opinion.
Hi Dan, thanks so much for answering our questions. You rock!
I irritated my ulnar nerve by leaning on my arm rest too much — no pain or numbness, just some intermittent tingling in pinky and ring fingers and a little stiff feeling in the elbow. I’ve followed your suggestions, but I’ve also seen some nerve flossing stretches online — what do you think of those? Also they seem to vary a lot in how much they say you should exercise it — every other day, three times a day, etc. Any opinion on that?
Thanks again!
oh and using ice packs — yay or nay??
I like the flossing exercises, but nerves do not like to be stretched for long periods of time. Keep the stretches short in duration. Once a day should be plenty.
Ice packs placed directly on the nerve may not be a great idea. Avoid using the ice near the “funny bone” portion of the ulnar nerve.
It may have been the way that your elbow was placed during the surgery. It should go away slowly. If it doesn’t, I would ask the doctor about it.
In the mean time, I would try to avoid bending the elbow too much while sleeping.
Hey doc, numbness in my pinky and ring finger on my left hand happen too for my taste, I’m getting worried. I won’t need surgery will I? And could it be something other than ulnar nerve irritation? Thanks ..
Too much **
If it is the ring and pinky finger, it is almost certain that it is the ulnar nerve. I would check with the doc and see what it up with it. A lot of the time you don’t need surgery.
I haven’t heard of a frozen shoulder causing specific numbness in the ulnar nerve like that. The more likely explanation is sustained bending of the elbow, but I would ask the MD about it.
Try to keep your elbow from staying in a bent position, and try to not to place weight through your elbows when you type for the time being. There are some nerve glides that you could try, but get cleared by the MD first. The nerve glides are on our site, media tab, password is “patient”. Under the cervical spine / neck heading.
I have be seeing my Physiatrist & 2 neurologist for 13 months, after having my pinky & ring finger L hand, as well as my big toe & 2 & 3rd toes go tingly/ numb on the same day. I had been doing an extensive amount of gardening/ shoveling. I went through spine MRI and 3 x nerve conduction studies & they tell me I have concurrent nerve compression injuries they think in my arm(ulnar) nd most probably knee ( peroneal) nerves even though the conductions tests are negative. I did a 6 PT sessions with nerve flossing for elbow, no PT for leg, when 1 Dr thought my injury was mild spinal stenosis in some discs, but not the correct ones to inervate my arm,leg. Other Dr said not enough stenosis to cause any symptoms. Now they say there is nothing to be done to help relieve my distress except nortriptyline to alter the tingling but still have numbness. I don’t want to take this drug indefinitely, been on it 9 mths. they say nothing else to try. I don’t even know for sure where the nerve compression is. They say it may just go away over time. It’s been 13 months. Do not know what to do, feel very frustrated, should I change Dr’s until I get one who doesn’t just say wait & see some more. Really affecting my quality of life, tingling/ numbness never off my mind. Nortriptyline helps me sleep better but still uncomfortable most all days. Started nerve flossing myself from online exercises. Please give me your opinion on this.
I would certainly get another opinion from a doc Lisa. This condition sounds very tricky. I would maybe go to a regional center that has neurological specialists (John Hopkins for example or the Mayo Clinic).
Cody I would have the doc check it out. It is a little strange that it is on both sides. That makes it more probable that the problem might be one of the discs in your neck. If that was the case, it is not the end of the work, don’t freak out. If you sit at a desk all day that can often contribute to symptoms like the ones you describe. Have your ergonomic set-up checked out.
I have been experiencing lower back issues and seeing a chiropractor. Some of my symptoms were dull aching pains in my hips and lower back as well as numbing in my left side and outer left hand. Shortly after the adjustments, my back began to get back to normal and the numbing in my side was also subsiding. But the numbness in my hand and fingers got worse before getting better. Its been 3 weeks and the chiropractor says its a sublimation in my neck. I’ve tried your suggestion but there really only seems to be any change good or bad, after an adjustment. But within a day, its back to normal numbing and tingling. Should I just continue to trust my chiropractor and just assume it will take time, or do you recommend an alternative?
Subluxation
Hmmmmm I would see a doc. The last two fingers are innervated by the ulnar nerve, and the ulnar nerve comes out of multiple cervical nerve roots. We need to figure out exactly where that ulnar nerve is getting pinched. Have a MD do some testing, especially if it is not going away.
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The ulnar nerve might be getting pinched near the fracture site. It is worth talking to a doc about it. There would have to be some type of imaging to determine exactly what is going on.
It is also possible that if your elbow was immobilized in a bent position the ulnar nerve was stressed. If this was the case it would likely take several months to get better. Neural tissue heals much slower than just about everything else doe sin the body.
I have had pain in my right forearm, elbow and numbness in my pinky finger with some numbness in my ring finger. I also have pain that comes and goes in my upper arm. the majority is in my forearm and wrist.
Through an MRI an ortho determined that I have a pinched nerve in C7 t1. I think it may be a misdiagnosis.
I have been pushing my daughter in her buggy for the past several weeks while the buggy would pull to the right and I was correcting the pull with my hand, wrist and elbow. When I sit I also feel pain in my right center shoulder. This has been going on for about five weeks. I want to avoid surgery. What are my chances of avoiding surgery and what can I do to get back to normal? The right side of my hand and forearm are the worst. Please advise. i want to hold my daughter again without pain in my arm. Marc
That is a tough one. The nerve root that would be compressed between C7 and T1 does have innervation in the lower arm, so that is at least partially consistent with your symptoms. If looking up at the ceiling (putting your neck in to extension) caused the pain in the arm to be more noticeable that would confirm that the nerve root up in the neck may be involved.
The pushing of your daughter does sound like it could fire up the muscles and tendons in the forearm, hand, and the shoulder. I would give the arm a rest and if possible see a PT to get some ideas in terms of gentle strengthening and stretching. It is premature to consider surgery for this, give it some more time to heal without overusing the arm.
I am experiencing numbness in my right pinky and the outside of my hand. There is a pain in the elbow and occasionally the wrist. The neurologist performed an emg and said there is no evidence of damage to the ulnar nerve. 12 years ago I had a cervical fusion and had c4,5,& 6 replaced with titanium screws.
Is there a chance that this could now be causing a problem? I have an appt in a week with a neurosurgeon so that I could get an mri.
Thoughts please, it’s making me crazy
The lower cervical nerve roots do have innervation to the outside of the hand (mostly C6 I believe). It is possible that the C6 nerve root is perturbed up by the cervical spine.
I wouldn’t freak out, given that your EMG doesn’t look bad.
I woke up this morning with numbness in my pinky and ring fingers and part of the side of my right hand. This has happened to me before while sleeping but I usually wake up and change positions. However the numbness is not going away. What could be the problem and how do I fix it? I am freaking out about this. How long will this take to heal?
It may take several days to go away. Neural tissue when it is stressed heals more slowly. In the mean time I would keep the elbow from bending too much, particularly when you are sleeping. It is always a good idea to talk to your doc about it as well. If the hand is weak that is definitely a sign to see the doc.
Dan…I have numbness/weakness in my left pinkie as of 3 days ago(I am right handed) ..but I felt it being weak for a few weeks. I am recovering from a torn left shoulder Rotator Cuff and have altered hand, wrist, arm movement for 6 months while losing a lot of muscle mass and biomechanics..a month ago 2 things happened…1st I did a foam roller exercise on my back and when I tilted my head all the way back I got vertigo…but I also tilted it back so not sure if that was a Cervical issue…2nd…I hurt my right hand thumb/wrist from massaging my left shoulder rotator cuff and I’ve been stretching and using my Left wrist/fingers as a guide and support for my right thumb/wrist recovery which may have over-stretched the left wrist ulnar nerve…and…because I thought it was smart to mirror my right wrist recovery…I did some light flexion, extension, and side up and down weight strengthening on the left wrist…and my wrist would crack when I did this…also…in the last few weeks I started a corrective exercise program which included Spine Lengthening, light but simple Head/cervical movements and also many reps per day of Thoracic Glides in a few positions which definitely got my upper Thoracic/Lower Cervical moving…I do sleep sometimes on my left shoulder but my arm is straight…finally…I do use a TV chair with a very hard metal armrest…SO…the reason for my Numbness/Weakness seems to be Ulnar Related which could be Cervical…or could be elbow or could be wrist (I do not have any pain in my neck although its been dipped, moved and glided lately…I do feel some Tennis Elbow soreness sometimes as again my left arm has not been used much in the last 6 months…and I feel most of my weakness/discomfort in my wrist which has been a bit sore from typing and over stretching and light weights and resting on metal and carrying things in a different position. I do not have tingling/numbness in my cervical spine or arm…the only place is the left pinkie. My Corrective Therapist says Ulnar Elbow and did some glides that didn’t seem to work yet…my Massage Therapist said probably Wrist but it could be Cervical….and while he gave me a treatment he said it would take time either way to relieve the pressure and heal the nerve. What are your thoughts? I’m concerned as it’s effecting me physically and emotionally…if it is Ulnar…can changing habits along with treatment ultimately correct & heal this issue? Should I go see my Doctor if it persists longer than a week? Thanks for your support…much appreciated…
Dan…sorry…I should also add that in the last few weeks working with my Corrective Exercise specialist…I have done many range of motion exercises which may have overstretched my arm/elbow including overhead straight elbow circles, arms stretched out front w/elbows straight into full body rotation, touching toes reaches, shoulder circles in various straight arm positions…etc…and having not used my arms much in 6 months recovering from a back to back Shoulder Impingement and Supraspinatus Tear…I sense my elbows/arms are being used…albeit not very aggresively…in an extended/stretched form they are not used to. And I do feel some numbness in my left shoulder when my shoulder/arm is used in these range of motion exercises and the muscle/tendons/scar tissue gets stretched and used (not sure if this would be a pinkie numbness cause)…anyway…I know physically, physiologically, and neurologically I am out of whack having to deal with MANY over-compensation injuries/issues over the past year (aka…the vicious cycle). Anyway…thought I would add the Arm/Elbow Range of Motion stuff. I would have to say my left wrist really started getting weak a few weeks ago when I used it to help my right wrist recover by mirroring stretches/finger exercises/light weights. I then felt my wrist hurt from the over compensation…then the Thoracic Glides and Neck Exercises kicked in…and finally the Range of Motion exercises really stretched the entire Arm/Elbow over the last 2 weeks. I did start to feel weakness in my pinkie over the last 2 weeks…then 3 days ago…it started to go numb. Given the diversity of potential causes..do any ring loud and clear? Thanks again…
I would see an orthopedist if this numbness and weakness does not go away. My money is that it is coming from the wrist or hand, but it is worth getting checked out.
Dan…thank you for the quick reply…I appreciate it. How long should I wait to see if the weakness/numbness goes away? Been about 6 days. It’s a bit better…but still some weakness/numbness (and it does flare up a bit with some activity…and I’m trying to see when it does flare up so I can better confirm the cause area). Does Ulnar Nerve Compression heal and correct itself over time or does it need very specific treatment? Scary thing for me is…the thought of doing wrist stretches and nerve glides is that it may stretch/overstretch other muscles/tendons in my hand, wrist, forearm, elbow…which is what happened when I hurt my right thumb (my wrist was hurting because of the over-compensation when doing normal activity…so the internet said to do flexion, extension stretches of the wrist…and that actually over-stretched and hurt my wrist, forearm and maybe my tennis elbow. And…the internet said one way to re-build wrist strength are light weight flexion, extension, side to side lifts but also finger extension to work the extensor muscles since we primarily use flexor muscles to grip. I did this and I felt tennis elbow…and they say that too much wrist extension can cause tennis elbow. So…what is one to do…). You also mentioned your money on my wrist. I guess typing like this may not be good…are there things to avoid/lesson with my wrist? Thanks again for your time and support :)
There are tons of variables involved here, but in general the nerve will heal itself if the stress is taken off of it. If there is something that is compressing that nerve repetitively, the numbness and weakness will either stick around or possibly get worse. You could try using a wrist brace to protect the palm side of your wrist when you type.
