Intermittent pins and needles

[Chukkin]

Hi all,

In the last week, I have developed intermittent pins and needles in my right hand and forearm - in particular, my thumb, index and ring fingers, and the top of my forearm around to the outside of my elbow.

It happens 20+ times a day and lasts from a few seconds to a couple of minutes but there doesn't seem to be a specific trigger. It happens at rest and when I'm moving around.

Background - I had carpal tunnel decompression a decade ago and had no issues afterwards. I have had no injury or trauma and have no pain/tenderness in my neck or shoulder. I do have hypermobility, and have problems with my lower spine, causing me to use a wheelchair when out of the house.

I am only just getting used to not being able to do the job I trained for and have started a small business that I can manage from my wheelchair, I'm so scared that I have damage in my dominant hand that will put a stop to that business too.

Anyone have any idea what is happening?

[bridgeit]

Hi there. I replied to a similar post to yours from someone on the BHF forum and have re-posted the essence here for you in case it is of use.

I have personal experience of sudden-onset frequent numbness/tingling of fingers/hand/arm and am basing my reply on my own experience and advice given to me by medical professionals. I am not medically trained, nor am I hypermobile.

Numbness and tingling is most likely the result of a compromised nerve or nerves. It is possible for numbness and tingling symptoms to develop without pain. The reasons for these symptoms can be wide ranging, from nutritional deficiency through to traumatic damage through injury. I think the principle contenders for the areas you've identified are the accessory nerve, the long thoracic nerve and the ulnar nerve, depending upon whereabouts on the hand/arm the sensation is being felt. It can be more than one nerve that's irritated.

As you've already had carpal tunnel issues, I wonder if repetitive strain injury might be the culprit, especially if you're right handed as well as hypermobile. It is also worth bearing in mind that tendons may be able to cope with excessive stretch owing to a genetic tendency, whereas nerves might not be able to cope. Up to approx. 12% nerve stretch is thought to be manageable, more than that is thought not.

I was surprised when a physiotherapist told me that there is thought to be a link between nervous system problems emerging in some people who have recently had covid or some other types of viral infection. I contracted covid immediately prior to experiencing problematic symptoms with a long nerve.

I think you'd be wise to have a word with your GP. You might need a referral to a physiotherapist and/or an orthopaedic specialist. They can do tests to establish the cause and extent of the problem.

Please try not to worry. It could be that you need to up your B vitamin intake (especially B12) and/or undertake some arm/shoulder/upper back muscle strengthening exercises. Exercises are, in my opinion, best identified and set out by a qualified physiotherapist creating an individual programme for you.

I hope that you soon know what's going on with your right hand/arm and get some solid reassurance.