[65M] Experiencing progressive left hand numbness, weakness, and tremor

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

• Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition results from damage to your peripheral nerves, which often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body. Your symptoms of numbness, burning, tremors, and grip weakness in your left hand, as well as the recurring paresthesia in your toes, could be indicative of this condition. Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by a number of factors, including certain medications, vitamin deficiencies, trauma, or diseases like diabetes.

  • Treatment for peripheral neuropathy usually focuses on managing the condition causing your neuropathy and relieving symptoms. Some people find that over-the-counter pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can help mild symptoms. In more severe cases, your doctor might recommend prescription medications.

• Cervical Myelopathy: This is a condition where compression of the spinal cord in the neck (cervical spine) leads to weakness and numbness in the hands and arms, and can also affect balance and coordination. Given your history of cervical spinal stenosis and cervical disc fusion, this could be a contributing factor to your symptoms.

  • Treatment for cervical myelopathy can involve medication, physical therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the degree of spinal cord compression.

• Ulnar Neuropathy: This is a condition where the ulnar nerve, one of the three main nerves in your arm, becomes compressed or irritated. You've mentioned that you have left ulnar neuritis, which has been progressing for almost 10 years and hasn't improved despite two ulnar release surgeries. This could explain the numbness, weakness, and tremors in your left hand, particularly in your 4th and 5th fingers.

  • Treatment for ulnar neuropathy can involve medication, physical therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the degree of nerve compression.

What you can do

Given the complexity of your symptoms and medical history, it's important that you consult with a healthcare professional who can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. They may refer you to a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in disorders of the nervous system, for further evaluation.

In the meantime, here are some general suggestions that may help:

1. Try to avoid activities that seem to worsen your symptoms. For example, you've mentioned that working with yard tools seems to make your tremors worse.
2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help improve your overall health and may help manage your symptoms.
3. Manage your pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with mild symptoms. For more severe pain, your doctor may recommend prescription medications.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden increase in weakness or numbness in your left hand or any other part of your body
• Difficulty with speaking or swallowing
• Changes in your ability to walk or maintain balance
• Severe pain that is not relieved by medication

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.