I would probably see the doc at this point to be safe.
I recently had 3 neck fusions first to clean up ruptured disc at c 3-4 2nd one was thru the throat did double fusion c 4-5 and 5-6 still had horrible pain so 2nd opinion I got was I didn’t fuse all the way so they went in posterior and fused from back of neck same discs as anterior that was in may 2015 now I am experiencing numbness in left pinky and ring finger this is new symptom before surgeries it was numbness in right arm and hand. Is this possibly from neck
I would say that it is certainly possible that it is coming from the neck. It would probably be coming from a lower segment in the cervical spine. I would have a doc or a PT check it out.
I had cubital tunnel surgery on June 2 ,2016. I am still tolerating tingling, burning, and shock pains in my hand, half of ring finger and pinky finger. I can’t sleep well st night. Doctor said it will take several months for the nerves to heal. I started feeling the sensation in Feb 2016. What can I do to help relieve this bad feeling. I’m suffering a Nd loosing sleep.I have taken medication pain medication, any other suggestions. I even exercise my hand. Please someone tell me what to do. Thanks
I would keep the elbow from bending too much when you sleep. A soft immobilizer brace should work. I think that we have one on our product link. I think that seeing a physical therapist might also be helpful. YOu might benefit from doing some basic nerve glides, but a PT needs to decide that after evaluating you.
Yesterday I fell asleep on my hand. When I woke up only my ring finger felt numb and tingling until today. How long will it take to heal?
Also I don’t know what to do about it
You really have to wait to let the nerve heal. It could be anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. If it does not at least start feeling less numb in a day or two I would call your doc and ask about it. I would keep the wrist and the elbow from bending too much in the mean time.
When I was pregnant in 2002 I had obtained carpal tunnel in my hands, my doctor told me that once my child was born it will go away it took a couple of weeks and it did. Usually if I sleep a certain way and have my arm bent my hand will go numb or if I’m holding on to something for a long period of time my hand will go numb but it will come back to normal. The other day I was at work and I was pulling on a tray out of a carrier because it was stuck with my right hand and after that my last two fingers became numb and it hasn’t went away it’s been 3 days what should I do?
2012 I mean nother 2002
THE PAST TWO DAYS I HAVE FELT NUMBNESS IN MY RIGHT HAND. MAINLY IN MY PINKY FINGER CONTINUING DOWN INTO THE FATTY PART OF MY RIGHT HAND. I DO HAVE A DESK JOB AND SIT FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME IF THAT MATTERS AT ALL. SOMETIMES I THINK THE NUMBNESS GOES AWAY AND OTHER TIMES I FEEL THE NUMBNESS. I DO DEFINETLY HAVE NUMBNESS BUT OTHER TIMES I THINK ITS ALL IN MY HEAD IF THAT MAKES ANY SENSE. ANY SUGGESTIONS?
You might be resting your wrist on your work desk in such a way that it is compressing the ulnar nerve slightly. I would see if you can rig up your office set up so that you are not resting your wrists while typing.
I just started feeling little tingly in left hand. The pinky and a bit of my ring finger. My elbow as well as hand under pinky area also have that tingly sensation. Will this heal on its own? And I only feel it at night. Please help I’m worried. Thank you.
You are probably sleeping with the elbow bent too much. Try to avoid doing that. If you lessen the strain on the nerve it may take a week or two to go away. If it does not get any better I would reach out to your doctor and get it checked out.
Recently, I’ve just been watching Netflix or YouTube on my phone and my pinky and ring finger in the left hand will start to tingle. At first, I thought it was just the positioning so I tried holding my phone the same way as before and nothing happened. So I went back to my left hand. Every single time I hold my phone with my left hand (I write with my right) my pinky will tingle. Today, my pinky went completely numb for about ten minutes until moved it and shook it for about five minutes. The numbness went all the way down to my wrist, but the wrist and ring finger numbness went away in about three minutes but my pinky would not go away. I’m not really sure what to do about this. Today was the first time it went completely numb, but the tingling has gone on for about a two weeks now. Please respond; thank you.
The ulnar nerve is getting pinched either at your elbow or at your wrist. I would not use the left hand for a while with the phone and let the nerve heal. You could also see your doc so that you can get an idea exactly where you are compressing the nerve.
I am trying to find out exactly what causes a person’s ring and pinky finger from going numb. Served in the U.S. Navy for 34 1/2 years, while, on active duty. My lower extremities feet as well as my hands, began to tingle and slowly go numb; I went to medical had it documented when I retire from the Navy, the situation got even worse to the point my ring and pinky fingers were completely numb, I had surgery in August, but to no avail; because it did not work. I am supposed to see the doctors again in January to see where we go from here. I had submitted a claim for disability to the Veterans Administration; however, my claim was denied because I was told it was not service connected when in fact I joined the military in my early twenties and did not leave the military until I was 56 years old. This is the reason I am trying to get what could be the possible cause. I worked in the engine room on several ships and spent 20 years of my 34 1/2 years out to sea onboard ships. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
That is a tough one Rafael. It sounds like you have sensory nerve issues in all of your extremities. The ulnar nerve (pinky and ring finger) may be involved, but I don’t think that this was caused by elbow flexion as mentioned in the blog. This sounds like something that will require a full medical work up. I would see your primary care physician and get complete blood work done and a neurological screening. I would also see a neurologist. You need a definitive diagnosis.
Whacked my funny bone pretty hard almost a week ago and have been having on and off numbness in my pinky and pinky side of my hand ever since. Also a low, dull pain in the elbow. From reading the comments hear I’m assuming it’s an issue with the ulnar nerve. My question is, how long should I wait before getting it checked out by a doctor? I prefer to let it heal itself, but I don’t want to do damage by failing to address the problem. Is this something that typically goes away on its own? Thank you.
Most of those injuries will heal on their own, it just may take some time (a week or sometimes two). If the symptoms are not getting any better from day to day I would have the doctor check it out. I would also be concerned if you are having muscle weakness in the hand. Try to make the “sock puppet” position with your hand. If the ulnar nerve is problematic, the last two fingers won’t be able to fully go into the “sock puppet” position.
I hit my ulnar nerve do hard once that I saw stars and almost threw up. My last two fingers were numb and weak for a couple of days, but it went away.
Nice info. I have slight numbness in all my fingers on my left hand and toes on my left foot. I cannot do the sock pocket position with my left hand. I have pain that starts from my shoulder to elbow from sleeping on my side on an orthopedic mattress. What can I do.
Well………..I would first try to stop sleeping on my left side. The pattern of numbness does not necessarily reflect an issue with just one nerve. Not being able to do the “sock puppet” position does signify ulnar nerve issues, but it sounds like more than that is going on. I am guessing that the forward position of the shoulder that you are sleeping on is placing strain on the neuro-vascular structures in the shoulder. Lying on your side for long periods of time can do that.
I would see a doc and get an evaluation.
In the last two weeks iv woken up twice with no feeling to my pinky finger and my ring finger fealing weard for a couple seconds but afterward its back to normal.
The ulnar nerve is being compressed while you are sleeping. Try to keep the elbows straighter and see if that makes a difference.
Nvm now my whole right arm feels weird and stings from time to time
And now my hand feels a little bit weak
I would go and see your doc Patrick.
Can you please advise me. I woke up after only being asleep a few hours with numbness and tingling in my left ring and pinky. It’s happened before and gone away but I’ve been up 3 hours now and still feeling it. My left hand is my dominant hand and I am able to make the sock puppet and don’t notice any weakness. I can never fall asleep on my sides so I’m always on my back. When I do try sleeping on my sides, my arms get numb right away so I just avoid that and stay on my back. I’m kind of a baby with injuries and such and have been reading and looking into the issue since it was apparent it wasn’t going away right away. I’m kind of freaking out and the numbness is making me crazy. Can you please offer up any at home remedies or any ideas as to what it may be and how long it will take to heal? I’ve never had any surgeries or other issues. I stretch and pop my neck and back frequently but have never had any pain as a result. I tend to wake up with back discomfort but never this numbness in my fingers that don’t go away after a few minutes of being awake. Thank you for your help. I really do appreciate it.
Any chance it’s a pinched nerve or herniated disk somewhere or would I be in more pain? Sorry, like I said I start reading and freak myself out even more. Went to bed at 2 and woke up at 5 with this issue and even though I’m exhausted, I’m unable to sleep because I lay down and freak out and have to get up pacing and reading hoping it’ll magically go away. Lol. Thabks again for your help and information.
Sorry one last thing. It could totally be mental or it could be helpful to diagnose… I seem to notice it way more when I lay down. It was starting to feel ok so I went to lay down and I felt it again mainly the pinky and ring finger. Hey feel heavy and tingle but also times where it feels like my entire hand is numb and like a heavy/burn sensation.
I would make sure that you are not bending through your elbow when you are sleeping and lying down. You do not have to keep the elbow totally straight, a little bit of bend is okay. If there is just numbness and no motor loss (aka sock puppet test), it is probably just mild. Regardless, I think that it would be a good idea to visit an orthopedist in regards to this. It is also possible that the nerve might be getting irritated up at the level of the neck. It is worth talking to the doc about it.
Don’t freak out, this happens to tons of people.
Thank you very much. Do you think it’s likely it Could it be something that will linger for a long time and need surgery to correct? Or is it more likely to be something that will resolve itself?
I keep trying to shake it and move it in motions like if I was waiving, curling weights, throwing a ball overhand and underhand etc hoping it goes away.
Should I go to urgent care or schedule an appointment with my primary? Would they refer me to an orthopedist or can I just call one myself and schedule an appointment with them? Could be dumb questions but I’ve never really had any health issues so I’m kinda lost as to what I should do. Should I schedule one asap or see if it goes away? Again thanks for your help. Hopefully it’ll give me some piece of mind to relax and be able to sleep.
Going directly to the orthopedist depends on your insurance. Call them and ask. If you went to urgent care, they should be able to point you in the right direction in terms of a referral.
Ok thanks again. One last question. I happened to suffer an injury to my right hand not to long ago. I jammed it on a guys hip playing football. It swelled up and got discolored so went to urgent care and they took x rays and messed with my fingers and said I hyperextended it badly. I left there with no follow ups or splints or anything and it’s now been 2 weeks and it has gotten way better. Only thing is the ring finger is still in pain and won’t straighten all the way. There’s still some minor swelling in the other fingers as well. Should I be concerned about the ligaments or tendons in that ring finger or will it heal ok in time? It looked bad at first, everyone thought for sure I had a boxers fracture but the doc said I should be fine in a week and it’s been 2 so I wasn’t sure if I should go back. Thanks!!
If the range of motion does not gradually improve you might want to talk to the orthopedist about it. The good thing here is that a hand / wrist orthopedist should be able to deal with both diagnoses at the same time.
It does sound like you may have sprained some ligaments in that finger.
You could get a soft elbow immobilizer brace. It will keep your elbow relatively straight as you sleep.
So glad I came across this site. Seems as im not alone. I woke up with my hand, well mostly my pinkie tingly. I came to work and it hasn’t stopped me from doing anything but it’s annoying and I’m constantly thinking about it.
I’ve seen several suggestions on the comments and was wondering how do I know if I need to see the doc or if it’s minor? I can do the puppet. I think I did it right anyways. And it looks nothing like the second picture it mostly resembles the first pic. All was well when I went to bed and I woke up with it. I wasn’t in a fetal position or on my side. My 2 year old son was right next to me so I didn’t have much room to move lol. Thanks for any info.
You could get a soft elbow immobilizer brace. It will keep your elbow relatively straight as you sleep.
Ok. Thabks for the tip. Should I make a trip to urgent care since I don’t have a primary or hold off a while?
It seems something is wrong with my whole arm. When my wife got home I had her feel both without telling her which one was causing numbness and she correctly picked and agreed it was warmer than the other. Also when she squeezed on my triceps it felt different tHan the other one. We’re thinking its inflamed and not sure if it’s anything of concern? Thanks again Dan!
Mike another possibility is that you may have something called “thoracic outlet”, particularly if you feel that the whole arm is involved. All the more reason to see the MD.
Ok thank you very much. Do you recommend any exercises (I heard shrugs) i can do to help the situation if it could be that? Also, I enjoy lifting weights, especially doing bench and curls. Should I stop to reduce this risk or am I ok to keep lifting? Thanks!!
I would see the MD first, because the exercise prescription also depends on how your shoulder blades sit on your ribcage. In general, exercises for the shoulder blades tends to be in order. You should probably see a physical therapist as well: ask the doc for a prescription.
Thanks for the helpful info Dan! Just wanted to let you know I scheduled an appointment, the bad news is it isn’t till early June. The good news is I woke up today and the numbness was gone. I’m still gonna get examined to find out if anything is wrong and I didn’t wanna cancel only to wake up again with that feeling in the arm.
My last question for you is should I retire from weight lifting until I find out what’s going on or can I continue to lift? I don’t get crazy or anything it’s just moderate weight to keep me toned and a mental thing lol. Just feel better about myself when I lift, but it’s not worth it if it’s causing me harm. Thanks for all the responses!!!
I would keep the weight lifting very light for the time being. It is possible that a muscle imbalance can develop over years if for example you are very strong in the chest and arms while weaker in the muscles of the upper back (middle traps, lower traps, etc.)
Cardio is probably fine, but keep in mind that I can’t see what your alignment is over the internet Mike.
Hi!
I jammed my pinkie, ring and middle finger two weeks ago today. The swelling was bad and purple blackish. Now it’s gone and the pinkie and middle finger are normal. However the ring finger still isn’t right. It kinda curves and won’t go straight when I straighten all. I can’t make a fist either cuz it gets tight on the back by the knuckle. I can feel my knuckle now but there’s still some swelling. If I push it straight with the others it’ll go straight but I feel tightness and discomfort on the lower back by the knuckle similar to when I try to clench and make a fist.
Should I be concerned and see a doc or am I being too impatient? I had X-rays and no break. Was surprised they didn’t splint it or anything.
It is possible that you may have fractured that ring finger. The lack of range of motion is normal when there is swelling such as you describe, but the weird angulation that you describe slightly concerns me. I would get an x-ray. No reason to freak out Tiffany, you will be fine.
Thanks Dan! The X-rays were all clear. At this point should I just be patient and let the swelling go down more and the range of motion will slowly return? Any concerns about the tendons or ligaments healing wrong? I asked the doc about that and he had me press on his finger with mine and said I have good strength so it should be ok but I just want to be sure. Banks again!
That is great. I would start with gentle active range of motion periodically during the day. Gently opening your hand and trying to make a closed hand are good ideas: I just wouldn’t place any “over-pressure” with your other hand quite yet. Start gentle and only do what you can using the muscles of the injured hand.
You may also want to consider seeing a PT / hand specialist once or twice to make sure that you are doing the correct exercises at the correct times. The swelling can take a very long time to go away, so be patient.
Ok thank you so much for the advise. I tried to see an orthopedist in he past and was told I needed a referral or it would be very expensive. In this case can I just find and schedule a visit with a physical therapist or hand specialist or do I need a referral for that as well? Thanks Dan.
If you need a referral for an orthopedist, you probably need a referral for PT also. If you call your insurance they should be able to tell you.
i have had this numbness in my fingers for more than 3 weeks what do i do
If it has not gone away I would visit your doctor to see where the ulnar nerve is being stressed.
I have a few things going on:
Both of my hands go numb at night when I lay on my upper arm-mostly the small and ring fingers. This happens when the arms are straight too. This has been going on for a couple months.
A few weeks back I had some should pain on top of both shoulders–felt prickly but didn’t really hurt while active. It eventually went away.
In addition, in the past (maybe 8 months ago), I had a problem with my left big toe going numb–it eventually went away. If I scratch the top of my foot it still tingles. Any thoughts on what might be going on?
If I were to guess John I would say that you are compressing the nerve higher up than at the elbow, probably up where your shoulder meets your shoulder blade. The most plausible solution to this problem is to avoid sleeping directly on the shoulder. Breaking that habit can be tough, but it is worth trying to sleep on your back more consistently and seeing if this makes a positive change.
The big toe is innervated by a specific nerve that exits the lower lumbar spine. That could be a sign that this nerve is being annoyed. If you have it evaluated by a doc he or she could probably tell you if the nerve root is involved.
Thank, you where very helpful
I seem to have a similar issue. Not sure how much is mental or if there is an issue to get looked at.
I feel fine during the day but at night when I lay down I get a weird feeling in both arms. A while back I woke up with numb fingers so now I make sure to sleep on my back. However I still get the feeling of numbness and it wakes or keeps me up at times. I can do the sock puppet no problem and at times my elbow feels tender but nothing major.
Could his be a mental thing based off me waking up with a numb arm and being so paranoid about sleeping on it wrong again? Or could it be something else that causes it only when I lay down, like poor circulation or something? Thanks for the advise.
It sounds like something is placing pressure on one of the nerves when you roll on to your side. It may be happening at your elbow, but it might also be up at the level of the shoulder.
Sometimes the blood circulation is the cause, but in those cases the numbness is all over the hand or arm, not in a specific neural pattern. If the pinky finger and the middle finger are the only parts that are numb, then it is probably a nerve rather than circulation.
Hi Dan,
Just wanted to get your thoughts. I’m the one that jammed my knuckles a while back. It’ll be 3 weeks tomorrow. X-rays 2 days after the incident were all clear. After looking up stuff it’s obvious the swelling is in my knuckles or mcp joints.
Since the day it happened I have noticed improvement in that the swelling on both sides of my hand have gone way way down. The purple and blue Bruising is gone. I can bend all the fingers and all have good range of motion except the ring finger. I’m concerned because there is still visible swelling in each knuckle and I can’t completely straighten the ring finger. I also can’t grip a bat or make a fist yet. When I try a fist it gets tight on the back of my ring finger.
I noticed my good hand can bend at the knuckles very easy (kind of like the motion for the sock puppet) and my bad hand can’t (just the fingers move but don’t go very far). I wanted to see a hand specialist but the urgent care didn’t do anything they just said there was no fracture and I’d be better in a week and sent me out. I’m concerned cuz it’s now been 3 weeks and I heard fractures may not show at first due to swelling.
Would I be in considerable pain if there was a fracture? Would it take longer than 3 weeks for the swelling to go away? And finally, how do I know if there were and serious ligament or tendon issues they missed? Should I waste more money at the urgent care or even er? Or hang in there a couple more weeks and see what happens? Thank you.
It will take waaaaaaaaay longer than three weeks for the swelling to go away. You may be looking at three months, or perhaps longer. Fingers are notoriously slow to drain. I would in the mean time keep up with doing “active range of motion” with the hand, such as opening and closing a fist gently. Do it every day.
X-rays will not show ligamentous damage, but if your fingers did not dislocate with the injury you are probably fine. You would know by the way if they dislocated, they would be off to the side and you would have had to have the doctor put them back in place.
It should get better slowly. If you are noting small gains from week to week that is good. If are getting nowhere and not noting a little progress from week to week, that would in my opinion be a good time to follow up with a hand orthopedist. (Keep in mind Tiffany that I am not looking at your hand right now, I am going on what you are telling me. This is the internet after all.)
thanks Dan! You have been extremely helpful! Now out of curiosity do you think I will do damage to it if I begin trying to play softball again and lift weights again?
I’m thinking light weight with increased reps but I am not sure if I’d risk injuring anything in there. The hardest part for me has been having to sit out our team games and just doing cardio at the gym while the others are doing everything :( lol. thanks again for the help I appreciate it. Especially knowing it’s gonna take some time for the swelling to go down.
Would Epsom salts work at all in shortening the time period? Any other suggestions? It’s a relief knowing swelling for a long period is normal and nothing more serious is wrong, but I’m hopeful to try and speed up the process of at all possible. Thanks
Possibly, but I do not think that there is any research that definitively supports that idea.
Hello Dr. Dan, I have been having tingling sensations in my left hand pinky and ring fingers for about 2 weeks now, and I also am losing strength in my left hand. I have broken some dishes in the last few days while washing them, due to being unable to keep a tight grip on them. My left pinky and ring fingers are also starting to curl inwards towards my palms of my hand and I cannot get them to straighten out on my own, I have to straighten them with my right hand and when I do this, as soon as I let go my fingers go right back to the curling position. The tingling and slight pain in my left hand is also starting to get worse everyday now to the point of becoming very irritating and uncomfortable. This is starting to effect everything I try to do with my left hand on a daily basis, and I am concerned about completely losing the ability to use my left hand to do anything at all due to the strength in my left hand becoming more and more prominent. Do you have any advice as to some exercises that I can do to help with this issue, and do you think this is something that may or may not be able to be corrected without a surgical procedure?
Elizabeth you need to see a doctor as soon as you can get an appointment. Your ulnar nerve is at the very minimum being compressed, and if it is not addressed you may have a hard time getting the nerve to return. The compression site could be in the wrist, elbow, or maybe from the neck. Regardless of where it is coming from, you need to have it diagnosed.
Hi Dr. Dan. This question is a little different but I’m hoping you can advise me. Yesterday I was going to tag someone in a softball game and I kinda dove at them. When I went to tag them, while diving my hand somehow got hit by their cleat. I guess my hand going down and their foot coming up while running. Anyways, i felt it right away and the skin was broken a little where the cleat hit my finger. Itwasn’t extreme pain but I do have soreness and swelling. I can still grip and bend the finger it just looks like its bruising or red where the finger bends, not at the top by the nail or at the knuckle but at the middle.
I showed people just to make sure I wasn’t being a baby about it and they noticed the swelling right away.
I went home and applied ice, took an ibuprofen and kept it elevated all night which seemed to help keep the swelling in check. I’m not worried it’s serious because I didn’t really jam it but since there is redness and swelling and I have jammed the finger in the past, I have a couple questions.
Should I keep flexing it and moving it or tape it to another finger and leave it alone a few days?
Any idea how long it could take the swelling to go away?
Should it be anything to see a doctor over?
Thanks in advance!
If you want to be 100% certain that there is not a small fracture, you could see the doc and get an x-ray. If the finger does not look deformed, and you can actively bend and straighten the finger, you probably just bruised it. The swelling with this type of injury can hang around for several months, so you will likely have to be very patient about it.
I would give it some time to heal. I wouldn’t challenge it, and certainly don’t put yourself in a situation where you can jamb it again. If you have to do something where you are worried about catching the finger on something, buddy tape it.
And finally, since I cannot see your finger and give you a full opinion, see the doc if you are worried about it!
When I was pregnant in 2002 I had obtained carpal tunnel in my hands, my doctor told me that once my child was born it will go away it took a couple of weeks and it did. Usually if I sleep a certain way and have my arm bent my hand will go numb or if I’m holding on to something for a long period of time my hand will go numb but it will come back to normal. The other day I was at work and I was pulling on a tray out of a carrier because it was stuck with my right hand and after that my last two fingers became numb and it hasn’t went away it’s been 3 days what should I do Dr.?
If it is not improving at all I would visit the doc Camilla. Sometimes those things take a bit of time to go away, but you should at least see some gradual improvement by now.
Since I woke up sunday my ring finger and pinky are slightly numb i can feel pain style and it is maybe barely numb but it hasn’t gone away what do i do?
If it does not gradually improve I would see your doctor about it. They can sometimes take ab it of time to go away, but at the very least it should improve a little bit from day to day.
I am an artist and have been drawing in a bad posture a lot. I’ve felt these symptoms lately and have been taking a rest. How long should I stay off of drawing? I feel if I draw with an elbow and wrist brace, I can work with very little disturbance.
I would stay off until the symptoms are gone. Long term of course you are going to need to address the postural issues that likely brought this on. I would think that your best option would be to have a PT or an ergonomist look at how you are drawing and give you some feedback.
Thank you doctor!
Hi dr Dan:
This question is a little different but I’m hoping you can shed some light on it. I jammed or hyperextended every finger except the thumb 7 weeks ago. It has improved a lot and the pain has almost completely gone away. I’ve been to the doc twice and they have taken X-rays both times and it shows nothing broke. THe range of motion isn’t back to normal but the middle and index finger are moving good again. However, the pinkie and ring finger are still stiff at the knuckle. Basically I can move the finger but I can’t bend the hand like to grip anything or kind of like waiving bye, not sure how else to describe it. lol. Basically the hinge like motion we have at the knuckle, I can’t bend it and when I show people they think I’m messing around but for some reason they don’t bend.
I’m on a baseball team and haven’t been able to grip a bat or any weights. The second doctor visit, he prescribed prednisone. He said if that don’t work to go back. I asked him about a referal to an orthopedist and he said not yet. That kinda got me mad because I’m wanting to get healed as fast as possible and it seems he’s wasting time.
Should I return to the doc and see if they refer me or is it probably just swelling that is keeping it from bending all the way? When I initially hurt it, the inner palm got discolored below those two fingers and now it seems like thats the only area that hasn’t healed up. There is still mild pain with certain movements and I see swelling as well.
If it was a ligament, tendon or muscle issue, would I likely be in more pain?
And finally, does swelling in hose joints take a long time to subside? Do the bones swell as well? Might sound dumb but it seems like he bone is swollen lol. Unless it’s just the area surrounding the bone.
Thank you very much for answering my questions.
Chris
Swelling in the hands and fingers takes a very, very long time to go away. Usually many months at the minimum with an injury like the one you described. You probably sprained some ligaments in the ring and small fingers, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to see an orthopedist who specializes in hands. If your primary doc doesn’t agree, that’s his problem. I would see an orthopedist, or maybe at least a PT who is hand therapy specialized. I think that you may need some guidance in terms of how to exercise the hand appropriately.
The bone is likely not swollen, it is probably the tissue around it.
Thanks Dan. Yeah initially I was certain the hand was broken given all the swelling and pain. The only part that was discolored was the inside of my hand below be ring and pinkie finger.
It has gotten better but it seems like the knuckles on the injured hand are bigger than the one on my other hand, so I wasn’t sure if bones ever swell up or if it’s just areas near them.
I’m going to do what I have to do to see an ortho.
I know you have limited info and can’t see it, but if it was something major that required surgery for a tendon, muscle or ligament, would I be in more pain and have less range of motion? The fingers bend and move fine. Just won’t bend at the knuckle, hopefully just due to swelling.
Thank you for the responses.
If a tendon was disrupted, you wouldn’t be able to bend and extend the fingers. Most likely this is a knuckle ligamentous injury. I would guess most likely not surgical, but like you said I can’t see your hand.
Keep the hand moving Chris, I just wouldn’t be too aggressive about your activity level.
I too jammed my hand a while back. Now I’m having problems with making a fist and gripping items. There was no fracture and the fingers are swollen but bend and flex fine. The knuckle however is real swollen and keeps the hand from bending like it should.
For a while it seemed like the ring finger had trigger finger as it would not go completely straight. It only would if I forced it and id feel pressure on the outter part by the knuckle. Now it is pretty much straight but there’s a slight curve.
Any guess as to what I might have damaged? It seems like the ring and pinkie knuckles and inner side of my hand right below those two fingers are swollen but no longer discolored, just stiff and some discomfort if I try to “bend” the hand like my healthy one bends.
Thanks
Likely ligaments. Hands are slow to drain, they take many months.
Thanks. I’m following advice I’ve seen you give others and trying to see an orthopedist and or physical therapist.
One thing I left out, there’s a soft bump between the ring and pinkie finger knuckles. Some days seems like it’s gone then other days it seems inflamed again and the bump is back. Is that likely ligament related?
Also am I reaggraviting it by bending and flexing the fingers as far as they can go till I feel tightness? Not much pain just not sure if I should tape them or just keep moving them and continue normal activities.
Thank you.
The ortho or the PT should be able to tell you that based on how the hand looks and feels. I wouldn’t bend the fingers as far as they can go, wait to get the okay from the medical professional. Gentle active motion should probably be okay. If yo are going to do anything risky, buddy tape them.
I have had numbness in my two little fingers and it feels like it’s going up my arm just below my eldow for a week now but since having this I have been having leg cramps when I am sleeping is this anything to do with my hand.
Sorry it On my left hand
I would talk to your doc about the numbness. Try to keep your elbow from bending excessively for the mean time. Most people have a problem doing that while they sleep, that could be your problem.
I have never seen a case where leg cramps have anything to do with the ulnar nerve issue, other than they may both be caused from sleeping position.
Hi Dan,
It’s been 8 weeks since I’ve jammed my hand and I’m now only having problems with my ring and pinkie. I still can’t make a fist because the ring knuckle sticks out and you can’t really see the pinkie one.
Is there a way to know if i should be concerned with the flexor tendons? I can straighten and bend the fingers ok, I just can’t bend them all the way. Like at the knuckle it won’t bend or close the fist fully.
X-rays showed no break and that’s all that was done to it. Seems like when I wake up and stretch, those two fingers twitch when I’m stretching. Could there be any tendon or nerve issues? It’s been 8 weeks so I’m not sure if it’s just swelling or something more serious. Thanks
If you can actively bend and straighten the fingers, this typically means that the tendons are intact. If there was a nerve issue, you would likely have numbness or electric type shooting pain.
This sounds to me like you either had a fracture of one of those smaller finger metacarpals, or you sprained some ligaments and damaged some of the soft tissue. In these cases it takes many, many months for the swelling to go down. You should at least see a doc or a PT to get an idea of what to do to expedite the healing process.
Great. Thank you. I’ll schedule a follow up with the doc. It’s not really painful but frustrating that I can’t open and close my hand. Yeah the fingers seem to be functioning fine.
Was kinda hard to explain, basically when I straighten out both hands and then relax them, the good hand “bends” right at the line inside my palm. Meanwhile the injured hand won’t bend at that same line. Just the fingers bend.
It’s good to know that it could take many months and it’s not permanent stiffness. If it is soft tissue or ligaments is that often resolved in time or with surgery?
If there is no displaced fracture then most of the time there is no need for surgery.
Thanks again! Couple more questions and I’ll leave you alone lol.
Is there any way to know if it does or doesn’t involve the volar plates? Do those require surgery?
Also, when I lift some objects, I get a sharp pain in my elbow. It doesn’t really go all the way down to my hand it’s just in the elbow. Any idea what that could be? It’s only when I lift moderately weighted objects. I don’t think it’s related to the hand injury but just thought I’d ask if you had any idea what it could be. Thanks
I think I hurt my left arm cause sometimes when I lean on it wrong i get this mild pain when I hit my funny bone sometimes should i let a doctor check it out
The ulnar nerve is that “funny bone” feeling at your elbow. The nerve is a bit superficial at the elbow, so on many people it is easy to bother it, particularly if you nudge it the wrong way. I would try to avoid placing weight on the elbow like that.
If yo unit all day while placing weight through your elbows, you might actually want to consider getting an elbow pad to cushion it. Talk to your doc about it.
I recently pulled a muscle in the middle of my lower back. Shortly after my ring finger, and pinky as well as the right side of my palm (sometimes my forearm as well) will randomly tingle and just feel weak. Could the two be associated, or is it a completely different issue?
I don’t think that one would be directly related to the other, but maybe there could be an indirect effect? If you were using the arm to rub your back after the back sprain, this could irritate the ulnar nerve in the hand, particularly if you were bending your elbow repetitively.
i woke up with a numbness in my thumb and index finger and from there it lead up my arm to where my arm bends but only on a portion of my arm like a thick line. what do i do?
I would keep the elbow relatively straight. Don’t let it bend to end range, particularly when you sleep. I would also keep the wrist from flexing more than 20 degrees or so. I would make an appointment to go see the doc to have it checked out.
Now im facing the same problem too
What is the cure for it?
Keeping the elbow from bending, particularly when you sleep. I would also see a doc about it.
Hi Dan,
I slid head first into second base and jammed my hand on the bag. It’s been about 11 weeks. The fingers seem to function fine but I can’t bend my hand on the “creases” on the inner Palm. My main area of stiffness and discomfort, not pain is located in the ring finger knuckle and the pinkie knuckle isn’t really visible when making a fist.
They took a series of x rays after the incident and it’s all clear. I’m waiting to see if there gonna send me to an orthopedic doctor but haven’t heard back. Any idea what I could have done to it and any healing suggestions?
Not sure if this helps but It either jammed the fingers head on with the bag or at an angle. All the fingers and both sides of the hand swelled badly. The Palm got discolored for about 2 days. That’s the spot where I still can’t bend it. Thanks.
It is great that you didn’t break anything. The ring and pinky fingers are usually susceptible to breaks because the bones are smaller and there is less ligamentous support. You probably did some spraining and soft tissue damage.
I would work on actively moving the hand every day. I would work on trying to make a full fist, and also working on making the “intrinsic minus” position. This process is probably going to take at least a few more months to become more mobile. Fingers and hand are slow to drain and heal.
Thank you for the info Dan! I went to an orthopedic doctor and honestly the first visit wasn’t much help. They said the bones are perfect, nerves and tendons seem fine. Based on the fact it’s been 12 weeks and not healed, they ordered an MRI and will go from there. She said it could be a capsule in the knuckle or a ligament on that capsule that was torn.
If that’s the case, will they need to surgically repair that or will that heal in time? Should I continue to flex and try to bend the hand, wanna make sure I’m not prolonging the healing process before I continue.
I’m a little more nervous now, not knowing what’s wrong or if I’ll get movement back in my hand. Thanks a bunch!
