OUCH!

Lately I've been having a problem with my hand, for the last month or so whenever I hit a spot between my thumb and index finger a shooting pain and then numbness or tingling occurs. Sadly this occurrence happens quite frequently and it has become a concern. Most of my friends have heard my complaints and outbursts of profanity, so I've decided to ask the question: What could be the cause of this and what could this mean?

According to Heath Hand Resources

"Five nerves begin at the spinal cord in the neck, go through a complex series of divisions around the armpit, and divide into the three main nerves that provide power and sensation to the hand.

• Median nerve
• Ulnar nerve
• Radial nerve

Depending upon the location of the nerve irritation or injury, specific symptoms may occur.

1. If you experience numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and/or part of the ring finger, you may have a compression or irritation of the median nerve. Check out the information for the following:
   • carpal tunnel syndrome
   • pronator teres syndrome

2. If you experience numbness and tingling in the ring finger and small finger, you may have a compression or irritation of the ulnar nerve, Check out the information for the following:
   • cubital tunnel syndrome
   • guyons canal compression

If you experience numbness and tingling over the back of the hand, you may have a compression or irritation of the radial nerve. Check out the information for the following:

• radial tunnel syndrome"

But is this really that serious? Could it be a pinched nerve?

According to Arthritis Treatment and Relief

"A pinched nerve refers to a condition where there is nerve root irritation or nerve root compression. This nerve problem can occur either in the spine or in a more peripheral location. Symptoms include numbness, "pins and needles" or burning sensations, and pain radiating outward from the injured area.

Numbness, a loss of feeling or sensation, usually arises from damage or disease of nerves. Numbness is often associated with or preceded by abnormal pain-like sensations often described as pins-and-needles, prickling or burning sensations; these are called paresthesias. Numbness is loss of sensation whereas paralysis usually involves both the loss of the ability to move the area and loss of sensations."

Both articles were informative and give specific examples of symptoms and possible causes of the problem. If you are having any pain in your hand I'd check out some of these syndromes and causes. I know I will.

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