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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Numb Hand And Fingers When Lifting Up The Arm, Discomfort In Upper Arms And Shoulders Due To Lack Of Exercise?

In the past few months I have been experiencing numbness in my hand and fingers when I am in a position with my arm up, bent at the elbow while sitting. I find this occurs while i sleep with my elbow bent but to a lesser degree. It goes away when I get up but in the past few weeks the tip of my left ring finger has remained numb.
I have also experienced some discomfort in my upper arms and shoulders. that seems to have improved somewhat. I am on medication for depression and anxiety and have been for bout 20 years.
I used to be very active and in good shape, but because of the depression and its symptoms, I have not exercised for about 12 years!! So I am overweight and out of shape. Im sure that is part of the problem.
Mon, 6 Jan 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear,

As you have mentioned about your overweight & lack of exercise, it definitely acts as a risk factor for Myo-neuropathies.

Other causes for the symptoms as mentioned in your post can be:
1. Nerve compression due to incorrect posture.
2. Any fluctuation in blood sugar & blood pressure levels.
3. Deficiency of certain nutrients like Iron, Vitamin B 12, Calcium, Magnesium, etc.
4. Inadequate hydration & nutrition status.

Symptomatic relief can be obtained with nervigenic agents (like Vit B6, B12, Folic acid) & multivitamin & mineral supplementation.
Physiotherapy exercise will also be helpful.

Investigations like complete blood count, estimation of blood pressure & blood sugar levels, Thyroid profile and Lipid profile will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis.

There is no need to worry, you will be fine.
Meanwhile, maintain adequate hydration, take a healthy balanced diet, exercise regularly & avoid stress.

Wishing a good health.
Take care.
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Is Numb Hand And Fingers When Lifting Up The Arm, Discomfort In Upper Arms And Shoulders Due To Lack Of Exercise?

Hello dear, As you have mentioned about your overweight & lack of exercise, it definitely acts as a risk factor for Myo-neuropathies. Other causes for the symptoms as mentioned in your post can be: 1. Nerve compression due to incorrect posture. 2. Any fluctuation in blood sugar & blood pressure levels. 3. Deficiency of certain nutrients like Iron, Vitamin B 12, Calcium, Magnesium, etc. 4. Inadequate hydration & nutrition status. Symptomatic relief can be obtained with nervigenic agents (like Vit B6, B12, Folic acid) & multivitamin & mineral supplementation. Physiotherapy exercise will also be helpful. Investigations like complete blood count, estimation of blood pressure & blood sugar levels, Thyroid profile and Lipid profile will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis. There is no need to worry, you will be fine. Meanwhile, maintain adequate hydration, take a healthy balanced diet, exercise regularly & avoid stress. Wishing a good health. Take care.