I Have Severe Pain In My Wrist, Thumb And Now In My Elbow And Numbness In My Hand And Arm Particularly When I Sleep Where Should I Go?

Posted on Fri, 24 Aug 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 Answered on

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I have severe pain in my wrist, thumb and now in my elbow and numbness in my hand and arm particularly when I sleep. My primary care doctor says he doesn't know if I have osteo arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis but he doesn't think it's rheumatoid but doesnt seem to know where to send me for help. Where should I go?

Answered by Dr. Divya Agarwal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It could be carpal tunnel syndrome

Detailed Answer:
hi
it seems like your carpal tunnel has aggravated.
it could be secondary to osteoarthritis.
I suggest see a rheumatologist or a hand surgeon.
they may advise you to carry out a nerve conduction test .
that will confirm it.
treatment may be a steroid injection,in case that is short-lived or doesn't help,then you might need to undergo a carpal tunnel release.
in the meantime medication for nerves like pregabalin or gabapentin might help.
hope that helps.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj