numbness

[belief]

i've been experiencing numbness in my arms/hands for the last couple of days...when i sleep at night my arms tingle all night long (this happens often), to the point where it hurts and wakes me up, then the numbness during the day.  any ideas of what this could be?  i haven't mentioned it to my doctor yet, seems to slip my mind when i'm there.

i'm going to pop in on the dating thread to play catch-up...

[emeraldize]

Hi Belief

There are many causes of numbness, so, of course it's best to run it by your doc or nurse.

I have a knack for overusing my hands/wrists/shoulders and messing with my neck which combined often translates to numbness in my hands, pain near elbows, shoulder/neck tenderness.  I share this because all of the women in my family have this tendency and vulnerability.

I get relief when I take an anti-inflammatory, back away from repetitive motion stuff that aggravates it and chiropractic and/or acupuncture can, but not always, make a difference.

Do you haul a kid around on your hip? Move furniture? Tote heavy loads of groceries, etc. from the car? Lift things you shouldn't without help?

I'm sure there are those here who can come at this from a neuropathic perspective---this is mine---which is from a pure excessive use/abuse basis.

Em

[BT65]

Belief:  It sounds like either carpal tunnel or the beginnings or neuropathy. What meds are you on?  Usually neuropathy starts in the feet.  That's where mine is; in my feet and up my legs.  That's where the endings of the nerves get damaged from HIV/HIV medications (and in my case, diabetes as well).  Mine started back in the early 90's from AZT overuse.  I would definitely talk to my doctor about it and try to figure out where it's originating at.  Good luck.

[camille07]

Belief-

I agree with the other posts.  Carpal tunnel can be symmetric, where you experience it in both arms and hands and if you're working with your hands quite often that could be the culprit.  It could be an injury, like a pinched nerve or a side affect of your meds if you're taking any.  Another possibility is a vitamin deficiency, such as the B vitamins.

Bring a post it note to your next doctor's visit...they always work for me.