Cubital Tunnel??.... numb pinkie!

[triciafaye]

Last week I was talking to our neighbor out on our balcony and i had my elbows and forearms crossed in front of my chest and propped up on the ledge.
After about 2 hours of talking, My hand went to sleep.... or so I thought. Well It wouldn't wake up, and i thought this was rather odd. I went on to bed and it was still slightly numb when I woke up. I had things I had to do, I re-arranged some furniture and still didn't get better, didn't get worse. Until maybe another day or so later, the numbness got worse, my pinkie, ring finger and that side of my hand and palm are swollen....
It is the feeling you get in your face when you have had a tooth pulled... numb but when ya touch it it hurts.
I don't have any pain in my elbow anymore... when I did it wasn't that bad, my wrist hurts a little though. I have a Carpal Tunnel splint on my wrist just in case... so I'm not moving it. I tried putting an ace bandage on my elbow, but it was tooo uncomfortable.
Is this a pinched Ulnar Nerve... somewhere in my arm.
I have no job, or any kind of insurance.... so going to the doctor is not really an option.
I am a graphic designer... so... I kinda need my hand lol.
Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

[triciafaye]

I also read that the nerve could be getting pinched in the hand.
This is called Guyon's canal syndrome, which also causes pressure on the Ulnar nerve.
I am taking precautions.. since I DO have swelling in my hand and those 2 fingers.
I am also taking Ibproffien and using an Ice pack... this helps with the pain.

[PaulMD]

Hi.

The pinky finger are is indeed supplied by the ulnar nerve, and it is really possible that you have some form of injury to this nerve.  The ulnar nerve normally courses near the elbow joint, and any form of prolonged pressure or injury to this area can cause injury to the nerve itself.

The good thing is that, this form of pressure injury to the nerve will recover in time, and we can expect return to functionality (but can last weeks or months, no standard rule for this).  

It is still best to have this assessed by your doctor (especially if you need this part of your body in your livelihood).  For now, adequate rest is in order.

Regards and God bless.