What Caues Pain And Tingling Sensation In Tricep?

Posted on Wed, 3 Dec 2014

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

Wed, 3 Dec 2014 Answered on

Mon, 22 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a pain/ electricity feeling in my tricep. I first noticed it when I was running a week ago and its progressively getting worse. I do not have any cervical injuries. I do have a disk pushing on I think L5 nerve that I take gabapentin for already. I am a sonographer and use my right hand all day everyday so that is what Im worried about that it will progressively get worse to where it affects that. What do you suppose may be causing it and what is the treatment for it.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Little bit more information will be helpful

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. To reach any conclusion, please tell me-1.Is the pain (radiating?) associated with numbness, tingling sensation along with weakness of grip in hand?
2. How are the movement at shoulder and neck?
3. Any swelling, redness at arm?
The cause could be local pathology at arm or the cervical disc (pinched nerve).
Looking forward to your reply.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (3 hours later)

No redness / swelling. For the last couple of weeks (before the stuff in my tricep) I've noticed the fingers on the same side will go numb while scanning in certain positions (I believe - not sure which positions). Not every time I scan. I feel no weakness in grip. Movement of shoulder and neck are fine. I don't know if it means anything but I will wake up with numb fingers at times and once move them around they are fine.

Approximately 15 years ago I had what they called overuse syndrome (if thats real) and radial tunnel syndrome from working instruments in a science lab I used to work in; until now arms have been fine. Quite possibly related - I don't know.

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
EMG/NCV test helps

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It’s good to see you
I have gone through your detail reply carefully and the pain is definitely of nerve origin (neurogenic), most likely radial nerve. Do you have increase in pain on wrist and finger extension? This could well be related to Radial tunnel syndrome.
My suggestion would be-
1. Getting EMG/NCV (ElectroMoyogram/ Nerve Conduction Velocity) study to look for nerve disease along with X-ray of arm.
2. In place of Gabapentin, I would suggest to have Pregablin along with vitamin B12 pill/shots, Ibuprofen and muscle relaxant drug thiocolchicoside.
Hope this helps and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (15 hours later)

Thank you for your answer.

Which type of Dr. would be best to go to? An orthopedic doctor or just a primary care doctor to get all of this ordered?

Thank you XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend orthopaedic surgeon/Neurologist

Detailed Answer:
Hello
You are welcome
I would recommend to visit either Orthopaedic surgeon or Neurologist. Please revert back with the report.You may reach me directly by logging at my profile http://bit.ly/drmchugh
God bless you
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar