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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Night Time Numbness In Hands Suggest?

I have numbness during the night in both hands in my thumb and forefingers and in my middle fingers (both hands) all the time - sometimes I get shooting (like nerve) pains in my thumb and forefingers. This is sporadic. I have had many tests - have been told it was carpal tunnel but then I have seen a surgeon and was told it is not carpal tunnel and surgery would not help - but no solution. What is this? I do have a pinched nerve in my neck which shoots up into my skull -this happens infrequently and there is no connection in time to the numbness or pain in my hands. This has been going off and on for years (I am 75) and It seems to be getting worse lately. Is there something I can do or a specific Dr. I should see - or maybe acupuncture? I m at a loss. Thank you.
Thu, 17 Dec 2020
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

It does sound like carpal tunnel if your thumb, forefinger, and middle finger are involved. You could try getting a second opinion or getting a test called an Electromyogram and Nerve Conduction Study. They will test the function of your nerves in your arm and determine if there are any problems. This is a very sensitive way to detect carpal tunnel. If you have more than just two numb fingers, you may also have other nerve issues. You can have radial nerve neuropathy or ulnar nerve neuropathy, but they wouldn't affect the fingers you described.

You could try using a straight-wrist brace when you sleep. This will prevent your wrist from curling at night and compressing your carpal tunnel. B12 vitamins may also help. Sometimes, we also use oral steroids or steroid injections to calm down the inflamed nerves.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Timothy Wong, General & Family Physician
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What Does Night Time Numbness In Hands Suggest?

Hi, It does sound like carpal tunnel if your thumb, forefinger, and middle finger are involved. You could try getting a second opinion or getting a test called an Electromyogram and Nerve Conduction Study. They will test the function of your nerves in your arm and determine if there are any problems. This is a very sensitive way to detect carpal tunnel. If you have more than just two numb fingers, you may also have other nerve issues. You can have radial nerve neuropathy or ulnar nerve neuropathy, but they wouldn t affect the fingers you described. You could try using a straight-wrist brace when you sleep. This will prevent your wrist from curling at night and compressing your carpal tunnel. B12 vitamins may also help. Sometimes, we also use oral steroids or steroid injections to calm down the inflamed nerves. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Timothy Wong, General & Family Physician