What Causes Numbness In The Fingers And Shoulder Pain In A Diabetic?

Posted on Mon, 25 Jul 2016

Question: I am a Type II diabetic with hypertension, since 1984, my HBA1C test is good, Since 4 days I am feeling pain in my right arm between elbow and shoulder, I have tried the tens treatment and heating pad also, but the relief is not there. When I take paracetamol tablet the pain subsides but after the drug effect is over the same problem recurs. I am also feeling numbness in my fingers of my right hand only

Answered by Dr. Dr. Abhay A Mali (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You need evaluation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your question noted your concern.

Your symptoms may be due to neuropathy due to nerve compression.
There is a need for detailed physical examination.
Depending upon clinical examination there may be need for imaging of cervical spine like Xray Cervical spine or more specific MRI of cervical spine.

Better to consult your doctor
Paracetamol is a symptomatic treatment but one need to find out underlying cause.

Hope this helps you.

Regards,
Dr. Abhay Mali.
Diabetologist.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Abhay A Mali (21 minutes later)

Could you tell me specific tests to be undertaken so that I may go to the Doctor with the reports, to save time

Answered by Dr. Dr. Abhay A Mali (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I may suggest to undergo physical examination by doctor first.

Detailed Answer:
I may suggest you to consult your doctor first for detailed physical examination and let him to take decision of further evaluation.
If you really want to take some test before going to doctor you can do Xray of cervical spine which is much cheaper as compared to MRI.

Hope this helps you.

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj