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What Causes Pain In Little Finger And Arm Numbness?

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Posted on Fri, 17 Jul 2015
Question: So earlier in the day, my pinky started hurting pretty bad and it spread as numbness through the rest of my arm. Being a musician and seeing that it's on my left hand, it kinda worries me.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Matt Wachsman (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
then... seeing a doctor face to face is likely warrented.

Detailed Answer:
But I can give a general discussion.
There are two broad types of nerve problems (ok...first, there are many sources of pain...nerve, joints, inflammation, psychological, muscular, etc AND, numbness and spreading in the pathway of a nerve makes nerve pain the issue and not much point in discussing other types).

There are two broad types of nerve problems: injured nerves and sick nerves. Injured nerves often have a reason known for why there is a problem with a particular time and circumstance connected with the start of the pain. The pain goes OUTWARD from the injury. It is generally ONE nerve.
Sick nerves tend to be the ones which are longest as most susceptible. The symptoms tend to be at the ends of limbs. All. Four. Limbs.
So, a localized area of numbness doesn't fit with either type perfectly but you'd consider both possibilities. Lyme disease and syphillis cause problems with individual nerves. These can be tested. Autoimmune disease can. It just about never does. An injury to the hand in someone who works with the hands would be a common occurrence. Can be an acute injury but can also be chronic rubbing of a nerve (like carpal tunnel for example). It often improves with immobilizing the area into a natural, relaxed position (splinting). and rest and an anti-inflammatory.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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

Addiction Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1985

Answered : 4214 Questions

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What Causes Pain In Little Finger And Arm Numbness?

Brief Answer: then... seeing a doctor face to face is likely warrented. Detailed Answer: But I can give a general discussion. There are two broad types of nerve problems (ok...first, there are many sources of pain...nerve, joints, inflammation, psychological, muscular, etc AND, numbness and spreading in the pathway of a nerve makes nerve pain the issue and not much point in discussing other types). There are two broad types of nerve problems: injured nerves and sick nerves. Injured nerves often have a reason known for why there is a problem with a particular time and circumstance connected with the start of the pain. The pain goes OUTWARD from the injury. It is generally ONE nerve. Sick nerves tend to be the ones which are longest as most susceptible. The symptoms tend to be at the ends of limbs. All. Four. Limbs. So, a localized area of numbness doesn't fit with either type perfectly but you'd consider both possibilities. Lyme disease and syphillis cause problems with individual nerves. These can be tested. Autoimmune disease can. It just about never does. An injury to the hand in someone who works with the hands would be a common occurrence. Can be an acute injury but can also be chronic rubbing of a nerve (like carpal tunnel for example). It often improves with immobilizing the area into a natural, relaxed position (splinting). and rest and an anti-inflammatory.