Suspected Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel, Cubital Tunnel, and Cervical Disc Based on Finger Numbness Location

Many people tend to neglect numbness or tingling sensations in their hands, thinking it is simply a matter of poor blood circulation. However, Professor Lee Yo-han of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center warns that hand numbness may not be a simple symptom, but a dangerous signal that nerves are being compressed. Since the suspected disease varies depending on which part of the fingers feels numb, it is important to closely observe one's own numbness patterns.

Three representative diseases differing by finger area

One of the most common causes of hand numbness is carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a condition where the median nerve is compressed as the passage in the wrist narrows, primarily causing numbness from the thumb to the third finger, while the pinky finger side is often fine. It is easy to develop if you use your wrists heavily or have experienced diabetes, metabolic diseases, or wrist fractures.

cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed at the elbow area. In this case, it is characterized by numbness in the pinky finger and about half of the fourth finger. On the other hand, cervical disc occurs when the nerve roots between the neck vertebrae are compressed. In cervical disc issues, the area of numbness varies depending on the location of the compressed nerve; it is highly likely to be a problem with the 6th nerve for the first and second fingers, the 7th nerve for the third finger, and the 8th nerve for the fourth and fifth fingers. In particular, cervical disc differs from peripheral nerve diseases in that it tends to show numbness across an entire finger.

At-home self-diagnosis methods for hand numbness

Professor Lee Yo-han of SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center introduced simple self-test methods to suspect each disease in the video. First, to check for carpal tunnel syndrome, you can perform the 'Phalen test' by pressing the backs of both hands together, bending the wrists completely, and holding the position for about 1 minute. If the first to third fingers feel tingling during this, it is suspected to be positive. Also, if you make an 'OK' sign with your hand and the thumb pad is weak, causing the nail parts to not face each other but form an 'L' shape, this is also a warning sign.

For cubital tunnel syndrome, you can check if numbness is felt toward the pinky finger when you maintain a bent elbow position for more than 1 minute. Additionally, if you cannot apply strength well when trying to stretch your hand out and then bring it together, you may suspect an ulnar nerve lesion. In the case of a cervical disc, if numbness worsens when tilting your head backward, or conversely, if pain is relieved when lifting your arms upward, you should keep the possibility of a cervical disc in mind.

Sudden numbness may be a stroke signal, so caution is required

Hand numbness is not necessarily only a problem of the peripheral nerves. If severe numbness suddenly appears for a short period within a few hours, or if symptoms occur regardless of posture or usage, you must suspect a problem with the brain, the central nervous system, namely a stroke. In particular, if symptoms such as slurred speech, decreased sensation, or inability to control body movements are accompanied, you must visit a hospital immediately. Those in their 60s or older, or those with hypertension, diabetes, arrhythmia, or smokers, should observe such sudden numbness symptoms even more carefully.