Dead hands & cramps in legs

[lillypippit]

Hello, Could sombody please help me.  For a while now at night time I wake up and find my hands totally numb and my leg calfs cramping.  Also lately I have been just not sleeping soundly all night.  Im 37.  Thank you

[jakl726]

londres70 is right.  a neurologist deals with, among other things, problems associated with muscle movement and nerves.  both your hands and leg problem can be quickly checked by a neurologist b/c your hand numbing can be due to nerves or muscles or something else and leg cramping problem with muscles.  if a neurologist finds you not having any problem, you can then see a hand doctor (a plastic surgeon hand doctor or an orthopedic hand doctor).  i know this b/c my husband is a former.

it could also like what you mentioned that your father suffered from leg cramping and it runs in your family.  in which case, you maybe dehydrated and need more electrolyte.

in any case, you should start with your general practitioner (like i said i wouldn't wait since you mentioned it causes you sleepless nights... and i've seen and heard many patients who doesn't see their doctor until it is bad and then expect the doctor to perform miracles - unfortunately, they are not GOD!).

you are still young and it is best that you know what is going on.  besides, if it is nothing... as it may be stress induced or a matter of electrolyte imbalance, or both, then at least you covered all grounds and you can sleep better at night knowing that you have no major medical problem.  but if you do, which i hope you don't, hopefully you can catch it early enough to do something about it.

fyi, some carpal and/or tarsal tunnel syndrome (which causes numbing of the hand and feet) can be corrected with therapy, wearing of brace and some life changes... but if this doesn't help or if it is severe, surgery is needed to correct this.  i know this b/c my husband is a hand doctor and b/c i suffered from carpal tunnel and thank god the therapy, brace and changes in work habit helped.  my mom was not as fortunate b/c she was older when got help and she had both her hands operated.

good luck!

[Londres70]

I really don't know why you are surprised about the recommendation of seeing a Neuro.  Your symptoms are neuro in nature to me.  The Neuro can do a physical assessment, EMG and/or NCS of the nerves/muscles in your hands and legs.  

You can always google tarsal and carpal tunnel if you want more info about this condition.  

See your GP and go from there.  

All the best.  

[lillypippit]

Thank you for your replies.  I do stand a lot during the day at work and I always work with my hands at my job.  Im quite taken aback with the suggestion of a Neurologist!!! and I dont know what carpal and tarsal tunnel syndrome is.  I guess I will just attend my GP. Its not every night it doesnt cause me pain, well apart from the leg cramps.... mind you thinking of it now..... my father always suffered from very bad leg cramps at night time, maybe this is related in some ways

[Londres70]

Are you doing any strenuous activity during the day with your hands and legs?  How long has this been going on?  

I would cousult your PCP/Family Physician first for an assessment and possibly labs (electrolytes).  If still no answers, then consult a Neurologist.  

Any history of carpal and/or tarsal tunnel syndrome?  

[sania19]

yes i think too you shud see the doctor first.

[jakl726]

if this has been going on for a while... i think you should see your doctor (primary care physician) so you do not get the wrong advice.  your primary can direct you to see a specialist, i.e neurologist, hand doctor, etc.  i wouldn't wait if it is causing you your sleep every night.