finger numbness

[bajohnson]

I had been having left shoulder pain and lets say weakness in my left fingers (like their hesitant to move to the keys.  I'm a medical transcriptionist for almost 30 years).  I went to see an orthopedist several months ago, who did x-rays and found nothing.  He prescribed meloxicam, which helps the shoulder pain, but finger weakness is still present.  In the last week and a half I have developed a numbness in the fingers of my left hand, like my hand is asleep.  It is not a constant problem and sometimes goes away, but returns when the fingers are not active.  What could this be and who should I see now?

[star queen]

The nerves that control the thumb and second fingers run upward from those fingers across the front of the elbow and into a nerve bundle in the center of the shoulder where a "dip" is.  The middle, ring, and pinky finger nerves go across the back of the elbow and into the neck.  Depending on which fingers are giving you grief you should get the appropriate nerves checked.  I suggest a visit to an orthopedic neurologist to get a nerve conduction study done to see just where your problem is and go from there.  good luck

[Anant10]

Hi,

Let me know, what X-ray was done?
You could be having cervical spondylosis. X-ray cervical spine AP view or MRI will help in confirming the diagnosis. You see a neurologist and a second opinion from an orthopedic surgeon may be required.