Numbed feeling on right thumb

[ravip]

For the last week or so, I have a numbed feeling on my right hand thumb.

 

1. Just on the top fleshy part (marked in red).
2. No loss of strength or flexibility.
3. No pain.
4. Sometimes, a tingly feeling - like an electric current.

 

Any idea what this could be?

[NCC1701A]

pinched nerve.

[Surelynot]

Swap hands halfway through.

[ravip]

7 minutes ago, Surelynot said:

Swap hands halfway through.

Tried that already

[faraday]

Radial nerve compression.

 

Try very gentle neck exercises & go & see an Orthopaedic surgeon.

 

Your diagram shows shading on index, middle, half of ring finger. Are you having any tingling or numbness in that distribution?

[ravip]

1 minute ago, faraday said:

Radial nerve compression.

 

Try very gentle neck exercises & go & see an Orthopaedic surgeon.

 

Your diagram shows shading on index, middle, half of ring finger. Are you having any tingling or numbness in that distribution?

No, no. The diagram I picked from the internet.

Only the area circled in red, is my issue.

[faraday]

 

 

Have a read of this:

 

https://www.healthline.com/health/radial-nerve-dysfunction

 

 

[ThailandRyan]

Have a nerve conduction test completed to ensure it is not Carpal Tunnel syndrome.  or even neuropathy if you are a diabetic.  Surgery can be performed with much success.  I have had it done to both wrists, and now can grasp a glass without the fear of it falling out of my hand.

[Farma]

I've had the same after chopping wood while wearing a heavy watch. Appears the watch slightly damaged the nerve. It took a few weeks for symptoms to go away.

[ravip]

2 minutes ago, Farma said:

I've had the same after chopping wood while wearing a heavy watch. Appears the watch slightly damaged the nerve. It took a few weeks for symptoms to go away.

Did you take any medication or Physiotherapy?

[ravip]

12 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

Have a nerve conduction test completed to ensure it is not Carpal Tunnel syndrome.  or even neuropathy if you are a diabetic.  Surgery can be performed with much success.  I have had it done to both wrists, and now can grasp a glass without the fear of it falling out of my hand.

No, I am not diabetic.

You opted for surgery as there was no other alternative? Did you try any other treatment?

[Farma]

3 minutes ago, ravip said:

Did you take any medication or Physiotherapy?

No just changed to a lightweight watch, stopped chopping wood for awhile and let it sort itself out over time.

[ThailandRyan]

2 minutes ago, ravip said:

No, I am not diabetic.

You opted for surgery as there was no other alternative? Did you try any other treatment?

Yes, I tried physical therapy, acupressure and acupuncture. Nothing worked and the symptoms became worse. A nerve conduction test may tell you where it is originating from. Could be from your neck area or near your ulnar nerve as well at the elbow.  Could be anywhere from the neck down.  

[Sheryl]

It cannot be an issue with the rdial nerve as that does nto supply the thumb. Median nerve does.

 

Carpal tunnel compression is possible but will usually  affect the whole thumb and some adjacent fingers.

 

OP is it worse during the night? Does hanging your hand down (like off the side of the bed) help?

[ravip]

19 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

It cannot be an issue with the rdial nerve as that does nto supply the thumb. Median nerve does.

 

Carpal tunnel compression is possible but will usually  affect the whole thumb and some adjacent fingers.

 

OP is it worse during the night? Does hanging your hand down (like off the side of the bed) help?

OP is it worse during the night? - No. There is no difference

Does hanging your hand down (like off the side of the bed) help? - No. There is no difference

On and off, at random, a sort of tingling or an electrical 'shock' can be felt (Nothing unbearable).

[Sheryl]

Have you been doing any repetitive activities with your hand? (painting...carpentry..other)?

 

 

[ravip]

2 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Have you been doing any repetitive activities with your hand? (painting...carpentry..other)?

 

 

No Sheryl. The only repetitive activity I can point to is computer/mouse use - quite a lot.

