[83M] Experiencing hand pain with numbness and tingling

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs the length of the arm, goes through a passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, and ends in the hand. The median nerve controls the movement and feeling of your thumb, and also the movement of all your fingers except your pinky. Symptoms can include tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the fingers or hand. Some people may have pain in the arm between the hand and the elbow. Symptoms most often occur in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. If you have problems with your other fingers but your little finger is fine, this may be a sign that you have carpal tunnel syndrome. A different nerve gives feeling to the little finger.

  • Treatment options include wrist splinting, medications and, in some cases, surgery.

• Diabetic Neuropathy: This is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes. High blood sugar (glucose) can injure nerves throughout your body. Diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in your legs and feet. Depending on the affected nerves, diabetic neuropathy symptoms can range from pain and numbness in your legs and feet to problems with your digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart. Some people have mild symptoms. But for others, diabetic neuropathy can be quite painful and disabling.

  • Treatment usually involves bringing your blood sugar into your target range to help prevent further nerve damage.

• Arthritis: This is inflammation of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to alleviate your symptoms:

1. Try to rest your hands when possible.
2. Avoid activities that worsen your symptoms.
3. Apply a warm compress to your hands to relieve pain.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If your pain becomes severe or unmanageable with over-the-counter pain relievers
• If you notice any changes in the color or temperature of your hands
• If you develop any new symptoms

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