Numbness in my hand

The left side of my hand (left side of the palm, pinky and ring finger) has been tingly and numb for the past two days. Doesn't hurt though. Anyone ever heard of this or know what it might be?

AHA!! I knew I wasn't alone!

I've had this for the past two years.  Not two years solid, it's been on and off.  I asked my doctor about it and she seemed unconcerned so long as there wasn't any pain and it wasn't getting worse.

I did my own research, just because I was curious if I was going crazy or not, and I found something about that the pinky and ring fingers are affected by the ulnar nerve, which can be pinched (not the right word, not 'pinched' persay as that would hurt a lot, but something a degree or two less than pinched :)) in the elbow if its not in exactly the right spot.  This causes tingling in those two fingers and a bit of the palm, but nowhere else in the hand.  It's nothing to worry about unless it gets worse, and tends to remedy itself.  

At times the tingling got a little extreme and I would go days with it, but now I actually can't remember the last time it happened.

I've suffered this for years off and on.  In my case it is pinched nerves that start in my shoulders/neck (bad posture and long hours at a desk).  At one point it was diagnosed as thoracic outlet syndrome.  I've had good luck with massage.  They also gave me stretching and posture exercises to do which really help.

When I had it I also had some pain in my shoulder, and I also had some weakness in my hands and arms.  Turned out I have two bulging discs in my neck that were impinging on the nerves down my arms. 

I had 2 steroid shots that they said would work for a few months and that I might have to get more shots.  That was 5 or so years ago, and I have not had any more problems to speak of... 

I had/have this as well for several years but mainly during sleep.  My doc wasn't very concerned either.  Said it was from carpal tunnes syndrome and that wearing those stiff hand/wrist support things could help if it continued to bother me.  I also found that if I did not sleep with my arm up under my head (which put stress on my shoulder) that it helped.

About 10 years ago I noticed some numbness in my hands and back (around the shoulder blades) but because it wasn't painful I didn't really feel the need to see a doctor. The numbness would be most apparent at the end of my work day or whenever I had been sitting at my desk (working at the computer) for too long.

After about 6 - 12 months of no pain, my condition worsened due to extreme stress at work. In addition to being numb pretty much all the time, I developed torticollis. My neck had become so stiff from stress, that I couldn't sit, sleep or dress myself. I finally saw a neurologist who diagnosed me with having 2 herniated cervical discs. As it turns out, it's a hereditary condition that will eventually require surgery. I was given medication (no steroids!), physical therapy, and wore a neck brace for a month. I was encouraged to lose weight and exercise (which I have!) and haven't had any further issues. I do have the occasional pain here and there but it is certainly manageable.

I would suggest having it checked out before it becomes something serious.

Original Post by merylwhite1:

The left side of my hand (left side of the palm, pinky and ring finger) has been tingly and numb for the past two days. Doesn't hurt though. Anyone ever heard of this or know what it might be?

I've had it... but only when I wasn't eating enough:-/ Sometimes my hand would feel like it just wasn't there.

Original Post by maxx86:

AHA!! I knew I wasn't alone!

I've had this for the past two years.  Not two years solid, it's been on and off.  I asked my doctor about it and she seemed unconcerned so long as there wasn't any pain and it wasn't getting worse.

I did my own research, just because I was curious if I was going crazy or not, and I found something about that the pinky and ring fingers are affected by the ulnar nerve, which can be pinched (not the right word, not 'pinched' persay as that would hurt a lot, but something a degree or two less than pinched :)) in the elbow if its not in exactly the right spot.  This causes tingling in those two fingers and a bit of the palm, but nowhere else in the hand.  It's nothing to worry about unless it gets worse, and tends to remedy itself.  

At times the tingling got a little extreme and I would go days with it, but now I actually can't remember the last time it happened.

 This was my diagnosis from the orthopedic surgeon.  An Xray revealed that I have a longer than normal ulna bone that pressess on this nerve.

But see a doctor because there ARE other causes and some of them can be awful.

I wake up most days with numbness in my arms... I'm pretty sure it's how I sleep tho.  (on belly arms under body or head)    

This happened to my Auntie... her legs went out from under her, turns out she had a herniated disk in her neck.

Hmm. Very interesting to hear that so many people have had similar problems. Thanks for all the replies! It doesn't hurt so I will probably just ask the doctor about it when I next have to go to pick up my prescription, which is only a week away.

cubital tunnel syndrome---I am having surgery for it on Aug 20 

It is like carpal tunnel in your elbow

The ulnar nerve is getting pinched at the elbow and early symptoms are numbness in ring and pinky finger.

Original Post by zenasavvy:

cubital tunnel syndrome---I am having surgery for it on Aug 20 

It is like carpal tunnel in your elbow

The ulnar nerve is getting pinched at the elbow and early symptoms are numbness in ring and pinky finger.

And what happens after that? :/

progressive weakness of hand, loss of control especially over pinky (difficulty getting fifth finger to easily go into glove or pocket), pressure in end of pinky-as if it might just blow off...loss of grip--I can be holding a pencil in my hand and not even notice it slides out and falls to the floor