Hand Numbness

Dr. Todd Gaddie:

Dr. Todd Gaddie here to talk to you about hand numbness.

When we think of hand numbness in the hand surgery world, we think of three different conditions. One of them is carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes numbness of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger.

Next, we think about cubital tunnel syndrome, which is more commonly associated with numbness of the pinky finger and sometimes the ring finger.

Then we get into radial tunnel syndrome, which is more numbness and pain on the top of the hand.

Lastly, cervical spine, or neck issues, can also cause hand numbness.

Carpal tunnel, for me, is really that dense numbness, tingling, or pain in the thumb, index, and middle finger. It usually occurs when you’re doing something like driving or holding a steering wheel. It can also happen while you’re sleeping, where you have to wake up and shake your hands out a little bit.

When we think about cubital tunnel, we think more about having your elbows in a bent position or having your elbows resting on a desk, like I’m doing right here. Again, that’s usually associated with numbness in the small finger and ring finger.

Radial tunnel syndrome is a little more difficult to diagnose and a little less common, but it usually causes numbness and tingling on the top of the hand and wrist.

Finally, if you do have some cervical spine issues, those usually have a shoulder, arm, or elbow component to them as well.

We don’t deal with those in the hand surgery world, but we do have some very qualified spine colleagues who can take care of that problem.

If you have any further questions or would like a diagnosis, please stop by and see one of our board-certified hand surgeons at OrthoNebraska.