Definitely talk to the doc about doing the active range of motion every day, it is probably still a good idea. Like I said, these types of injuries can take a very long time to normalize. I have no idea whether or not surgery would be necessary because I haven’t evaluated you.
Hi dan, I have a couple questions. I fell and slammed my hand hard into a wall. The entire hand immediately swelled and I went to urgent care. No fractures or breaks anywhere. They said it seems like ligaments could be torn in the knuckle areas.
I’ve noticed occasional numbness in the ring and pinkie fingers and they twitch when I stretch them. Could the numbness be due to the swelling?
Secondly, do torn ligaments in the hand result in the need for surgery as the only way to repair them? I was told if it doesn’t heal to go back so now I’m wondering how long to give it to heal and if I’m gonna need hand surgery. It seems like the entire hand is larger than my healthy one, like the knuckle bones and everything seem bigger. It’s been about 9.5 weeks so I’m not sure if I should go back just yet. Any info is much appreciated.
I would go back and see an orthopedist. The ulnar nerve might be getting annoyed at the level of the base of the hand. The swelling could be contributing to the ulnar nerve numbness as well. Best to have a doc look at it again. Ligament ruptures don’t often require surgery, but if the wrist is unstable as a result of the sprains it might. Probably too early to tell because of the swelling etc..
Ok. Will do. Thanks.
Also, the pinkie knuckle is not visible or much. The doc said its typical of when the knuckle is broken. Only the bones look perfect, could this also be due to the swelling and inability to fully bend the knuckle?
I saw a previous person mention capsules. Do those repair themselves in time?
It does seem to be slowly improving but I can’t flex all the way because of tightness in the knuckles. Is that just something I likely have to be patient with?
The look to the pinky knuckle is probably due to the swelling. The capsule and ligaments might scar up and stabilize, it will take some time of the swelling to go down. The movement of the hand ultimately will ultimately tell how the ligaments are doing. It will take several months likely.
Ok. Thank you so much. That helps put my mind at ease a little as I wait it out.
Lastly, they mentioned possibly a shot and then let it heal if surgery isn’t required. Do you happen know what type of shot hey are talking about and what it would do?
I appreciate this article!
i’ve got arthritis in my neck and had a cyst on my left wrist which was removed. . but i was told because of the arthritis i could lose use of my hands. . .Ive been worried about it. the feeling comes an goes in my right hand, kind of like my left hand used to do. but my left hand had a cyst that formed in an injury which oddly enough would go numb like this. .the pinky and ring finger would just be like it was injected with numbing stuff. i couldn’t do anything with it after the cyst was removed that stopped. but very recently my right hand started doing this. i can’t even turn the knob on a door, a lamp or put my clothes on or other normal things, i cant scratch with it, i cant write, it hurts to use it an it’s my dominate hand so it’s a pain. i forget i’m holding stuff an drop it. i’ve broken something because i didn’t realize how tightly i was holding it an it felt like i wasn’t squeezing it at all to me. it got bad. its been this way almost two months now. I can’t afford a doctor, but recently i realize that even though it’s numb and i can barely use it. there is also pain in it. .and it runs from there into my elbow and up into my shoulder/neck. so i will try these things to see if they work. so this article was helpful!
Hi Dan,
Been searching the web all day and was wondering if you could please give some possible info for my situation?
Basically I injured my hand 14 weeks ago. Me and another guy collided full speed and my hand seems to have taken the brunt of it. It must have jammed into his leg or hip or something hard. I immediately got X-rays because it swelled up. No break and they did a series of them to be sure.
It seemed to be making steady progress but seems like it’s stopped about 6 weeks ago. Now I have much less but there is still swelling in the hand. I can now bend the thumb, middle and index finger. I can even pop the index, the first 5 weeks it was painful when I tried to pop it and now it’s fine. However, I can only flex the ring and pinkie. They don’t bend at the crease. When I try to force them, the knuckle feels very tight.
I’m concerned I may have a more serious injury and can’t be seen for quite a while. Another thing I noticed is the ring and pinkie finger were discolored a couple days and the skin kind of dimpled in on a few spots of the crease below the fingers. The dimples and color are gone but that Palmer crease still won’t bend one bit.
My initial checkups have ruled out fractures and seemingly tendons. I’m kinda nervous that my hand might be permanently damaged or that I may need surgery and that still may not fix it.
It’s pretty obvious it’s something in the knuckle joint. If it’s a damaged Palmer plate or busted capsule will they heal on their own?
I also saw about ligament and articulate cartilage as well as synovial fluid located in the area I seem to have injured. Do those types of injuries tend to heal themselves or is surgery required? Or worse is it possible the damage is permanent? I’m not in any pain, I just can’t make a fist at all. When I try it’s all disfigured and looks horrible. The ring finger sticks out farther than the others and the pinkie knuckle is not visible.
I know you are much more knowledgable on these parts of the hand and was just hoping I can get some info to prepare me for what I may have ahead or if I’m just freaking out and need to wait it out even longer. Thanks so much!
Marcus in my opinion you need to be seen by a PT at least once. You need to get those fingers moving. Extreme stiffness in traumatized fingers is pretty common, and it can be quite chronic and nagging if it is not dealt with. You very well might benefit from guided exercises and perhaps some finger splints to help with bending the joints.
Some people will also get some benefit from heating the hand up with moist heat immediately prior to doing stretching exercises.
Ok thanks for the advice. Would I be in more pain if it was something serious that may need surgery?
How do I go about seeing a pt? Is it like the ortho and hand specialists where I need a referral or can I just find my own and schedule an appointmen?
Oh one more question, I just heard back and the ortho scheduled me for an mri. Will that be able to clarify what if anything is damaged? What does an mri show? Thanks Dan!
To see a PT, just find one and schedule an evaluation. You do want to see a special type of PT. You want to see a “certified hand therapist”, or CHT. IN terms of the MRI, it would show ligamentous of soft tissue injury.
The pain thing really isn’t the issue. Sometimes you will have someone with a huge amount of pain that has nothing structurally wrong (and vice versa).
Yes, it would show the volar plates and capsule.
My husbands right pinky middle and ring fingers have been numb for nearly a year.
What could be the cause of this. He has no feeling at all.
Ulnar nerve is likely being pinched somewhere. It might be at the elbow, it could be at the level of the neck? An x-ray of the neck might shed some light on it.
Hi Dan, I woke up one morning and out of the blue with no previous signs my left ring and pinky finger along with the left side of my top head was tingling and it’s concerning me very bad..
I wouldn’t freak out, but certainly talk to your doctor about it. You probably slept in a funny position. The pinky finger is easily explainable, but the top of the head is a bit less common.
Hi Dan,
I’m going to schedule an appointment with a hand therapist. If I had a series of X-rays, an MRI and other tests done to my hand, do they need to view and see all that info or will they ask any necessary questions and go from there? Wasn’t sure what I had to take with me or tell them when I go in.
Also, will a cortisone shot help with the inflammation in my hand? It seems like the fingers and knuckles are still swollen and I’m looking at things to help reduce inflammation. Thanks.
Don’t have numbness but I did slam my ring and pinkie on a cement wall. The fingers move fine but my knuckle is tight and won’t allow me to fully close my hand and make a fist. Its not painful but I wanna grab it and force it to bend. Any idea what in the knuckle could be damaged and any guess as to how long it will be stiff and tight? Been 6 weeks so far. Thanks Dan!
If you had fractured one or both of the fingers, the bones probably would have healed by now. It sounds like stiff joints from the impact. Sometimes finger joints can be stiff for many months after the injury. I would continue with actively moving the fingers, and even putting a tiny bit of over-pressure on the fingers when attempting to make a fist. Of course, I would always recommend to get the hand checked out by a doc or a PT.
Thank you! The dr appointment is finally set for early August. I was wrong in the time. It’s actually been 11 weeks tomorrow. Is stiffness still common after that long?
It was a hard fall and I too thought it was broken but it wasn’t, just swelled and bruised pretty good.
It feels like hard or stiff on that line on my palm where the ring finger on the opposite hand bends. The best example I can give is like waiving bye. All the fingers bend at that line and on the injured hand they stay stiff.
When I try to put pressure and force it to bend it stays stiff in that crease and the knuckle where as the good hand flexed inward on the crease and makes a fist easily.
I’m in the process of searching for a therapist to see. But am scared I may need surgery or have a bum hand from here on. If the bones in there are fine, any other things you think could be damaged that would cause surgery or do most hand injuries heal on their own?
Sorry for the long post, just wanted to get as much info as possible and am kinda nervous about it, thought it’d be fine in a couple weeks and it’s been 11 long weeks. Lol.
It is still common to see stiffness many months after an injury like that. Sometimes the “volar plate” area of the fingers can get damaged, or sometimes certain ligaments will get torn. It totally depends. See what the therapist says.
Hi Dan,
I’ve had a hand injury for 13 weeks and while it’s gotten much better, I still notice swelling and something not right in 1 finger. It’s very stiff and won’t bend. All the others were stiff and injured but now bend and flex to a certain point. They are far from normal as well but much better than the ring finger. It seems like the joints in the knuckle aren’t letting it bend. Any idea what could be damaged in there causing the finger to not bend? The finger itself bends and I can push it to a certain point but when I do I can feel it hard like bony in the palm where the crease is. Other ones bend in right there and this finger don’t and feels hard.
Thanks
Fingers in general when they are damaged can take a very, very long time to return to normal, sometimes up to one year or more. It sounds like the ring finger was a bit more traumatized in your case. You could have damaged the ligaments, the “volar plate” if the finger hyperextended, or maybe even a bone bruise could have occurred. By the way, swelling will also prevent the finger from bending fully.
If the ring finger is being super stubborn, it might be worth your while to have an orthopedist who specializes in hands to take a look at it.
Thank you. If I schedule an appointment with a therapist, do they need all the info on it such as any X-rays, MRI, etc. or do I just go and let them examine it?
Thanks.
Oh ya. One last thing, you mentioned volar plates. Is surgery often required for those or do they tend to heal on their own?
Sometimes they heal on their own if the finger is immobilized. I have seen a few instances where they needed to be surgically repaired as well.
That would probably help to get the diagnostic data to the therapist.
Thanks so much! Will an MRI (scheduled this week) show if the volar plates are damaged?
Hypothetically speaking, let’s say I end up needing surgery for them, is it a long procedure and am I facing a long recovery period or are they pretty easy to fix and heal?
Hi Dan,
I’m writing because I’m kind of concerned at the healing time of my injured hand. I injured it in practice 3 months ago. No breaks were detected. Swelling was bad and has since gone down but I still have stiffness and very limited range of motion in my pinkie, ring and middle finger. Mostly the ring finger. The Palm side even bruised and sunk in on spots below the ring finger and pinkie for about a day. The first month or so it was painful, especially when I hit it on any little thing. Now I can try to clench and push them down with some force and no pain but still can’t close my hand and can’t “bend” them even when i force them.
I had 2 teammates, one shattered the thumb bone and had surgery with pins and was told he can get back in about 6 weeks. The other guy also broke some bones on his hand and looks like 2 months is all he’s gonna miss before getting back out there.
Mine has been 3 months and still not right. When I try to make a fist it looks disfigured and the last two knuckles aren’t really visible. The doc said sunken knuckles are typically associated with broken bones but mine are perfect. The pain is gone but I can’t grip weights or a bat because the hand won’t close all the way. Their injuries were the result of being hit by a ball. Mine was I slid head first and someone blocked the base and my hand went right into their hip.
