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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Stiffness In Elbow Along With Numbness In Fingers?

I have numbness in the fingers of my left hand. All fingers are affected. Particularly the thumb and index finger. There is also a feeling of tightness going up the arm towards the elbow. I have been diagnosed with a pinched nerve and on that side in the past. Your thoughts, please
Thu, 10 Mar 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome to HCM.
Incomplete data like age, gender, duration of the symptoms, any history of trauma or any medical illness?
The symptoms described in your query are suggestive of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome due to nerve entrapment in or near the elbow resulting in elbow pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling, or weakness of the arm, wrist, or hand.
If your symptoms interfere with normal activities or last more than a few weeks consult an orthopedic surgeon for proper evaluation and treatment which may involve use of anti inflammatory drugs, stretching exercise or occasionally surgery. Meanwhile:
1. Avoid activities that require you to keep your arm bent for long periods of time. If you use a computer frequently, make sure that your chair is not too low. Do not rest your elbow on the armrest.
2. Avoid leaning on your elbow or putting pressure on the inside of your arm. For example, do not drive with your arm resting on the open window.
3. Keep your elbow straight at night when you are sleeping. This can be done by wrapping a towel around your straight elbow or wearing an elbow pad backwards.
4. Bracing or splinting to wear at night to keep your elbow in a straight position.
Hope the suggestions given above would be useful.
A feed back is appreciated.


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What Causes Stiffness In Elbow Along With Numbness In Fingers?

Hi & Welcome to HCM. Incomplete data like age, gender, duration of the symptoms, any history of trauma or any medical illness? The symptoms described in your query are suggestive of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome due to nerve entrapment in or near the elbow resulting in elbow pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling, or weakness of the arm, wrist, or hand. If your symptoms interfere with normal activities or last more than a few weeks consult an orthopedic surgeon for proper evaluation and treatment which may involve use of anti inflammatory drugs, stretching exercise or occasionally surgery. Meanwhile: 1. Avoid activities that require you to keep your arm bent for long periods of time. If you use a computer frequently, make sure that your chair is not too low. Do not rest your elbow on the armrest. 2. Avoid leaning on your elbow or putting pressure on the inside of your arm. For example, do not drive with your arm resting on the open window. 3. Keep your elbow straight at night when you are sleeping. This can be done by wrapping a towel around your straight elbow or wearing an elbow pad backwards. 4. Bracing or splinting to wear at night to keep your elbow in a straight position. Hope the suggestions given above would be useful. A feed back is appreciated.