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What Causes Burning-like Pain And Numbness In Fingers?

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Posted on Tue, 29 Sep 2015
Question: During the night while sleeping, I have this burning-like pain and numbness in my fingers and hands and it sometimes wakes me up. If I get up and walk around for a few minutes the conditions subside and I go back to bed. Any ideas? Thanx, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Spine disc problem in cervical area.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Such symptoms are quite characteristic for nerves compression. As this symptom appears on both sides (both hands), spine disc problem in the cervical area is the most probable reason.
If the pain appears in first 3 fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome can be the case as well.

I suggest you to consult neurologist. Spine MRI should be done and EMG test considered.

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (29 minutes later)
Thanx. Wouldn't nerve compression cause symptoms during the time other than when I'm in bed as the pain, numbness is only at night? But sometimes during the day, the symptoms occur mildly when I grip something like a book or newspaper and hold it for an extended period of time.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Nerves pain appears during the night.

Detailed Answer:
Actually it is very characteristic for nerves compression (and especially for carpal tunnel syndrome) to cause worse pain during the night. And the pain very often awakens. So this just points to nerves issues out.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (3 hours later)
Last question Sir- The right hand started first, then several months later the left hand started but not as often or intense. Also in addition to the burning pain and numbness my fingers are very stiff and hard to bend but goes away along with the pain and numbness within 5-10 minutes of awakening and getting out of bed. Thanx, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (15 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Rheumathoid arthritis can give stiffness.

Detailed Answer:
If this is carpal tunnel syndrome, it could act like that. Very often one side causes the pain first. Spine disc problem can give similar order of symptoms. Especially if the disc compresses one side of spine more than the other side.
If its about stiffness, rheumathoid arthritis very often gives stiffness present in the morning which disappears with activity. So this must be ruled out as well. To do that, both hands x-ray should be done as well. However at first, you need to consult neurologist for sure.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Grzegorz Stanko

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 5795 Questions

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What Causes Burning-like Pain And Numbness In Fingers?

Brief Answer: Spine disc problem in cervical area. Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for the query. Such symptoms are quite characteristic for nerves compression. As this symptom appears on both sides (both hands), spine disc problem in the cervical area is the most probable reason. If the pain appears in first 3 fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome can be the case as well. I suggest you to consult neurologist. Spine MRI should be done and EMG test considered. Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions. Regards.