Any ideas on what I could have injured and if it’s normal for it to take this long to heal up? I’m kinda worried that now that the pain is gone it healed wrong.
Finger and hand blunt traumas can indeed take many, many months to improve, your case does not sound out of the ordinary. I do think that it would be a good idea to see a hand therapist (CHT) to have it evaluated. There may be some specific stretches and exercises that you can do to expedite the return of range of motion.
Sir,
I have this problms in night time. Ring and last finger some times like freez and when I’m wake up with in 2-3 min after it will remain as it is. Still I’m not seen any doctor.
This is any major problms? Please give me your advise
Have it checked out by the doctor. It may be that the ulnar nerve is being compressed at the elbow while you sleep. Try to avoid bending the elbow when you sleep and see if this helps.
Sir,
I have the same problem including hand shivering in morning time. What’s happening ? Any major problms?
There might be a major problem, i had to get one of my hands amputated. you should see a doctor immediately
Hi dan,
I had blunt force trauma to a hand in late April. I finally had an MRI and was wondering if you could help interpret the results and maybe offer some treatment methods. It was pricy so I’m not sure if I can afford to see a Hand therapist but will try if it seems as I should.
Osseous structure- a slight reactive marrow Edema involving the subcortical locations of the 3rd and 4th metacarpal heads.
Ligaments- there is mild increased signal of the collateral ligaments of the 3rd and 4th digit that is felt reflective of grade one sprains from trauma. Minimal capsulitis felt to be present as well.
Tendons look unremarkable and no disruption.
Soft tissue looks unremarkable and no lesions or significant atrophy seen.
It’s been I’d say 14 weeks and I’m still feeling discomfort and tightness in the knuckle of my ring and pinkie. Can’t do the sock puppet and can’t make a closed fist as those two digits stick out since they don’t bend on the crease as the other hand and fingers do.
Any idea what could be wrong, how long it can take to heal and what if anything I can do to expedite it. Thanks!
Grade one sprains are not that big of a deal. The marrow edema might be indicative of a bone bruise maybe??? (Realize please that I am not a radiologist.) Bone bruises take a HUGE amount of time to heal. I really would see a hand specialist at least once to get a “hands on” assessment.
Thanks dan. Ill follow up with the ortho. Do you think she’ll know of a CHT I can contact?
So with the bone bruise, do you know what that is? I never really noticed any bruising on the hand itself.
So I could be looking at a long time before it heals, any guess as how long, should I bend and move the fingers or keep them taped to avoid flexing? Appreciate it.
Someone in that office should know of a CHT. A bone bruise does not manifest necessarily as bruising at the level of the skin, it is deeper than that so it may not be visible to you.
I would say that doing active ranges of motion is probably a good idea, but clear it with the doc and the CHT to be safe.
Thank you for the information about numbness being in my left pinky and ring finger! Ergo, I am typing this because This has been going on all day for a couple of days now, I shake it often hoping that it will go away but that does not seem to happen.What can cause this numbness to occur all day? Thank you very much.
It could be wrist contact with your table while you are typing. I would try to avoid touching the wrist to the table while you type.
hi sir,
i have a numbness in the point of my index finger and thumb. its been 4 days. and still numb. i got this after sitting for long hours in chopping vegetables and stuff. I don’t know why this numbness happened and i don’t know what to do to cure it. Any idea what could be wrong, how long it can take to heal? thank you
That could be carpal tunnel / median nerve irritation. I would make an appointment to see the doc to have it diagnosed. It may also be a good idea to get a comfortable wrist immobilization brace to keep the wrist in a neutral position. In the mean time I would not use that hand much.
Hi Dan,
Apparently I have a bone bruise on the 3rd and 4th metacarpals on my hand. I’m assuming this has caused the swelling and stiffness in my fingers. I’m unable to make a fist and can’t bend my fingers.
They mentioned therapy so I said I wanted to see a CHT. I don’t think the person they referred me to is a CHT but that’s who the ortho referred me to.
My questions are: should I go now or wait till I can move the fingers a little? It’s been 16 weeks and still no luck being able to flex the knuckle joints in the ring and pinkie fingers. Didn’t know if going now would be a waste and don’t wanna risk re injuring the ligaments trying to force them to bend.
Also, the doc gave me prednisone but I never took it. I wanted to wait till I knew for sure what was wrong. Now that I know it’s a grade 1 sprain of the collateral ligaments and a bone bruise, do you think the prednisone will help expedite the healing process or is it useless for what I have sustained? Thank you!
I think that it is fine to go to PT now. They should be able to get the ball rolling in terms of getting the hand moving. I am not an expert with pharmaceuticals, but I have seen that some of my patients do get some benefit with the prednisone in terms of getting the inflammation in the joints down. It can make moving the fingers easier to initiate.
This is probably getting annoying to hear the same questions every day. The best thing ,i know is to go see a doctor but this isnt for me its for my boyfriend. Who refuses to see a doctor. He is experiencing numbness in his pinky ring and middle fingers related to his right hand. When he started to commit about this problem it was only when he woke up i the morning. Now its occuring with both hands throu out the day .he says mostly when he is trying to concentrate.
I would have him see the MD. If it is going on during the day consistently it needs to be looked at.
If the numbness doesn’t go away I would have a medical professional check it out. It may be sleeping position. It is a bit strange that you have such a difference in sizes of your arms. I don’t think that it is worth your time to aggressively strength train while this is going on.
If it is not improving I would talk to the doc about it. I would in the mean time avoid placing direct pressure on the wrist (such as with typing with your wrist resting on the table). I would also keep the elbow from bending excessively whiel sleeping.
Bone bruises take many, many months to heal. My guess is that this is going to be a gradual process for you. OT’s are usually treating mostly hands in an outpatient setting, so you should be okay seeing that person for therapy. Stick with the therapy home exercises and keep moving the hand.
What is the hand exercise I have to do to get my pinky and ring finger back to normal.
It is not so much what exercise you have to do, it has more to do with lessening the strain on the ulnar nerve so that the muscles are firing better. If the stress on the ulnar nerve is taken away, the muscles should start working better on their own.
It isn’t really about doing specific exercises to make the symptoms go away, it is more about staying away from the activity that caused it in the first place. I would not put any pressure on the elbow, and I would also not bend the elbow more than 10 or 20 degrees for the next week. The symptoms should slowly go down. If they don’t or if they worsen, it is time to see the doc.
I would see a doctor about this Samson. This is something that may be more than just orthopedic in nature.
I will be glad to hear from you asap Sir thanks
If the elbow pads eliminate the night numbness, then I would say that it is likely that it is the cubital tunnel. You might experience a little bit of tension in the nerve when you are doing the nerve stretches. Keep those stretches short in duration.
If you discontinue the elbow pads and the numbness comes right back, I would definitely see the doc about it. I would wear them at night for a good several weeks to allow the neural structures to heal.
I am wondering if you are irritating the ulnar nerve while you are working. I am going to guess that you are bending your elbows frequently, or maybe putting pressure directly on your elbows? I would have an expert look at how you are moving at work. An ergonomist or a PT would be a good place to start.
I would definitely have a doc look at it. The nerve bundles are likely being irritated as a result of your sleeping position. It could be coming from the level of the neck, or maybe from the thoracic outlet area where the chest meets the shoulder.
That is tough to say what exactly is causing that. Sleeping position will usually only affect one side. I would see the doctor about it.
I would definitely see a doctor about this Jacqueline. That nerve is being pinched and it sounds like you are losing motor function. The sooner you see the doc the better.
I don’t think that the finger numbness problems have anything to do with having a heart attack, but I would definitely get your brother in to see the doc about this. I have a feeling that this might be a product of having vibration through the hands. Carpentry tools and holding the handlebars of a Harley could cause this problem. Regardless, he needs to see the doc.
I agree with your thoughts. It is certainly plausible that your “arms over the head” sleeping positioning is clamping down on some nerves at the level of the chest or the shoulder. It sounds to me like you really need to stop doing this. I don’t think that you have done any permanent damage, but if you keep doing this it will probably get worse.
This is worth seeing either a physical therapist or an orthopedist for an evaluation.
I have tried to stop, lol. My sleeping self is apparently non compliant. I have spoken to the therapists that work on the rehab unit at the hospital where I work and haven’t gotten the same conclusion twice. I’ll take your advice and set up an appointment with orthopedics. Thanks!
I don’t like how that sounds. Viruses have been known to do funky things like that, but I wouldn’t take a chance with it. If that were me I would go to the ER.
Thanks for the quick reply. Is it the possible fever that’s more alarming or the loss of muscle flexion? He checked his temp this evening and it was normal, so he may not have had it earlier in the day. If he doesn’t have fever tonight and tomorrow, do you still think he needs to go to the ER? Thanks again.
I would be concerned about both. I hope that you guys have at least talked to the doc about it. Like I said, if it were me I would get it checked out sooner rather than later.
Thanks again. I’ll tell him to try to get through to talk to the doc. It’s hard to get a return phone call from them these days and if you say it may be an emergency, the receptionist says to go to the ER. He may just need to do that anyway. I know this isn’t the time or place to gripe about medical care and costs, but there is usually at least a few hrs wait in the ER and a high co=pay with insurance plus a day off work. But, I’m sure your advice is sound and I’m very worried too and want to rule out anything really serious.
The ulnar nerve is likely stressed or pinched. This often happens at the level of the elbow, or sometimes at the wrist. If the hand is getting weak I would definitely see the doctor about this. We need to figure out where the pinch is coming from so that you can avoid that activity until the strength comes back.
Based on what you said I am not sure if the finger numbness is related to the back pain and toe numbness, but I would definitely see the MD about it.
You and the doc need to figure out exactly where the nerve is being impinged. It could be at the level of the wrist, the elbow, the shoulder, or at the neck. I would ask him specifically where he thinks the problem is.
The ulnar nerve only makes the ring and pinky fingers numb. If it is the whole hand, that could be either multiple nerves or possibly the blood supply? If the numbness doesn’t lessen from hour to hour I would definitely make a call to the doc and schedule an appointment.
You probably slept on your arm in an awkward fashion. This usually involves having either the elbow or the wrist flexed for long periods of time. If the numbness does not go away I would definitely talk to the doc about it.
If it has been going on for a week with no improvement I would definitely see the doc about this.
Thanks for the quick opinion. One more thing I’d like to ask about as I wait for my appointment: I found some videos of neural flossing exercises on YouTube for this very problem (is the dinner plate exercise and one where you make the ‘okay sign with your hand and then slowly turn your elbow to the ceiling).
When I try some of them I get a lot of tingling in my hand along the side and in the ring and pinky finger onxe fully into the stretch (no pain though). Otherwise the tingling isn’t always present. Just a sort of numbers (though I can still feel, just muted)
Is this tingling normal for this kind of condition mixed with these kinds of exercises or is such a sensation inductive of more concerning injury.
Thanks again.
I would only do those stretches very lightly, and for only brief periods of time. The tingling is an indication of current strain to those nerves.
Thanks again for the input.
You probably scuffed the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Probably a good idea to check it out with your primary care physician, especially if the numbness last more than a day or two.
