Splinched Nerve?

Drez

For about five days now, my pinky, and a little bit of my next finger over and my palm has been a bit "tingly."

I figured this was either due to my failed attempts to disapparate directly to happy hour and/or because I was on vacation last week and played inFamous 2, inFamous: Festival of Blood, and inFamous: Second Son all in a marathon over 2-3 days.

I thought it was possible I slept on my hand funny, as I wasn't sleeping well for a few days and my back was also hurting all weekend. It's better now.

Considering it's been about 5 days now, do I need to see a doctor? Or is it potentially just a pinched nerve that's taking a bit longer to subside or whatever?

It's not like I don't have feeling in my finger. It's just a bit tingly.

Pure Din

Is it like this? Cubital tunnel is really common for people who spend a lot of time gaming.

Drez

Yep that seems like it exactly. Thanks!

Drez

P.S. I'd never heard of cubital tunnel syndrome before.

Windburn

This is a repost from a previous thread, but it's applicable here:

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. 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).

Windburn

Is the "tingling" better or worse at certain times of the day? Is there anything you do that makes it better or worse? Has this ever happened before? Do you have any neck or shoulder pain? Do you feel like you hand is weak (hard to grip things) or clumsy (dropping small objects, hard to button shirts)? Any recent weight loss? Have you had any fevers, chills, nausea or vomiting?

Thundyrkatz

I had this issue last summer that like you came on suddenly and was painful and annoying. There is a thing called Ulnar nerve flossing that you can do with some very simple exercises that was very helpful for me. I have not had an issue since. Check out this video that shows what i mean.

davidsdurions

I am not a doctor.

I had this happen just a few weeks ago too and though it wasn't painful it was very annoying and intense.

I did the ulner nerve flossing exercises and took some anti-inflammatory and now it seems to have cleared up. Took a long while though and I was debating on seeing my doctor but definitely didn't want the surgery that I read about online.