Numbness in left arm(elbow to fingertips) for long periods of time. - Open to All Other Health Topics Message Board

KeepingFit · 04-01-2007, 10:25 PM

I have numbness/tingleing in my left arm from my elbow to my fingertips for long periods of time. (3-5 hrs) I am 27yrs old, physically fit, and have good blood pressure. I have a very active lifestlye but do not workout. I rarely drink water when thirsty, usually soda, or gatoraid.

When I don't move my left arm for a while (ie. sleeping, reading, etc.) it goes numb and seems to take the same amount of time for the numbness to go away. My arm can be in any position for this to happen. I rarely have this problem with my right arm but when I do it's the same symptoms as the left arm. Left arm has been giving me problems everyday for the past 4-5 months. I currently take Cymbalta (3 months now)but I do not think that is one of the side effects.

I was wondering if maybe there was something I can try or not do to help fix this problem before having to go to the doctor.

Thanks for any help!

dustoffkid · 04-02-2007, 12:21 PM

Is it ALL of the fingers in the affected hand, or just some? If it's mainly the 4th and 5th fingers (ring finger and pinky), it suggests cubital tunnel syndrome. The keys to fixing this are (1) sleeping without your arm bent, (2) not propping your chin up with your hand (while leaning on your elbow) and (3) not resting your elbows on the arm rests whilst driving (esp. long distances).

Oh, and drink more water. Gatorade is good, but is usually overkill (unless you are drinking it directly after working out). Soda is hardly ever a good idea.

zihuacata · 04-03-2007, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dustoffkid

Is it ALL of the fingers in the affected hand, or just some? If it's mainly the 4th and 5th fingers (ring finger and pinky), it suggests cubital tunnel syndrome. The keys to fixing this are (1) sleeping without your arm bent, (2) not propping your chin up with your hand (while leaning on your elbow) and (3) not resting your elbows on the arm rests whilst driving (esp. long distances).

Oh, and drink more water. Gatorade is good, but is usually overkill (unless you are drinking it directly after working out). Soda is hardly ever a good idea.

zihuacata · 04-03-2007, 01:30 AM

Eureka! Never heard of cubital tunnel syndrome but believe you have answered a question that has had me concerned for a couple of weeks...thanks! I'll discuss it with my dr tomorrow.