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What Causes Numbness And Tingling In Left Hand And Fingers?
Brief Answer:
Diabetes could be affecting the nerve
Detailed Answer:
Longstanding diabetes can cause nerve damage and the symptoms you describe. Most typically they occur in the feet and legs. Another more likely problem is a local area of nerve irritation. Pressure on the nerves going into the hand can also cause this. It occurring with bending of your elbow suggests the latter. You may have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome. There is another condition called cubital tunnel syndrome which affects the "funny bone" nerve at the elbow and causes these symptoms. You might have either of these or something similar. My opinion is that you see your doctor and ask about these possibilities. He or she needs to examine you and be sure it's not related to the diabetes. If it isn't, medicines or braces may help. Surgery may be required if it's really severe and doesn't improve. In that case you may want to see a hand specialist or orthopedist who can do this. But first you need to have it diagnosed.
Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Diabetes could be affecting the nerve
Detailed Answer:
Longstanding diabetes can cause nerve damage and the symptoms you describe. Most typically they occur in the feet and legs. Another more likely problem is a local area of nerve irritation. Pressure on the nerves going into the hand can also cause this. It occurring with bending of your elbow suggests the latter. You may have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome. There is another condition called cubital tunnel syndrome which affects the "funny bone" nerve at the elbow and causes these symptoms. You might have either of these or something similar. My opinion is that you see your doctor and ask about these possibilities. He or she needs to examine you and be sure it's not related to the diabetes. If it isn't, medicines or braces may help. Surgery may be required if it's really severe and doesn't improve. In that case you may want to see a hand specialist or orthopedist who can do this. But first you need to have it diagnosed.
Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
I did not mention that I am a two time cancer survivor and also have had a bilateral mastectomy and lymph nodes removed on both sides. I had chemotherapy in 2009. I do have an appointment with my Primary Care Doctor on XXXXXXX 26 but the problem is just getting so it is really bothering me now. Should I try getting an earlier apt?
Brief Answer:
Yes, get an earlier appointment.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for adding the additional information. It puts a whole different spin on things. As I'm sure you know, a history of recurrent cancer puts you at high risk for a third occurrence. With that history, any unusual symptoms require a prompt evaluation to be sure that is not the case. It could very well be the problem I mentioned before- pressure on the nerve. Certainly having had a bilateral mastectomy and removal of lymph nodes can increase problems properly draining fluid from the arms. That could put pressure on the nerve also. But the first thing that needs to be done is to be sure it's not a new tumor putting pressure on it, or affecting an area higher up in your nervous system (spine or brain). So please get in to see your doctor sooner. You may also want to contact your oncologist and let him or her know what is going on. They might have other recommendations as well
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help with. Best wishes to you.
Yes, get an earlier appointment.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for adding the additional information. It puts a whole different spin on things. As I'm sure you know, a history of recurrent cancer puts you at high risk for a third occurrence. With that history, any unusual symptoms require a prompt evaluation to be sure that is not the case. It could very well be the problem I mentioned before- pressure on the nerve. Certainly having had a bilateral mastectomy and removal of lymph nodes can increase problems properly draining fluid from the arms. That could put pressure on the nerve also. But the first thing that needs to be done is to be sure it's not a new tumor putting pressure on it, or affecting an area higher up in your nervous system (spine or brain). So please get in to see your doctor sooner. You may also want to contact your oncologist and let him or her know what is going on. They might have other recommendations as well
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help with. Best wishes to you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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