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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Finger numbness and intense leg cramps
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Finger numbness and intense leg cramps
by Yabba-Dabba-Doo, Jul 31, 2006 12:00AM
Ten months ago I worked in a factory using an air gun as a cleaning device. I spent almost a full 8 hour day doing this non-stop with the exception of 3 very small breaks. Upon a wakening the next morning, my fingers were all clenched into the exact same position as if I was actually holding the air gun and were completely numb (felt like dead flesh). It would take close to 10-15 minutes before my hand felt normal again.
Flash forward to 2 weeks ago when my thumb, index and middle fingers became numb. There is pain associated with this numbness. The pain shoots up to my shoulder and my fingers feel swollen.
A really strange thing is that the top part of my arm also feels faintly numb while the bottom half of it does not. The opposite applies to my hand. The top part is not numb; the bottom part is faintly numb.
I spent 19 years working years as a typesetter, often spending hours just typing and getting a crick in my neck when I would turn to look at someone or something.
I am 40 years old, female.
I saw my dr. and he had me hold my hands together (back side of hands), facing down for a minute. It made the numbness more intense in my fingers and arm.
Could this be carpal? Does carpal go away on its own?
Also at almost the same time, I began experiencing intense leg cramps. Every time I go to lie down, I can feel my leg muscles beginning to clench.
Could this be a vitamin deficiency?
Thank-you for your wonderful work, doctors! ;) Any mistakes can be blamed on my numb fingers.
Flash forward to 2 weeks ago when my thumb, index and middle fingers became numb. There is pain associated with this numbness. The pain shoots up to my shoulder and my fingers feel swollen.
A really strange thing is that the top part of my arm also feels faintly numb while the bottom half of it does not. The opposite applies to my hand. The top part is not numb; the bottom part is faintly numb.
I spent 19 years working years as a typesetter, often spending hours just typing and getting a crick in my neck when I would turn to look at someone or something.
I am 40 years old, female.
I saw my dr. and he had me hold my hands together (back side of hands), facing down for a minute. It made the numbness more intense in my fingers and arm.
Could this be carpal? Does carpal go away on its own?
Also at almost the same time, I began experiencing intense leg cramps. Every time I go to lie down, I can feel my leg muscles beginning to clench.
Could this be a vitamin deficiency?
Thank-you for your wonderful work, doctors! ;) Any mistakes can be blamed on my numb fingers.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH, Aug 02, 2006 12:00AM
First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes. From the history and symptoms you described it does sound like carpal tunnel syndrome. However, you are at risk for other possible explanations and I would suggest a complete workup.
The median nerve passess through a narrow cleft in the wrist and with inflammation from repetitive stress injury, etc. this nerve can be compressed and cause numbness in the hands (Generally index, middle and half of ring finger, along with weakness and atrophy in some cases). This numbness generally gets worse when you worsen the compression by bending the wrists or tapping on the wrist. I would recommend an EMG to look for slowing across the median nerve as it crosses the wrist. Some cases require tendon release surgery, while others are helped by wrist splints (it depends on the severity as determined by EMG).
You also decribed some arm numbness and possible past injury to your neck. This may represent cervical disc disease that can sometimes mimic carpal tunnel. For this I would recommend an MRI of your cervical spine.
The leg cramps are likely unrelated, but if you have the urge to move your legs due to a uncomfortable feeling, you may have restless leg syndrome (which can sometimes be the result of iron deficiency). If you are having muscle cramps in your legs, these can be caused by electrolyte imbalance, but usually does not have any identifiable cause. You should have your electrolytes checked. Quinine sulfate is often used for such tiypes of cramps. I hope this has been helpful.
The median nerve passess through a narrow cleft in the wrist and with inflammation from repetitive stress injury, etc. this nerve can be compressed and cause numbness in the hands (Generally index, middle and half of ring finger, along with weakness and atrophy in some cases). This numbness generally gets worse when you worsen the compression by bending the wrists or tapping on the wrist. I would recommend an EMG to look for slowing across the median nerve as it crosses the wrist. Some cases require tendon release surgery, while others are helped by wrist splints (it depends on the severity as determined by EMG).
You also decribed some arm numbness and possible past injury to your neck. This may represent cervical disc disease that can sometimes mimic carpal tunnel. For this I would recommend an MRI of your cervical spine.
The leg cramps are likely unrelated, but if you have the urge to move your legs due to a uncomfortable feeling, you may have restless leg syndrome (which can sometimes be the result of iron deficiency). If you are having muscle cramps in your legs, these can be caused by electrolyte imbalance, but usually does not have any identifiable cause. You should have your electrolytes checked. Quinine sulfate is often used for such tiypes of cramps. I hope this has been helpful.
Member Comments (3)
by Yabba-Dabba-Doo, Aug 01, 2006 12:00AM
Just for clarification, the finger numbness and leg cramping began at the same time two weeks ago.
by caregiver222, Aug 09, 2006 12:00AM
For the cramps quinine sulfate works well. You can try the magnesium. You need to be on prednisone for a few days. The drug is toxic and evil and causes cancer, but it eliminates inflamation in zero time, and you need to put the fire out around those nerve sheaths. After a few days on prednisone (which won't kill you) go to Motrin for a week or two. Once the inflammation goes down, rest can help. Of course you need a physician for the prednisone.
by hankhawk, Mar 10, 2008 09:06PM
A related discussion, finger cramps was started.
by JAY45, May 12, 2008 06:15AM
A related discussion, cramps was started.
