Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Constant Numbness In The Index Finger?
Question: 63 year old, athletic male. Have osteoarthitis in right navicular joint from wrist injury in the late 80s.
Still play a lot of tennis and lacrosse. My right hand regular goes numb and takes about five to 10 seconds to recover. Now I am experiencing a constant numbness in the tip of my index finger that has expanded down the finger. This has now in the past week expeanded to include the thumb and pointing finger which now also remain numb .
I have used ice and ibprofren.
Still play a lot of tennis and lacrosse. My right hand regular goes numb and takes about five to 10 seconds to recover. Now I am experiencing a constant numbness in the tip of my index finger that has expanded down the finger. This has now in the past week expeanded to include the thumb and pointing finger which now also remain numb .
I have used ice and ibprofren.
Brief Answer:
Likely to be due to median nerve compression
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on Health care magic.
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. It seems that you are suffering from median nerve compression. It supplies the index finger and it's compression could lead to pointing finger as well as tingling and numbness.
You need to visit a neurosurgeon who could examine you clinically. A nerve conduction velocity test (NCV) might be done for confirmation.
Feel free to write back.
Regards
Likely to be due to median nerve compression
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on Health care magic.
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. It seems that you are suffering from median nerve compression. It supplies the index finger and it's compression could lead to pointing finger as well as tingling and numbness.
You need to visit a neurosurgeon who could examine you clinically. A nerve conduction velocity test (NCV) might be done for confirmation.
Feel free to write back.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thank you for your response. I looked it up online some since your response.
Looks to me that holding an icepack in my hand will be best way to concentrate cold to ameliorate the compression on the nerve. Do you have any thoughts on this ice technique's efficacy to reduce the compression and thus revivify the nerve conductivity.?
Should I be continuing with the ibproferin and flexeril?
I'm looking for a a home remedy not a doctor visit to tell me something I already know.
Thank you,
Jeff
Looks to me that holding an icepack in my hand will be best way to concentrate cold to ameliorate the compression on the nerve. Do you have any thoughts on this ice technique's efficacy to reduce the compression and thus revivify the nerve conductivity.?
Should I be continuing with the ibproferin and flexeril?
I'm looking for a a home remedy not a doctor visit to tell me something I already know.
Thank you,
Jeff
Brief Answer:
Ice compress would help in case of inflammation or edema
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.
The cause of the nerve compression needs to be looked into. Sometimes inflammation and/or edema of surrounding structures leaves less space for the nerve, thus compressing it. If that is the case, application of ice compress (as mentioned) should provide relief. But you need to evaluate whether it is making a difference. However, if other causes of nerve compression are involved, home remedies are unlikely to suffice.
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory agent and therefore you can take it when you feel required (take it preferably in full stomach). Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a muscle relaxant and is unlikely to help. You need not continue it.
Feel free to write back.
Regards
Ice compress would help in case of inflammation or edema
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.
The cause of the nerve compression needs to be looked into. Sometimes inflammation and/or edema of surrounding structures leaves less space for the nerve, thus compressing it. If that is the case, application of ice compress (as mentioned) should provide relief. But you need to evaluate whether it is making a difference. However, if other causes of nerve compression are involved, home remedies are unlikely to suffice.
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory agent and therefore you can take it when you feel required (take it preferably in full stomach). Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a muscle relaxant and is unlikely to help. You need not continue it.
Feel free to write back.
Regards
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
