NUMBNESS IN RIGHT HAND DAYTIME AND NIGHT TIME

I AM A 27/F RECENTLY I HAVE PUT ON 20 POUNDS IN SIX MONTHS, NO CHANGE IN DIET OR ACTIVITIES. FOR THE PAST THREE MONTHS OR SO, THAT IVE NOTICED MY RIGHT HAND HAS BEEN GOING NUMB. AT FIRST IT WAS ONLY AT NIGHT NOW I CAN BE DRIVING OR WORKING. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHY OR WHAT I SHOULD OR COULD DO?

[Craig Brooker]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without being able to take history from you and to examine you, I cannot tell you what the cause of your problems is, and I cannot give you a diagnosis.  That said, from what you describe, it sounds likely to be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by pressure on a nerve in your wrist for any sort of reason (swelling, gaining weight, etc) which produces numbness/tingling most commonly on the palm and first 3 and a half fingers (i.e. thumb through middle of ring finger).  Early in the disease it may just occur in certain positions (e.g. at night, while driving, typing, or a handful of other specific positions classically).  Later, the numbness may be persistent.  History and exam are very important for the diagnosis and this is usually confirmed on a needle test called an EMG.  If/when the diagnosis is confirmed, the disease process can be treated with removing the cause of the swelling (e.g. weight loss).  In addition, splinting of the wrist (especially at night) can be useful.  If neither of these are successful, neurosurgeons often can perform surgery on the wrist to release the pressure and relieve the symptoms.  

[SamuelS]

YOU DON'T HAVE TO TALK IN ALL CAPS.

[kimmylu61]

You might think about having your thyroid function tested.  The same thing happened to me - weight gain - numbness, etc.  It was because I have an underactive thyroid.  I started the medication and my weight has returned to "normal' and no more numbness.

[Rachelinpain]

you have carpal tunnel, like the doctor said.  the weight gain could be the culprit but it could also be anything else that causes strain on the nerve in your wrist.  please have it evaluated and treated.  i had severe carpal tunnel from about age 12 in both arms and was treated unsuccessfully for many years.  i finally had to have surgery at age 28 and have permanent nerve damage in both arms.  if it gets severe enough the damage moves proximaly (closer to your heart).  the surgery is painful and now i have alot of pain and weakness on both sides.  the surgery definately stopped the progression of nerve damage but once the damage is severe enough you can not reverse it.  it could be a more serious problem than you realize. good luck.