Arm Pain with finger numbness/tingling

For sometime now I have been experiencing mild pain and discomfort in my little finger.  I put this down to the ageing (aging) process - I am 61.

However, I recently experienced a sudden shooting type pain in my left arm, which appeared to radiate from the elbow into the lower arm and was excruciatingly.  The pain subsisted for approximately 10 minutes before it started to ease.  Since then all of my fingers have a felt slightly tingly and weak.

I did not have any accompanying pain in my chest, nor did I feel nauseous or breathless.

My arm still feels very tender, although I have not experienced the excruciating pain again - thus far.

Have you any suggestions?  Should I get my heart checked out just in case?  I had a check up a few months ago and everything was fine.

Many thanks

Morky

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I would always advise checking out the heart, since heart disease can present with just left arm pain.  An EKG and exercise stress test would be reasonable options to discuss with your physician.

If the heart is ok, then I would evaluate for any nerve impingement.  Higher dose anti-inflammatories can be considered.  If the pain continues despite treatment, a neurology referral for possible nerve electrodiagnostic testing can further elucidate the nerve damage.  

Another consideration would be an orthopedic evaluation if the elbow joint is in question.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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