hand dysfunction

My son is 21 and plays the saxophone. He has not practiced much lately but did in the past. For years he has noticed a sensation in both hands in the morning that he couldn't get his hands "to work right." He had a general sense of dysfunction. It has now gotten to the point where he notices it more often, throughout the day. There is no pain; just a feeling like he has lost strength and coordination in his hands. He drops things, has difficulty closing his fingers all the way (making a fist) and just has a general sensation of dysfunction in his hands. He currently does not have health insurance so he has not had this checked out. He is in good health and has been a vegetarian all his life. He is physically active (rides bike, hikes, etc.). Is this something that could be symptomatic of a serious health problem?
Concerned Mom

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I would consider an orthopedic problem or a neurologic problem.  If there is a lot of hand use (i.e. playing a saxaphone), you may want to consider things like tendonitis which can cause discomfort in the hands.  This can be evaluated by an orthopedic doc, and things like NSAIDs which can help reduce the inflammation.

If that is not the case, you may want to consider a neurology referral - which can also cause weakness and loss of coordination.  Electrodiagnostic studies - like and EMG - can evaluate for any nerve dysfunction or compression.

You may want to discuss these options with your personal physician.

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.
Medical Weblog:
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