HANDS NUMB & TINGLING & PAIN IN UPPER ARMS

[cocowood]

I have been seeing a rheumatologist and she thinks the reason why my hands are constantly falling asleep and swollen and my upper arms are hurting is due to carpal tunnel syndrome coupled with rheumatoid arthritis.  I have had tests which have eliminated a pinched nerve.  I am taking prednisone, Celebrex, and Plaquenil.   My doctor wants me to take Methotrexate, but I don't want to take it as it is very hard on the liver.  I don't know if I should see a different specialist, and if so, what type of specialist.  Any suggestions?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
The sensations of pins and tingling are generally due to peripheral neuropathies. Hence peripheral vascular pathologies have to be ruled out either by angiograms or by dopplar studies. Hypoparathyroidism too should be looked into apart from hypothyroidism and diabetes. Do get a thyroid antibody test too.
Neck strain, spondylotic changes in cervical vertebrae, bone disease or bad posture should be looked into. Multiple sclerosis and G B Syndrome are two other possibilities. Nerve infections as in Lyme’s disease too should be investigated. Please read more about it on: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paresthesia
Please discuss these possibilities with your doctor. It is difficult to comment beyond this without examining. A comprehensive investigation is required keeping all the points in mind. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[somethingfast]

how long have you had the carpal tunnel symptoms?