Normal MRI and EMG Reveal Nerve Slowdown
Greetings, I’m a 23-year-old female seeking guidance about some health issues I’ve been experiencing. Recently, I've noticed weakness in both my hand and arm, particularly in my dominant hand where grip strength has been notably diminished. After undergoing an EMG, the results indicated that my nerves are exhibiting a slowdown. However, my MRI results were unremarkable. To address some swelling I experienced, I was prescribed a course of steroids (4mg for a few months), which alleviated some of the issues, yet I still experience residual swelling in my hand. Often, my hand feels cold, and I notice a popping sensation when I move my fingers. Despite these sensations, I do not have any numbness or tingling, and the swelling appears sporadic. The pain I endure is quite severe, described as a hammering sensation throughout my hand. On occasion, I take ibuprofen (600mg) for relief, but it proves to be somewhat ineffective. My wrist itself seems fine, but my orthopedic specialist is considering a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), even though my symptoms don’t align with typical CTS indicators. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you may offer!
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 7:50:27 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing complex symptoms related to hand and arm weakness, pain, and swelling, despite normal MRI findings and nerve slowdown in your EMG. It’s important to address these concerns step-by-step.
Summary
Your symptoms of weakness, swelling, coldness, and pain—despite normal imaging—are puzzling but not uncommon. These could suggest issues such as tendonitis, repetitive strain injuries, or a less typical presentation of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Your steps towards recovery should be tailored to alleviate discomfort and improve function.
Explanation
- Weakness and Pain: Difficulty with grip strength and severe pain can result from various causes, including inflammation, nerve issues, or conditions affecting the tendons.
- Cold Sensation: This may be related to blood flow changes or nerve issues.
- Popping Sensation: This could occur due to irritation or slight misalignment of the tendons in the hand.
Next Steps
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Track your pain levels, swelling, and any activities that worsen or alleviate your symptoms. This information can help in identifying patterns and discussing with your healthcare provider.
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Modify Activities: If possible, reduce activities that exacerbate your pain (like grip-intensive tasks) and practice ergonomic techniques if engaging in repetitive hand movements.
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Physical Therapy: Gentle exercises focused on flexibility and strength might help. Physical therapists can provide a tailored program to improve function and relieve pain. Look for one experienced with hand and upper body issues.
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Cold Therapy for Swelling: Apply cold packs to the swollen areas for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation.
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Evaluate Pain Management: Discuss alternative pain relief options with your specialist. Other medications, such as acetaminophen, topical treatments, or modifications to your ibuprofen dosage, might provide better relief. Consult about other non-pharmacological options like heat therapy or TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units.
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Consider Follow-Up: If symptoms persist or worsen, a follow-up with your orthopedic specialist may be needed to further explore the diagnosis or consider other options, like imaging or nerve conduction studies focused on specific areas.
Remember, it's important to listen to your body and prioritize your comfort while seeking solutions that align with your concerns. Please keep me updated on any changes or findings as you take these steps.
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