Numbness, burning or tingling in the hand may be the result of this condition

Q. I have developed intermittent pain, numbness, and tingling in my thumb and index finger on my palm side of the hand. The symptoms have bothered me off and on for three months, but recently have gotten much worse. At times, the symptoms even wake me from my sleep. I have tried not to use my hand as much and have also taken ibuprofen but this has not helped. What should I do to feel better?

A: Numbness, pain, burning or tingling on the palm side of the hand in the thumb, index, long, and ring finger usually occur when the median nerve in the hand is compressed. Compression occurs when the transverse carpal ligament of the hand thickens to the point that the nerve is pushed on producing these symptoms. This condition is known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

A carpal tunnel night wrist splint can sometimes be helpful in relieving the symptoms. Occasionally, an injection of cortisone carefully given to avoid nerve damage can decrease inflammation and compression aiding in symptom relief.

I recommend you see a hand specialist or neurologist to confirm the diagnosis and establish the severity of the condition. Occasionally, nerve root compression in the neck can produce similar symptoms.

The doctor may perform nerve conduction testing to determine the location and extent of the compression. If non-surgical treatment is ineffective, then surgery may be necessary. There are now minimally invasive surgical techniques for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that are effective with rapid return to function.

Dr. Harlan Selesnick is team physician of the Miami Heat and director of Miami Sports Medicine Fellowship, Doctors Hospital. Send your questions to HarlanS@baptisthealth.net