Help with pain/numb feeling in hands/fingers during day and night
Hello,
I am suspected SFN with clinical symptoms supporting this and a skin biopsy result (low normal) leading to suspicion.
My biggest issue is that throughout the day my hands feel like they are numbing. There is no improvement. I still have sensation but they feel uncomfortable like I don't want to use them. I'm not sure if they are becoming weak but I can still exhibit strength. Holding a phone and texting is uncomfortable with my fingers feeling numb-like/staticy. I worry this will worsen and I won't be able to type when working. As noted in my previous post, symptoms with my hands have started as achy feeling in thumbs then fingers then hands back in June 2025 but just gotten progressively worse especially when other symptoms started showing up.
What has helped a little bit is wearing gloves or compression gloves during the day and heating my hands.
For my described hand issues during the night and day, I am wondering if any medication given to you, if you experience this, helps with this? Particularly gabapentin or Lyrica? Or do these medicines address other kinds of pain/sensations?
***All day hand discomfort as a numbness-static like feeling with some aches when in use. Uncomfortable feeling like you want to rub your hands to wake them up a bit (not true pins and needles or numbness)
***Night time pain (numb and stiff pain) in fingers when sleeping. This discomfort hurts. I wear a wrist brace when I sleep and don't know if I should wear thick gloves to keep fingers warm.
If you think you can relate to my hand symptoms and have experience with progression or treatment, please feel free to reply.
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I have had similar symptoms. I don’t have hand issues during the day. I haven’t had any real diagnosis. Ref, nighttime hands going numb…..braces help me. Or, if I sleep on the couch, it won’t happen. Primary exam for carpal tunnel isn’t positive. I saw a hand and arm specialist who isn’t sure but thinks it’s carpel tunnel though tests aren’t conclusive. My SIL had same symptoms but tests inconclusive. Due to the pain, she finally had surgery on both wrists. It resolved her problem. But, it’s not a guarantee. My hand/arm specialist will do the surgery if I want. I probably will after I get a personal family matter settled.
immuno1982, have you been tested for Rheumatoid Arthritis. It can cause these symptoms.
I have had pain and tingling in my fingers since 2017 two Doctors identified it as reynauds syndrome. In 2024 I started having neuropathy symptoms in my toes, and now it’s gone up sometimes to my niece a physical therapist has helped considerably I massage my neck shoulders back my Upper and lower arm in palm, which helps the circulation to my hands and figures and when I do it regularly, I’ve been able to not have any issues. I’ve been dropping things for years and that’s still an issue for me. I also massage my thighs and calves and feet and it gives some relief, but it doesn’t help like It does for my hands. It was difficult for me to do the massage with my hands so I purchased a Bob and Brad massage gun they’re not real expensive and I have the full size Therabody gun. It’s expensive heavy and hard to use.
I purchased Bib and Brad gun around $70 from Amazion
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1 ReactionI have had Bilateral Numbness and Tingling since January 2022. I was referred to a Hand Surgeon for possible Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. After Cortisone produced no relief, I was referred to an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon for Peripheral Neuropathy. Long story short I had Cervical Surgery but to this day I still have the Tingling/Numbness in both hands, and my Neurologist has termed my condition permanent nerve damage. I am on Gabapentin 1800mg per day (600mg x3). I have tried going off the medication, but I was miserable without it. Though it does not take away the discomfort it certainly helps. I am currently trying Medical Massage which is very different from regular Swedish Massage Therapy. Look it up and see if that could help you. My EMG/NCT test prove negative for SFN in my case. I have tried many therapies and continue to explore other possibilities.
Good Luck to all of us in finding the ultimate therapy or medication that will render relief 🙂
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1 ReactionI forgot to add this to my previous most. I purchased a Paraffin Wax-2000 machine for hand/foot. the heat really helps with the stiffness and discomfort before bedtime or any time. Also, using 1000mg of Tylenol which helps me too!
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1 ReactionI've had pretty good improvement in both hands that I was told carpel surgery wouldn't help, by using professional red light therapy. I also purchased OTC one from Amazon- it's a strip that I wrap around-0 not as strong as the commercial products (very expensive) but helps continue the treatments. Good luck!
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1 Reaction@chrisanon , I’m debating getting carpel tunnel surgery……
Celia16- i had additional issues- osteoarthritis and bone spurs. I did
have CT surgery on my left hand first- but after a few weeks the pain was
back- so a dual image CT scan showed the issues. if you do a search on
phys therapy for carpal tunnel, you will find something like this: (note,
not medical advice, just what's on the internet, and works for me. also on
FB and youtube- sites like this:
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/
"Physical therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome involves performing nerve
flossing exercises to help the median nerve glide more freely and reduce
irritation. A common exercise involves a sequence of movements, such as
starting with your arm at your side, bending your elbow and wrist, then
slowly straightening the elbow and extending the wrist while tilting your
head away from your hand to feel a stretch. This sequence is repeated for
several repetitions, and you should only do it to the point of a mild
stretch, not pain.
Median nerve floss exercise
1. Starting position: Sit or stand with your arms at your sides. On the
affected side, press your shoulder blade down slightly.
2. Arm and wrist position: Bend your elbow so your forearm is alongside
your upper arm and your wrist is bent back, with your fingers pointing
towards the ceiling.
3. Extension: Slowly and smoothly straighten your elbow, moving your
forearm out to the side, so your arm is straight out from your side and
your fingers point down toward the floor.
4. Neck movement: As your arm straightens, you can gently tilt your head
away from your hand to increase the stretch.
5. Return: Slowly return to the starting position, bending the elbow and
wrist.
6. Repetitions: Repeat this sequence 10-15 times. You can add gentle
head movements as you get more comfortable, but avoid any pain.
Important considerations
- Avoid pain: Do not push into any sharp or intense pain. You should
feel a gentle stretch or mild tingling, but stop if it becomes
uncomfortable.
- Modify as needed: If the exercise is too difficult, reduce the range
of motion at your wrist, elbow, and/or neck.
- Perform regularly: This type of exercise is often recommended to be
done multiple times throughout the day.
- Consult a professional: It's best to consult with a physical therapist
for a personalized exercise plan and to ensure you are performing the
exercises correctly, especially before starting any new exercise program.
"
Hope you feel better. Maybe get another opinion outside of the facility you
already saw.
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4 Reactions@chrisanon , thank you! I want a second opinion, but I’ve been so busy with work plus family caregiving for my mom who broke her arm.
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