Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Numbness In The Fingers Post Placement Of Plate In The Shoulder?

I currently have to sleep on my back due to recently having a metal plate inserted in my right shoulder. Every night I wake up with my left hand burning hot / pins and needles and my ring and small finger totally numb on my left hand. During the day my fingers are still feeling a little numb. Can you please advise on what could be the cause.
Thu, 3 Nov 2016
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The symptoms are in keeping with neuropathy which is abnormal function of the nerves.

There are different possible causes such as : (1) trauma to the nerves in the area. This may be the most likely cause for you.
An x ray of the neck , shoulder and left elbow may be needed to determine if any of these areas are involved

(2)vitamin b12 and folate deficiency

(3)diabetes

(4)liver or kidney disease

(5)side effects of medication

(6)exposure to toxins

(7)infections such as shingles

(8)thyroid disease

(9)neurological conditions such as stroke, ms

In addition to the x rays , blood tests may be needed if the x rays are normal.
The blood tests are vitamin b12 and folate levels, full blood count, thyroid function tests, diabetes screening and liver function tests.

Treatment would depend on the cause found

I hope this helps
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Numbness In The Fingers Post Placement Of Plate In The Shoulder?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The symptoms are in keeping with neuropathy which is abnormal function of the nerves. There are different possible causes such as : (1) trauma to the nerves in the area. This may be the most likely cause for you. An x ray of the neck , shoulder and left elbow may be needed to determine if any of these areas are involved (2)vitamin b12 and folate deficiency (3)diabetes (4)liver or kidney disease (5)side effects of medication (6)exposure to toxins (7)infections such as shingles (8)thyroid disease (9)neurological conditions such as stroke, ms In addition to the x rays , blood tests may be needed if the x rays are normal. The blood tests are vitamin b12 and folate levels, full blood count, thyroid function tests, diabetes screening and liver function tests. Treatment would depend on the cause found I hope this helps