Very numb hands?

My opinion (based on my experience and that of others, combined with lots of research) is that PMR is a strange disease which affects everyone differently, (fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, neck, back, thighs, knees, ankles, feet, toes…) while having several commonalities (hips, shoulders…) I think we all can agree on that.

Based on that, I think specialists (rheumatologists) and PCP’s that “go-by-the-book” are “in-the-dark.”

Probably, PMR won’t be fully understood until there is a known cause and absolute test for it’s diagnosis, which will also probably be difficult due to it's variances in symptoms to patients individually. Still, I hope for more research, better understanding, treatment(s), and medication(s), without harmful side-effects and ultimately a safe cure.

I’ve found that Voltaren gel (topical) helps reduce finger/hand pain. It takes a few days of use before feeling better. Has anyone tried Voltaren XR tablets (oral)? (diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets) And, what is/was your experience?

@stonewheel I have very numb hands every morning, but I’m off prednisone for about six months now. Three years of PMR, still have painful back, thighs, weakness in both legs, etc. now my arms are very weak and hands very swollen. I’m thinking that it’s caused by cervical stenosis, arthritis.

@stonewheel I have very numb hands every morning, but I’m off prednisone for about six months now. Three years of PMR, still have painful back, thighs, weakness in both legs, etc. now my arms are very weak and hands very swollen. I’m thinking that it’s caused by cervical stenosis, arthritis.

@stonewheel so sorry to hear of what you're dealing with. I got an EMG that said I had moderate carpal tunnel. I'm going to get surgery for that. Hopefully the endoscopic less evasive surgery. God bless

I had numbness and pain in my hands and wrist that woke me before I was ever diagnosed or on medications. I could not brush my teeth, wash hair bathe do anything without burning and pain in my hands and wrist up my arms. Went to get testing for carpal tunnel and was told wasn’t nerves and not carpal tunnel. My PCP referred me to Rheumotologist and after lots of blood tests and I mean lots, I was diagnosed with PMR. I have pain in my hands, arms, collarbone, neck and shoulders.
I see many posts saying both PMR DOES and DOESN’T affect wrist or hands but my Rheumatologist is excellent and she says PMR does also effect your hands and wrists.

@janetlee2026
Prior to my PMR diagnosis in December ,2025 I had pain in my right arm which then lead to a permanent numbness in the ends of my fingers ( except the pinky finger). I then became very stiff and the diagnosis of PMR followed. I started on 15 mg of prednisone which helped with all pain but my finger tips were still numb. I saw a neurologist in March 2026 who suspect carpal tunnel in my wrists but said I was not typical in that I was no longer complain about pain. At that point I was still at 9 mg of prednisone. I have been wearing splints on my hands now for 6 months. I have regained more feeling in the ends of my fingers. But as my prednisone taper continued I now have more pain in my wrist area. I am being referred for carpal tunnel surgery. Not sure if that is the right move or not. I have also asked for a referral to a rheumatologist.

@janetlee2026
It affected my hands too. Horrible swelling, pain, stiffness and couldn't even put any pressure against a finger without horrible pain. Also weakness. Couldn't lift, open a jar, anything. It'd start middle of night just like the shoulder/upper body/upper arm pain that woke me up nightly.
It took almost all day for my symptoms and pain to subside and then It'd start all over again that night.
I had to get out of bed and go sit upright on the couch to get a little relief from the brutal pain.
It was the worst thing I've ever experienced. It went on for months until blood tests gave me info and I searched my symptoms and test results and PMR came up. Rheumatologist and Color Doppler Ultrasound confirmed it. Yes, hands fingers wrists can be involved in PMR. It's different for everyone.
Blessings.

@boomermeg thanks for confirming as well. I hope it gets better for you and me!