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What Causes Persistent Pain And Numbness In The Left Hand?
Question: I m male 33, obese, type 2 diabetic. My left arm and hand gets numb often and get slight random pain on the left part of my chest. I get breathless without activity sometimes & get tired easily after walking. My ECG & stress echo was fine, it was done 3 months ago. What else may be the problem?
Brief Answer:
Seems to be a neuritic pain
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thank you for posting the query.
Left arm and hand getting numb with some amount of pain is a classical sign of a neuritic pain. It indicates that either the spinal nerves supplying the left upper extremity are inflammed or may be they are compressed at the spinal level due to slipped disc.
Any amount of compression in the cervical spine are will lead to these symptoms.
ECG and echo has already ruled out heart-related possibilities.
Getting breathless and tired does not seem to be related to the numbness and pain in left arm and that needs a separate evaluation in the form of getting detailed blood examination done for Hemoglobin,cell counts,thyroid assay and electrolytes.
Do let me know the reports once they are ready.
For numbness and pain in arm,you can get an MRI of cervical spine to rule out a slipped disc. Take methycobalamin,folic acid and pregabalin tablets along with analagesic tablets.
Applying local analgesic gel in affected areas will be helpful.
Feel free to consult me anytime for further queries.
Thank you.
Wish you a speedy recovery.
Seems to be a neuritic pain
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thank you for posting the query.
Left arm and hand getting numb with some amount of pain is a classical sign of a neuritic pain. It indicates that either the spinal nerves supplying the left upper extremity are inflammed or may be they are compressed at the spinal level due to slipped disc.
Any amount of compression in the cervical spine are will lead to these symptoms.
ECG and echo has already ruled out heart-related possibilities.
Getting breathless and tired does not seem to be related to the numbness and pain in left arm and that needs a separate evaluation in the form of getting detailed blood examination done for Hemoglobin,cell counts,thyroid assay and electrolytes.
Do let me know the reports once they are ready.
For numbness and pain in arm,you can get an MRI of cervical spine to rule out a slipped disc. Take methycobalamin,folic acid and pregabalin tablets along with analagesic tablets.
Applying local analgesic gel in affected areas will be helpful.
Feel free to consult me anytime for further queries.
Thank you.
Wish you a speedy recovery.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. REMY KOSHY
Answered by
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