[36F] Experiencing arm and hand pain with tingling and burning sensation

Patient Description

A 36-year-old female reports a sharp and throbbing ache in the thumb, pointer finger, hand, and under the elbow, with a severity of 7 out of 10. The patient describes a pins and needles sensation, generalized throughout the limb, and a burning feeling akin to skin burns, persisting for 2 days. The symptoms are exacerbated by movement and include weakness and clumsiness in the hand and arm, affecting the ability to grip objects. No relief measures have been effective. The patient's medical history is unremarkable, with no known allergies or adverse reactions to medications. The patient is currently taking 600 mg of ibuprofen. There are no changes in bladder or bowel control, and no recent injuries were reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you might be experiencing one of the following:

  • Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition occurs when a nerve in the neck is irritated as it leaves the spinal canal. It can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in various parts of the arm and hand. The fact that your symptoms started after your neck popped and that the discomfort seems to travel from your neck down to your arm suggests this might be the case.

    • Treatment often involves physical therapy and pain relief measures. In some cases, surgery might be necessary.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve as it travels through the wrist. It can cause tingling, numbness, and pain in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, which you've reported. However, it wouldn't typically cause symptoms in the upper arm or neck.

    • Treatment often involves wrist splints, avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, and in more severe cases, surgery.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy: This refers to the conditions that result when nerves that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord from and to the rest of the body are damaged or diseased. The generalized nature of your symptoms could suggest this, but it's less likely given the sudden onset of your symptoms.

    • Treatment involves managing the underlying condition causing the neuropathy and relieving symptoms.

What you can do

  1. Rest and avoid any activities that make your symptoms worse.
  2. Continue taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle.
  3. Try applying a warm compress to your neck to help relax the muscles and relieve any tension that might be contributing to your symptoms.
  4. Consider seeing a physical therapist for exercises and treatments to help manage your symptoms.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Sudden, severe pain in your arm or hand
  • Weakness or numbness in your arm or hand that's getting worse
  • Difficulty controlling your arm or hand
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examinations, treatment, testing, and care recommendations.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What is cervical radiculopathy and how is it treated?

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the neck is irritated or compressed, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the arm and hand. Treatment often includes physical therapy, pain relief measures, and in some cases, surgery.


What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and how can it be managed?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, leading to tingling, numbness, and pain in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Management includes wrist splints, avoiding aggravating activities, and possibly surgery in severe cases.


What causes peripheral neuropathy and what are the treatment options?

Peripheral neuropathy is caused by damage to the nerves that carry messages between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying condition and relieving symptoms, which may include medications and lifestyle changes.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for arm or hand symptoms?

Immediate medical attention is necessary if you experience sudden, severe pain, worsening weakness or numbness, difficulty controlling your arm or hand, or loss of bladder or bowel control.


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