I keep getting pins and needles in my left hand. What could be causing it?

[Fubsy1510]

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Fubsy. You don't say whether you're recently diagnosed or not, by that I mean had RD for some time. My experience of pins & needs in my hand, but must say that my problems also included shooting pains all down my arm & finger numbness (middle, index & thumb), turned out to be carpal tunnel syndrome. This is where inflammation caused by RD presses on the ulnar nerve causing the symptoms. My consultant requested a nerve conduction test on both my arms & hands & my left had a particularly high reading, the right somewhat less & I can cope with that at the moment as it's nowhere near as bad as my left was pre op. I was given a splint to wear between diagnosis & the operation which eased it somewhat. I had CT release in January 2013 & the results were brilliant & wouldn't hesitate when the need arises to have it done on my right hand. I still have weakness in my hand but put that down to my RD more than the op.

I'd be mentioning it to your Rheumy nurse or GP & see what they say.

Hope this helps.

[Bertie67]

Hi Fubsy,

I also get pins and needles in my thumb, middle, index finger and down the side under pinkie. Like nomoreheels I had carpal tunnel release surgery about 6 years ago but unlike NMH it never worked, I think it might have alleviated for a while but it's definitely returned. Conduction tests were inconclusive. I have a lot more symptoms besides and I'm currently awaiting to be seen by rheumatologist.

Carpal tunnel syndrome isn't necessarily a symptom of RD, you can have it as a stand alone condition and is relatively easily treated. If you haven't done so already then it's important you contact you GP or Rheumy as suggested. Good Luck.

[nomoreheels in reply to Bertie67]

I'm sorry it didn't work for you as it's an awful pain, literally, on top of RD. I did read in all the blurb they gave me that that can be the case. Guess I was just fortunate & hope I am again if & when my other one goes the same.

[lab-lover]

I had pins and needles in left hand, I think it was thumb and a finger.... it was a trapped nerve, caused by cervical spondylosis

[nomoreheels in reply to lab-lover]

That was my consultants first thought as I also suffer with CS but the nerve conduction test was carried out to confirm one way or the other. Did you have manipulation to free it?

[lab-lover]

Yes, I was in hospital, flat on my back, with 15lb traction on neck, took about a week to free the nerve... obviously

I still have the spondylosis, and I do get flares and again

[Dina69]

I have this in my fingers and toes my rheumy gave me a medication called gabapentin and it really has helped