numb finger

[Don Barista]

I dint know if i should be worried but i occasionally get a long-lasting (couple of days) period of pins and needles in the little finger of my left hand, which causes loss of feeling and occasional twitching. this has happened twice so far with a gap of almost as year, so i am hoping its nothing serious but just wondered if anybody knows a possible cause/cure....

[FP]

I would definitely see your doctor.  It could be due to a variety of reasons.  Obviously there is a nerve problem somewhere - it could even originate from the neck area.  It's probably nothing to worry about - sounds as if it could be repetitive strain injury or carpal tunnel syndrome.  What do you do for a living?  This is common in people using computers, and musicians.

 

Get it checked out and put your mind at rest.

[Don Barista]

Cheers fakeplastic, have just looked and this question has been asked a few times before. from internet research i have narrowed it down to a few things that it could be and probably isnt. I do have a serious neck-cracking tendency as well, which i think i picked up from rowing alot while i was growing up, so this could be connected i suppose.

[red thumb]

Don, my father & I suffer from the same - especially when it get cool. For us it's the ring finger on both hands. Dad's doc said it's low blood pressure/poor circulation which runs in the family. I also experience numb toes when it gets very cold.

[mullein]

it could be a lack of vitamin b12 as this can cause those sort of symptoms..it is totally safe to take and available from health shops get the 500 size..also it would not harm you to take vitamin b complex also..its worth a try...mullein

[FP]

Don Barista,  Your neck is most probably the cause from what you have now said.  I have just seen my son (a guitarist) who has the same problem.  At the moment he has a numb little finger and a pain up to the elbow. 

 

Please go to your GP.  He will probably send you for nerve tests, which my son tells me is like having lots of little electric shocks down your arm (nice!!).  I doubt very much whether it is anything really serious.  Good luck.

[FP]

Just a Postscript:  Please don't do too much internet research!  You will end up thinking all sorts of things are wrong with you.  I know from experience!

[Marvin84]

Fakeplastic is right.... but get it checked, get a nerve conduction study done - it doesn't hurt, but is an interesting experience.

The ulna may be damaged - but again check with your doctor...

The fact that it's only your little finger is weird i think.... it should be your ring and pinky......

[AB Editor]

For all medical questions, we strongly advise you to seek professional advice from your doctor or healthcare professional.  Please do not rely on or wait for advice from Answerbank users.