Pinched Nerve, should I seek medical attention?

Bucketman

So, about two weeks ago I woke up and my pink, ringfinger, and the palm right below those on my right hand was numb. This continued for a few days and I eventually looked it up, appearently I have a pinched ulnar nerve. According to what I can see its not super severe, and it doesn't seem to lead to any bigger issues from what I can tell. Well, its been awhile and its not really getting better. I started doing some stretching exercises (found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=d85QKyWvrbI)
and that helps a bit in the morning, but as the day goes on it still bothers me off and on.

I'm wondering if anyone is familir enough with this issue to know if it warrents a visit to the doctor. I don't have insurance right now so it will cost me a ton. Its annoying as hell, but if it is just an annoyance I'll leave it be, keep doing my stretches and hope things get better, but if it might cause permenant nerve damage? Then I'm going to get it looked at.

Thanks in advance

Usagi

Numbness = doctor time

Lankysean

I have an issue with my ulnar nerve as well. My problem stems from my capacious shoulder which is pulling on the nerve... I'm getting surgery at the beginning of the year. My doctor said that if my shoulder surgery doesn't fix the nerve issue I'll need to get surgery for that too. I've been in physical therapy for 6 months but I'm still having issues, so... yeah, I'd say you should go to a doctor.

Essee

Feeling numb one day because you haven't stretched enough lately is one thing. Feeling numb on a regular basis... yeah... doctor! I think usually "this has been bothering me for two weeks straight" is a good rule of thumb for whether you should see a doctor for almost anything (naturally, if the problem is worse, the window should be shorter).

Jam Warrior

DOCTOR

Maguano

as someone who had ulnar nerve decompression surgery done, see a doctor.

Windburn

Is it numb all the time? Or is it numb for awhile after waking up, then improves (but keeps happening every morning)?

Do you have any weakness in your hand (specifically with your ability to pinch with your thumb and index finger)?

Bucketman

It happens in the morning and then gets better as the day goes on. And I only have trouble with my hand for about 15-30 minutes.

Getting pants on when you can't grip well is not fun

Windburn

You're describing cubital tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Seeing a doctor is always good advise, because they can take a more thorough history and do a focused physical exam. I would highly recommend seeing an orthopaedic surgeon (particularly one that specializes in "Hand" or "Upper Extremity"). They can help rule out the big, bad, and ugly.

However, most likely this is garden variety CTS. Since you have had relatively acute onset and haven't had symptoms before (right?), the treatment will be night splinting, anti-inflammatories, and possibly physical therapy. If after 6+ weeks of that your symptoms don't improve, then you will likely get a EMG/NCS (nerve conduction study) to confirm the diagnosis and location of compression. This is part of surgical planning for a release of the constraints of the ulnar nerve around the elbow. You will want to have this done by someone familiar with this surgery, because an inadequate release (especially if combined with a nerve transposition) can make your symptoms worse.

You can try splinting on your own. In fact, I recommend it (even if you have an appointment to see an MD). The goal of splinting is to prevent you from flexing your elbow at night. Most people like to flex their elbows and wrists while sleeping (think fetal position). This position decreases the space of the cubital tunnel (the channel the ulnar nerve runs through at the elbow) and compresses the ulnar nerve causing it to "fall asleep". The most effective splints are custom braces from an orthotist, mostly due to their ease of use. However, you can try wrapping something bulky (like a pillow) to the front of your arm, which will impair your ability to flex your elbow. My wife had the same problem and we took a junior soccer shin guard and strapped it the front of her elbow. Not comfortable, but it was effective.

Finally, there is no rush to be seen, since your symptoms improve throughout the day. Timing is based mostly on your ability to tolerate the discomfort. However, if the pain or numbness gets worse or persistent, then you should try to be seen sooner. This might indicate a progressive etiology like a growing tumor pushing on the nerve (very unlikely).

Bucketman

Thanks! I'll try splinting it up tonight