I’m sorry. That was supposed to read, “I have no sustainable strength,” in my right hand (and probably my left, but I’m right handed so therefore don’t use my left nearly add much)
I would hope that there is at least some improvement from the surgery. If you haven’t already, I would see a PT or an OT to get a list of stretches and exercises to do. I would also consider wrist braces to keep the wrists from flexing, but I would have that fitted and checked out by a PT or OT.
Hand weakness is one of the symptoms of decreased nerve output to the muscles of the hand. It does sound like there is still some nerve irritation going on here. Get it checked out.
Get the ergonomic situation fixed. You might need a keyboard tray, or sometimes people will rest their wrists on the table and irritate the ulnar nerve that way. I would also try to keep the elbows from flexing too much when sleeping. We will at times prescribe soft braces to be worn at night. You don’t want this to get worse.
I would see the doctor to get an opinion. It might be irritation of the ulnar nerve, but it is better to get it checked out to be safe.
Im 56 woman…ring finger and pinkie tips numb …i also wear a pulse and walk tracker on same hand..could this cause numbness? I am a fetal tight tense sleeper
It could be either of the two things that you mentioned. It might be a good idea to both keep the wrist from going fetal while sleeping with a brace, and remove the tracker for a few weeks and see what happens. As always, it is a good idea to talk to your doc about it.
The ulnar nerve is getting annoyed somehow. I am not sure as to whether the cramping or blood blisters have anything to do with that, but I do think that a visit to the doc is a good idea at this point. If the pinky finger, ring finger, or the webspace between the thumb and your index finger are cramping, that could have to do with the ulnar nerve as well.
You should stop doing that training program for a good long while for starters, it sounds crazy even for an eighteen year old. My guess is that this is going to take a while to calm down. If it has been going on for that long, it would be a good idea to talk with the doc about it.
I would see a doc about this. It might be “thoracic outlet syndrome”. It might be that certain nerves are getting slightly pinched by some structures around your collar bone or chest. The only way to be sure is to see the doc. You are not doomed by the way, plenty of people get this and I can think of a list a mile long of worse things to be troubled by.
The ulnar nerve is getting irritated at the elbow. It is the “funny bone” area where the nerve is a bit close to the surface. I would stop placing any pressure on your elbows and see if it goes away. Sometimes we will recommend elbow pads if you need the extra protection. As always, you can see a doc and have an evaluation.
This sounds like a mild ulnar nerve irritation. Nerve tissue unfortunately can take a while to heal. If you want to make sure that things are moving through the nerve tunnel, you can perform the ulnar nerve stretch. (On our website, go to the media tab, exercises, password is “patient”, go to cervical / neck exercises.) I would only do it once or twice daily.
In terms of the elbow movement, I would still avoid prolonged flexion, or bending, particularly while sleeping. As always, I will always make the recommendation to see your doc!
IF it has been going on for that long, I think that a visit to the doc is a good idea. The ulnar nerve is likely being pinched somewhere. It could be at the neck, elbow, or maybe at the level of the wrist. Most cases don’t involve surgery.
I was in a car accident 9 months ago every morning I wake up with my right ring and pinky fingers numb. What should I do?
I would try getting one of those soft elbow immobilization braces for sleeping and see if that helps. It may have to do with elbow flexion for long periods of time as you sleep.
Dear Dr. Dan,
I was looking again at websites and forgot I had posted this. Well it is Oct. 1st and I am still have a numb ring finger in the morning, sometimes a little pain too. The pinky finger is not numb anymore. When I make a fist and extend one finger at a time the ring finger catches then snaps straight. It has been 1 year and 5 months since the car accident. I am going to take your advice and get the soft elbow immobilization brace today. Any other advice and I’m so sorry I didn’t see you answered back right away.
Hmmmm, that sounds like one of the tendons is getting caught as well. Did the doc mention anything about a “trigger finger”?
I haven’t been to a dr for this only Chiropractor and massage and physical therapy. They chiropractor said it should go away on its own. What should I do?
I would see the doc to be safe.
Ok, I will thanks
That is certainly possible. When the nerves are irritated higher up at the level of the neck, it does actually make the same nerves more vulnerable to injury lower down in the arms. It is clinically referred to as a “double crush” injury. If you sit at a computer all day I would have your set up assessed to make sure that you are not pacing undo stress on your neck.
I would have someone take a look at your work station set up Mohamed. I would guess that you are placing direct pressure on the ulnar nerve when you type or use your mouse. This can occur either at the level of your wrist or perhaps at your elbow. You may be able to adjust the height or depth of your keyboard in order to minimize the contact of the wrist on your table. It may also be a good idea to get a wrist brace that cushions the contact of the wrist on the work table.
See if you can find someone to evaluate your set up.
I am not qualified to give you any advice on the medication, whatever the doctor recommends is probably fine.
I tell my patients that a wrist brace is preferable to a keyboard gel pad, because the gel pad encourages you to plant your wrist on the table. In your case, I don’t think that placing your wrists on the table to type is a good idea.
No real difference. They are called physiotherapists pretty much everywhere in the world with the exception of the United States. Go figure.
I would get an x-ray. The 4th and 5th finger bones are pretty flimsy compared to the other bones in the hand, they can fracture easily. If the x-ray looks good i would take it easy for a week or so and work only on gentle active ranges of motion.
I would see a doc about this. That numbness should have gone down by now. Getting one of those soft elbow immobilizers for sleeping might take tension off the nerve, but I cannot say for sure what the cause is.
I have been wondering if I should go to the dr. Thank you for your advice I really appreciate it
I wake up an feel a little come an go pain in my finger next to the little one what is it can someone tell me
Try to keep your elbows from bending while sleeping and see if it goes away.
If you had lacerated the sensory nerve. you would have felt that numbness immediately after the laceration, not two months later. The scar is definitely hyper-sensitive, but I am also guessing that the way that you are placing your hand in front of the keyboard while using the computer is contributing to the numbness. It wouldn’t hurt to see a hand orthopedist about this.
Keep the elbows relatively straight while sleeping. There are soft “elbow immobilization” braces online that can do the trick. A physical therapist might be able to diagnose a postural issue that is contributing to this (if it is coming from the neck)????
For a little more than a month now I have been experiencing a constant tingling or numb sensation in my Left pinkie and ring fingers as described on the page. I have had 2 MRI scans, one of the wrist and the other of the elbow with everything coming back normal, with the exception of “Small protrusion of the elbow joint space posterolaterally which measures approximately 6 x 7 x 12 mm, no surrounding edema”.
I work full time in the technology field spending the better portion of my day working at a computer when not in meetings, and recently started night classes to add to my degrees.
Is this something that may not present in an MRI? My doctor has given me prednisone 20mg to see if smelling in the area may be causing the issue and kind of given me a “lets wait and see” response on this but I am worried about it progressing or developing permanent nerve damage as I am starting to miss key strokes which causes coding problems.
Based on a previous post would it be helpful to get an MRI of my neck or back for this issue?
Did the doc have any opinion as to if the small protrusion is contributory? It might be depending on exactly where it is. I would keep your elbows off any surface while working at the computer to see if that helps. My guess is that this has to be a function of the large amount of time that you are spending on the laptop / desktop.
I would also get an evaluation of the ergonomic set up. Something that might seem innocuous could be tipping this issue in the wrong direction.
I am having numbness in my right ring finger. This started after I had Bell’s Palsy on the right side of my face. I had a severe headache/pain in the face and ear. When the mobility and pain started to subside in my face, my arm and fingers became painful and now numb. I have seen the doctor and the chiropractor about this and neither has helped. Any suggestions?
If it is from a Bell’s Palsy, it will probably just go away. I can’t tell you how long it will take. It might be worth your while to see a neurologist about this as well.
I had server pain in my right shoulder and the pain ran dwn my arm and into my ring and pinky fingers. So much pain a 12 on a 1-10 scale
I went for an hour long massage
The therapist felt knots in my neck and back shoulders
I don’t know what she did but she worked on a nerve under my shoulder blade and got the server pain to go away
So pains gone but now I have numbness in my pinky and 1/2 of the ring finger
I changed jobs and am going thru a divorce
Is this a dress related injury?
I can make the sock puppet hand gesture and hold the position but the strength is terrible I can nearly hold onto my tennis racket and the rVket comes out of my hand if I try to serve
I would give tennis a break for a month or so, let the nerve structure heal. I would probably also see a doc about to be safe this given that the numbness is not going away. The nerve could be getting stressed anywhere from the shoulder down to the hand. It would be a good idea to figure out where.
If my ulnar nerve is not stressed how long should the numbing last?
Numbing is the only symptom on my right pinky an ring finger.
It should taper off over several days most likely, but it does depend on how much the nerve was clamped.
How long should I wait before going to the doctors?
Your call, but if you feel like it is not improving a bit from day to day I would get in sooner rather than later.
Hi Dan,
I’ve had numbness and tingling in my pinky and ring finger for just under a month now, affecting my left hand only. I’ve been attending the gym regularly(muscle building) for about a year and a half, have a tendency to sleep with slightly bent arms and also have an office job where I regularly type and rest my elbows on the table. I’ve been to see my doc who has referred me to a musculoskeletal team. My doc seems to think that I have ulnar nerve irritation and/or entrapment. I’m really unsure as to which of my daily activities is causing the irritation, if not all of them. I’ve taken a week off from the gym which seems to have helped. I’ve also been making a conscious effort to keep my arm straight both during the day at work and when sleeping. The tingling and numbness is not as severe as it was a week ago which I’m relieved about. I’ve not had any pain, or noticeable loss of muscle and grip strength. Is this because I have a mild case or can I expect to notice these symptons later on? I’m hoping that if I keep resting my arm long enough everything will go back to normal. I really want to get back to the gym asap. I’d really appreciate any comments and advice.
Many thanks
It sounds like the nerve is healing. This does sound like it is a mild case. Keep on with the conservative management until it is gone. You can then play with the variables to figure out which situations are more causal. With my patients I have tended to find that the typing and the flexed sleeping positions tend to be the culprits most often.
To answer your other question, I do think that you are susceptible to this in the future. You will need to be hyper-aware of when it starts to act up on you and act accordingly.
I have numbness in my right pinky and ring finger. I drive for a living and am only home weekends. I have been wondering what is the best aggressive treatment for the ulner nerve. That is what the clinic doctor told me was the problem.
If this is coming from the driving I would try wearing a wrist immobilizer for a few weeks and see if that helps. One sensitive spot for the ulnar nerve is at the level of the wrist (palm side), so if the wrist is touching the steering wheel that could potentially cause that.
If it is coming from prolonged bending of the elbow, I would try my best to keep the elbow from bending too much while driving. Maybe move the seat back a bit?
Same thing for me .
Ring and pinky on my fretting hand ..left . Almost a week now .
Me too let me know what you find out mine has been about a week
About a year ago I hit my hand on a sharp metal edge of a machine. I hit it at the joint between the pinky and the hand on the outside. Since then I have had total numbness in my pinky and partial numbness in my ring finger and in the outside of my hand. It is a painful numbness with pins and needles feelings and that hand is always colder than the other one. I hut it again about 6 months ago and the pain is worse. Now it extends through the hand and sometimes up the wrist and up the arm too. I don’t have insurance so I couldn’t afford to go to the doctor but I know I need too especially since I have lost a lot of strength in that hand and it is my dominant hand. Do you have any idea what it could be? Maybe a compresses nerve, a fracture, a break, etc…? I can still bend the fingers and make a fist but just barely. I am just wondering what kind of damage I may have done to it and would greatly appreciate your insight. I am a single mom and my kids needs always Trump mine so I have put this on the back burner as long as possible. I am looking to obtain a promotion at work but have to get my hand strength back first. I am just hoping I haven’t already done irreparable damage. Thank you.
