pain and tingling in hand and arm

Hi,
For the past 8 days have felt pain in the palm side of the hand.

The part that is betwedn the left hand thumb and wrist feels like my ligaments are being pulled.

The pain although not as bad as hand radiates into thumb side of wrist and forearm also - whole left arm feels weak - this all started without any injury just woke up one morning and felt this since what could this be any advice would be much appreciated thanks.

male age 39

Hello Iky,
What's not really clear is whether this is a local problem - like "pulled ligaments" although that requires some form of trauma or overuse.

Carpal tunnel syndrome radiates in the 3-4 fingers on the thumb side, excluding the pinkie, but that doesn't seem to be what you are describing.

A pinched nerve in the neck is a possibility, probably the C6 nerve root but that would usually go into the index finger too, and you would almost certainly have neck pain which you don't mention.

There are other areas of nerve entrapment - the general nature is a deep ache in arm and hand, often worse at night. Is the pain relieved by placing your hand on your head? That's called the Shoulder Abduction Relief sign. Sure sign of a pinched nerve.

You need a good examination. If your doctor is orthopaedically inclined, perhaps start there, but I'd avoid taking pills. They just cover up the symptoms and don't treat the cause, and frankly if you do have a pinched nerve, only very strong medication will relieve the pain. Time to look for a good chiropractor up your street, I suspect, particularly if turning your head is painful in the lower neck or arm. X-rays will most likely be needed.

Don't carry stuff in your left hand. Don't wait, that weak feeling in your arm is serious, and needs to be taken seriously. The triceps muscle is a common target - if you do press ups that arm will weaken quickly.

I hope this contributes.

Dr b