[Sheryl]

OK. If you want to out off/avoid seeing a doctor what you can try first is:

 

1. Get a wrist brace like this

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/futuro-reversible-splint-wrist-brace-i1381410268-s3514918275.html?exlaz=d_1:mm_150050845_51350205_2010350205::12:1498579383!58089999096!!!pla-294682000766!c!294682000766!3514918275!129601785&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkr7I3qG47AIV062WCh122gjnEAQYBSABEgKvI_D_BwE

 

Also available at most pharmacies, Boots/Watsons etc

 

Wear it while using the computer and also at night. It will prevent movements that compress the carpal space.

 

2. If you have no contraindications, take an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen, diclofenac etc. Do not take if you are on blood thinners, have a history of coagulation problems or gastritis/ulcer disease. Take only on a full stomach.

 

If it seems to help, continue for a month or so at least. If these measures do nto help then no recourse but to see an ortho, preferrably one specializing in hand. Where in Thailand are you?

 

Also - get an erognomic computer mouse like this

 

 

[bodga]

1 hour ago, ravip said:

Tried that already

surely you have to use  both,  i  know  I do!!

[faraday]

A superficial branch of the Radial Nerve supplies the thumb, but doesn't extend to the tip. The Median Nerve does that.

 

Please see attached diagram & links:

 

 

https://boneandspine.com/hand-anatomy-and-function/#radial-nerve-in-the-hand

 

 

 

[faraday]

Please see diagram #2 above, image on the right, which clearly shows the area of sensation in the thumb that is supplied by the Radial Nerve.

Edited October 16, 2020 by faraday

[bodga]

19 hours ago, faraday said:

A superficial branch of the Radial Nerve supplies the thumb, but doesn't extend to the tip. The Median Nerve does that.

 

Please see attached diagram & links:

 

 

https://boneandspine.com/hand-anatomy-and-function/#radial-nerve-in-the-hand

 

 

 

Isnt anatomy incredible.

[ravip]

20 hours ago, Sheryl said:

OK. If you want to out off/avoid seeing a doctor what you can try first is:

 

1. Get a wrist brace like this

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/futuro-reversible-splint-wrist-brace-i1381410268-s3514918275.html?exlaz=d_1:mm_150050845_51350205_2010350205::12:1498579383!58089999096!!!pla-294682000766!c!294682000766!3514918275!129601785&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkr7I3qG47AIV062WCh122gjnEAQYBSABEgKvI_D_BwE

 

Also available at most pharmacies, Boots/Watsons etc

 

Wear it while using the computer and also at night. It will prevent movements that compress the carpal space.

 

2. If you have no contraindications, take an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen, diclofenac etc. Do not take if you are on blood thinners, have a history of coagulation problems or gastritis/ulcer disease. Take only on a full stomach.

 

If it seems to help, continue for a month or so at least. If these measures do nto help then no recourse but to see an ortho, preferrably one specializing in hand. Where in Thailand are you?

 

Also - get an erognomic computer mouse like this

 

 

Yes, I would prefer to avoid seeing a doctor, if possible.

 

1. Wrist brace - Yes I already bought one a couple of weeks back and started using only in the night. But, will start using while using PC as you suggested.
2. Take an anti-inflammatory - I have no contraindications nor am I on blood thinners. I will try this.
3. Yes, shall find an ergonomic computer mouse, thank you for the suggestion.
4. Right now I am out of Thailand, unable to return (Hua Hin).

Thank you very much Sheryl, for your valuable advice. Much appreciated.

Edited October 17, 2020 by ravip

[faraday]

Are there any small lumps or bumps in the area of numbness? It is entirely possible that you could have a small ganglion cyst, that is pressing on the nerve & making it tingle. Possible, but not probable.

 

Also, I think it might be a good idea to ensure your neck, when you sleep, is in a comfortable position. 

 

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ganglion-cyst

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ravip]

32 minutes ago, faraday said:

Are there any small lumps or bumps in the area of numbness? It is entirely possible that you could have a small ganglion cyst, that is pressing on the nerve & making it tingle. Possible, but not probable.

 

Also, I think it might be a good idea to ensure your neck, when you sleep, is in a comfortable position. 

 

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ganglion-cyst

 

 

 

 

 

 

No, there aren't any small lumps or bumps in the area of numbness.

It might be a good idea to ensure your neck, when you sleep, is in a comfortable position - Yes, this I will ensure.

Thank you.