It sounds like you damaged the ulnar nerve where it enters the hand. I really do recommend that you see a doc about this, preferably an orthopedist who specializes in hands. If it has been this long and the symptoms have not gotten any better this is a concern.
If this was a work related injury btw you may still be able to file a worker’s comp claim to get all of this covered.
I was just wondering why I cannot bend my pinky finger when I pull back on my ring finger.
Scincerly yours,
random person on the internet who is very curious
I think that on some people there is an “interconnectivity” between the flexor tendons of the fingers that occurs higher up in the hand. When you are pulling the ring finger into extension, it might be pulling on the flexor tendon in the pinky finger and thus restricting the pinky finger from bending.
I had a small laceration to my palm about an inch under my ring finger two days ago. There was swelling and numbness in my ring finger (both) and middle finger (just swelling, no numbness). Two days later my ring finger finger is still numb just on the underside (palm side) and the side that is next to my middle finger. No other fingers are affected. If I press deeply my palm near the laceration, I do get a tingly feeling up my ring finger. There is still a little swelling, been to the doctor, no glass imbedded, no stitches needed and they said I probsbly damaged a nerve and it could take 6-12 months for the nerve to heal and numbness to subside.
My questions are- is this true, does it take this long? Can I do anything to speed up healing time? Vitamins, natural foods, etc? What should I avoid so I don’t slow down healing or damage it more?
How long
The general rule of thumb for sensory nerve healing is this: The first month there is no return of sensation, and each month after that there is about one centimeter of return of feeling. In terms of other factors, there isn’t much evidence of anything that appreciably speeds this up. I do think however that poor nutrition, smoking, or other bad habits might slow it down.
I was standing in the shower for 5 days due to sickness resting my hands on the hard porcelain of the tub with my elbows bent. My pinky and ring finger have been numb for three days. Should I have expected this to go away by now?
That should be improving a bit from day to day. If it is not, I would talk to the doc about it.
I woke up with a numb pinky and half of my ring finger on my left hand and I am starting to panic and bit because it has not gotten better in 3 hours, how long would it usually take for the numbness to go away. Should I ask my doctor about this?
I would say that it should gradually improve during the day. I would avoid bending the elbow too much in the mean time. If it does not improve I would give the doc a call.
I would always sleep with my hand under the pillow. A few days I woke up with my arm fully numb. I started using my computer for several hours straight. One day I had my pinky small finger and ring finger numb. It’s been going on for a month at intermittent days. What positions will help my ulnar nerve. Will a ulnar nerve splint work?
For the computer work, I would guess that a wrist guard brace might help protect the ulnar nerve at the level of the hand. It is no harm to try and see if that helps. You generally want to keep your wrist neutral and keep the palm sid eof the wrist from digging in to the table as you work.
The sleeping thing could be coming from your wrist, elbow, or shoulder. I would avoid sleeping on your hand entirely.
Both my elbows have been hurting for months where the small knob is ,not the main elbow. I keep waking up even after 15 min of sleep with both left and right numbness in my pinky and ring fingers. I was told it’s probable tennis elbows, but I don’t play tennis ,nor do anything repetitive or stressful to my elbows. Will physical therapy help this?
You are sleeping with either your elbows or your wrists too flexed. Some people “go fetal” when they fall asleep and clench muscles. My money is on that. You may want to try wearing wrist immobilizers to bed and see if that helps. If we can keep you from bending your wrists it might take care of the problem. As always, run this by the doc, as I am making an educated guess and I obviously haven’t evaluated you in person.
Hi dan, I have numbness in my ring finger, pinky finger and my thumb. What should I do? It starts in pinky and my ring finger then it works it’s way to my thumb.
I would at first go to see your primary care doctor. The question here is what is causing that nerve to be stressed. It can result from keyboard positioning, sleeping, or other repetitive activities. Sometimes it can also be referred down from the neck.
Hello..if its from the neck is it serious?..my 14 year old son is experiencing the same though we went to see a doctor yesterday, he cant give any final diagnosis..he first asked for emg/ncv and neck xray..mu son has severe scoliosis and due for surgery next month..he said the surgery cant be done yet unless the numbness of his fingers are addressed..
That is very tricky. If it is coming from the neck my guess is that surgery would help this. The doctors need to figure out first where the area of entrapment is. If it is coming from the neck, then I don’t see what the problem with doing the surgery would be.
I had quad bypass surgery 4 months ago and I have had tingling numbness in my left pinky finger ever since. I was told by one PA that it common and would go away in a couple months. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Hmmmm. I am not sure about that Dan. I guess it depends on what the cause is here. Is it a referred sensation from the heart? If so, I would think that the PA’s advice is good. It will just take time.
I suppose that it could also be possible that the ulnar nerve in your arm was lightly pressed against because of the positioning of your arm during the surgery? I have heard of that happening. In that case, you could try a gentle ulnar nerve “flossing”, or light stretches. You can find a video of those on the internet (I think there is one on physiodc.com under media—–exercise videos——neck exercises——#7.
Thank you, I’ll give the streches a try and let you lnow if tat helps.
This post came up and I instantly recognized that this was the case with me. I am in my 50s but I have a long history, from in utero probably, of folding my right hand under me like a wing as I sleep, the hand rotated inward so that my fingers and thumb all point to my right shoulder and armpit. I was born club-footed, and this seems like an echoing of that. I have always slept better on my right side, and I would lie on my arm. Growing up, I routinely awoke with the circulation to my upper arm completely cut off, and I would have to shake my dead-seeming arm until the circulation normalized. As it happens, I am now coming off 18 months of physical therapy to correct my left knee (dislocated and floating patella) and hip, which had for my whole adult life been misaligned, partly from the more pronounced club foot and unfortunate cosmetic measures early on, then a pulled muscle in my hip stressed at puberty from the misalignment and rotation. I am convinced this is all related to this flareup to my ulnar nerve. Setting up a soft way to straighten my arm, and finding a way to get comfortable sleeping on my left side, the side of my rehabilitated hip and newly aligned knee, seems to be the way forward. I share this level of detail in the event the constellation of symptoms may be useful, and really to marvel at what an intricate system one’s body is. Thanks for your detailed and accessible explanation, and for following up on your post to the present.
About 9 months ago, I started wearing a 1/2″ wide titanium ring on my pinky finger. Then, about 2 months ago, I noticed very localized numbness on that finger right where the ring rests. Even a tiny bit of numbness on the side of my ring finger that comes into contact with the ring. I am convinced this is the ring, but I cannot find any correlating reference online. The numbness is greatest underneath the ring and then dissipates down the length of he knuckle, ending at the wrist. Any other thoughts? No such numbness on any other ring-free fingers. Thanks!
I agree with you, the ring has to be causing this. If the ring is a bit too tight, or if it is too “weighty” it can cause compression on one of the proper digital sensory nerves. It is my understanding that there is one small branch of each nerve that runs down each side of your finger. I don’t think that this is a huge deal, but if the ring is consistently causing this I wouldn’t mess with it. Get another size or shape.
On Dec 20 I had ulnar nerve transposition surgery on my left elbow. For a couple days after surgery I still had total numbness in my pinky and half of my ring finger. Half of my palm is also numb. On Dec 23 the pain in my hand and elbow hurt so bad I called my surgeon. He immediately had me come to the hospital and open the incision back up to heck for kinks in the ulnar nerve. Everything looked fine and he sewed me back up. Here we are 3 weeks later and half of my hand is still totally numb with pins and needles and shoot in pain that’s almost unbearable. My physical therapist says he has never seen a case like this. Any help?
Thanks,
Nick
It might simply be inflammation around the area of the ulnar nerve because of the surgery. If there is swelling around the nerve, the resultant pressure can maintain the numbness and pain. Having the elbow opened up again can of course add the to inflammatory aspect. I would of course make sure that the doc is aware of the symptoms from day to day, and I would not bend the elbow or wrist excessively.
I’m a gamer and recently I’ve been feeling this numbness mixed with pins and needles in my pinky finger and ring finger. The pins and needles isn’t harsh but I can feel it’s there, and the numbness the same. I recently changed my positioning so less pressure is put on my wrist, but after 5 days since changing I only feel the slightest difference. The first day when I had it my hand was very sore and tired, but that was because I pushed myself too far and kept playing even though I was sore, because I was sure that tommorow I would be fine. Thanks
If you want it to go away entirely I would of course put the controller down for a few weeks. Is there a more ergonomic controller out there that keeps the wrist from bending? That would be a good long term investment.
I hit my elbow on my bed frame from a fall pretty hard and at first I couldnt move my ring and pinky fingers. Within 5 minutes I could moved them. It’s been roughly 7 hours and I have full range of motion in my arm fingers and only minor elbow discomfort but my ring and pinky finger are still numb. Does the numbness usually last that long?
It sounds like you bruised the nerve. It may take a few days to calm down depending on how hard you hit it. I would see the doc if this does not abate.
I broke my left elbow 10 years ago. I had nerve tasting 8 years ago and checked out fine. Now my left pinky and ring finger have been numb for a month now. I did X-rays if fingers and wrist checked out fine nothing broken or dislocated. Pain goes from tip of fingers up to elbow. What’s going on?!?! Seen my regular doctor she is sending me to hand specialist. I am already off work doctor put me on lift restrictions which I can’t do my job with that. Just worried how long I will be off or what will be the hand doctors next step. Nothing had helped I wear a wrist split at night doesn’t help. Fingers are numb and tingling all the time
It might be coming from the elbow. It would have to be assessed to determine that. I would keep the elbow from bending too much, especially when you sleep in the mean time.
Woke up with numbness and tinging in my left hand ring and little finger,i sleep with arm under pillow ,it has worried me,help please!
Keep the elbow from bending excessively while you sleep. I would also keep the wrist in a neutral position as well while you sleep. If the numbness does not improve, I would let your doc know about it.
Thank you,for your advice,would ice or heat help any at all?
Meh, probably not.
Oddly enough, I only experience numbness in my pinky and ring fingers on both hands when I sleep flat on my back with my arms at my sides. I have to turn to my side or front and bend my arms to get the feeling back. Does that mean I am compressing a different nerve? Or perhaps it is being compressed elsewhere?
I have a slipped disk in my neck and DDD but it does not bother me much at all, so I don’t know if it’s related.
I would think that it is indeed the ulnar nerve that is involved, but it is probably being compressed somewhere “up the chain”. This might be at the level of the pectorals, or neck perhaps?
I have hypersensitivity and pain in my lateral portion of my elbow as well as my ring and pinky finger in both arms. I’ve been told possible cubital-tunnel syndrome but I don’t have pain in the medial portion of my elbow. I’ve been experiencing this since the beginning of this year, although the pain/sensitivity intensity hasn’t changed. One thing that I’ve done differently this year was weight training. Upon being seen by a doctor, I’ve been prescribed steroid medications through means of iontophoresis directly on my elbow. I’ve worn an arm splint, at night, for about 1 month. All of this with no change. I’ve tried hot and cold treatment as well. Some days are worse than others. Doctor suggests more physical therapy. What steps would you suggest?
Remove the upper extremity weight lifting for a month or so and see if it makes a difference. I would also take a good look at your office ergonomics. I would avoid placing any direct pressure on the cubital tunnel area / elbow when typing etc..