Numbness and Pain in My Hands at Night
Age 27, height 5'5", and weight 197 lbs. For approximately two weeks, I've been suffering from widespread pain throughout my body. It all started suddenly one evening, initially manifesting in my inner thighs near the pubic region. That night, I found myself nearly immobilized, with a sensation of intense muscle tightness. Although I felt a bit better the following morning, by the subsequent night, the aches had shifted to my knees and rotator cuffs, leaving me struggling to lift my arms. Typically, mornings would bring some relief, but as days progressed, the discomfort persisted throughout the day. I resorted to taking Advil daily, fully aware of the risk of ulcers, yet the agony was unbearable. Currently, the majority of my pain centers around my hands, which have become so numb that I can hardly feel anything, making it difficult to form a fist. I consulted my primary care physician, who suggested trying gabapentin and recommended an X-ray of my spine. She also conducted blood tests, the results of which I am awaiting. For context, I work at a desk and spend most of my day typing on a computer, which has negatively impacted my posture and eyesight. During the COVID pandemic in 2020, I was classified as pre-diabetic. However, I managed to lose 15 lbs by 2023, which resolved that condition. Unfortunately, I've developed a vitamin D deficiency and have since regained the weight due to depression. If anyone has insights into what this could indicate, I would be grateful for your input. I've read online that my symptoms and medical background may resemble neuropathy, but I'm unsure about the validity of that information.
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 12:01:20 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort and concern about your symptoms, particularly the numbness and pain in your hands at night. This could potentially indicate several underlying issues, ranging from muscular problems to nerve-related conditions, possibly linked to your posture and prolonged computer use.
Explanation
The combination of widespread pain, numbness in your hands, and the previous history of pre-diabetes suggests that your symptoms could be related to nerve involvement, commonly known as peripheral neuropathy. However, factors such as your work environment and posture can also contribute to musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. It's encouraging that you've already consulted your physician, as they can accurately assess your situation through exams and tests like X-rays and blood work.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized actions to help manage your symptoms:
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Posture and Ergonomics:
- Ensure your workstation is ergonomically set up. Adjust your chair, monitor height, and keyboard placement to promote a neutral wrist position. Consider using a wrist rest while typing.
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Gentle Stretching and Movement:
- Incorporate gentle stretching exercises for your arms, hands, and back. Simple stretches can relieve tension and improve blood circulation.
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Pain Management:
- While you are taking Advil, consider alternating with ice (for acute pain) or heat (for muscle tightness) to manage discomfort in your hands and other areas. Always follow dosage recommendations.
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Vitamin D Supplementation:
- Since you mentioned a deficiency, increasing your vitamin D intake through supplements or diet can aid overall health. Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks.
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Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Keep a diary of when your pain and numbness worsen or improve. Note any activities that may exacerbate your symptoms, which can help guide adjustments to your routine.
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Follow-Up with Your Doctor:
- Stay in touch with your primary care physician regarding your blood test results. Depending on what those results indicate, additional treatments or referrals (to a neurologist or physical therapist) may be necessary.
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Mental Health Support:
- Given your mention of depression, consider speaking to a mental health professional. Stress and emotional well-being directly impact physical health and pain management.
Reassurance
It's understandable to worry about these troubling symptoms, but it's great that you're being proactive and seeking answers. Following these steps can help you manage your discomfort while you await further evaluation from your doctor. Let me know if you need more information or specific exercises for relief!
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