Numbness in fingers and palm

Hey, I’ve been dealing with this weird sensation in my pinky and the part of my palm right below it for a few days now... I can still move the finger—and yeah, it’s definitely sensitive to pain—but the feeling is mostly just a mild numbness. To make matters worse, I’ve noticed my grip strength is noticeably weaker because of it. Any idea what this could be?

Cervical spine issues, carpal tunnel syndrome, and all that good stuff.

My left hand went completely numb about an hour ago. Never had anything like this happen before. Is this something I should be worried about?

redwolf57 said:My left fingers went numb about an hour ago. I've never had anything like this happen before. Is this something I should be worried about?

Which specific fingers?

It’s typically the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger—those are the ones governed by the median nerve—and you're likely looking at Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It's a classic issue for anyone spending hours hunched over a computer, typing and clicking with their wrist at a weird angle, or just repeating the same repetitive motions all day long.

Angela Wright said:Which fingers?

Usually, if it’s the thumb, index, middle, and half the ring finger, you’re looking at Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It hits people who spend way too much time hunched over a computer, typing or clicking with their wrists in a weird position, or just doing the same repetitive motions over and over.

My whole pinky and ring finger on my left hand, plus the palm right under them.

I spend a lot of time at my desk, but besides typing, I don't really use my left hand for anything. I'm also feeling some discomfort near the ulnar nerve area, though I haven't actually hit or bumped it.

It’s been over 8 hours now and nothing has changed—it's still numb.

I smoke and deal with a fair amount of stress. Should I go see my doctor or can I probably just handle this at home?

I'll admit, I got a little spooked thinking it might be a heart attack or a stroke, but honestly, sometimes I tend to overthink things.

They probably told you it was Carpal Tunnel Syndrome—but if your pinky and ring finger are going numb, it’s actually Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.

Basically, the first one involves nerve pressure at the wrist, while the second happens at the elbow.

You can actually test this on yourself.

Try leaning your head on your elbow, like when you're hunched over a computer or just bored at a desk... if you feel a "zap" or numbness shoot through your forearm and fingers, it's cubital. To check for carpal tunnel, press your palms together at a 90-degree angle. If your hand goes numb, it's carpal.

Yeah, we usually do this to ourselves from too much computer work or because of an actual injury.

Doctors diagnose it using an EMG (they run a little current through your arms to see exactly where the blockage is), and they usually treat it with physical therapy. Surgery is the absolute last resort.

But, at least that's what I was always told—avoid bad posture and take a B-complex vitamin. It helps the nerves, and I don't mean the kind people usually think of, but just for general nerve health 🤣. I use a thin foam pad under my laptop. You have to stop hard surfaces from pressing against your wrist or elbow, depending on which one it is. Even if it clears up, it means you're prone to it, so you basically have to be careful from now on.

If it keeps happening, go to your primary care doctor. They'll refer you to a specialist.

Edit: I just realized you mentioned the ulnar nerve, so you clearly know the terminology. Honestly, I dealt with numbness for two years before anyone finally took me seriously enough to run tests and start treatment. And even though people tried to tell me otherwise—after those two years, it did finally "go away." My test results vary from great to just okay, but that constant numbness is gone.

Thanks! 🙂 I honestly thought I was looking at something major there for a second.

Yeah, truth be told, my left arm ends up in a weird position pretty often.

If it were a heart attack, he wouldn't be able to catch his breath. He’d have chest pain, maybe even start vomiting...

With a stroke, the ER would run these specific tests: try smiling (if one side of the mouth droops or won't move, you know what that means), then extend both arms out in front of you (you likely wouldn't be able to keep them level), then stick out your tongue (it wouldn't go left or right; it would just hang there), and so on.

Don't stress yourself out over this.