Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Tingling And Numbing Sensation In The Arm Of A Diabetic Patient?

Hello, I m a 37-year old female with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. I was also diagnosed with eczema recently. It s been a week since I ve been feeling some tingling, pain and numbness on the palm of my left hand that also goes up to my forearm and elbow. I can barely hold a pen at work. What can this be?
Mon, 11 Apr 2016
Report Abuse
Dentist,  's  Response
Hi Dear,

Welcome to HCM team.

Understanding your concern. The tingling and numbing sensation in the arm of a diabetic patient could be because of many reasons like nerve damage and decrease in blood supply due to injury,disease like multiple sclerosis or carpal tunnel syndrome . But in your case the symptoms are probably due to diabetic neuropathy .Sometimes frequent activity or heavy weight lifting can also cause such symptoms .You should properly stretch your arms before doing such activities. What you can do for now is stop activity which causes this sensation,give rest to your arm ,ice your arm for 10 mins twice daily and you can also take diclofenac .If this condition reoccur frequently or you are experiencing other symptoms like dizziness difficulty in walking and breathing immediately consult orthopedics surgeon ,who can order elecromyography ,MRI ,blood test and take medical history to find out the exact cause. Doctor may also refer you to endocrinologist for diabetic neuropathy .

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Get Well Soon.

Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Tingling And Numbing Sensation In The Arm Of A Diabetic Patient?

Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM team. Understanding your concern. The tingling and numbing sensation in the arm of a diabetic patient could be because of many reasons like nerve damage and decrease in blood supply due to injury,disease like multiple sclerosis or carpal tunnel syndrome . But in your case the symptoms are probably due to diabetic neuropathy .Sometimes frequent activity or heavy weight lifting can also cause such symptoms .You should properly stretch your arms before doing such activities. What you can do for now is stop activity which causes this sensation,give rest to your arm ,ice your arm for 10 mins twice daily and you can also take diclofenac .If this condition reoccur frequently or you are experiencing other symptoms like dizziness difficulty in walking and breathing immediately consult orthopedics surgeon ,who can order elecromyography ,MRI ,blood test and take medical history to find out the exact cause. Doctor may also refer you to endocrinologist for diabetic neuropathy . Hope your concern has been resolved. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari