Ulnar nerve injury, numbness in the little finger
Jun 06, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Shichang
Introduction
In general, numbness in the little finger caused by ulnar nerve damage may be related to factors such as ulnar nerve strain, trauma, secondary inflammation, carpal tunnel syndrome, or cervical spondylosis, and requires symptomatic treatment. Ulnar nerve strain refers to repetitive or excessive activities involving the arm or hand that lead to injury or compression of the ulnar nerve. This may result in ulnar nerve damage, causing numbness in the little finger, finger weakness, or pain.
Under normal circumstances, numbness in the little finger caused by ulnar nerve damage may be related to factors such as ulnar nerve strain, trauma, secondary inflammation, carpal tunnel syndrome, or cervical spondylosis. Symptomatic treatment is required. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Ulnar Nerve Strain: Ulnar nerve strain refers to injury or compression of the ulnar nerve due to repetitive or excessive activities involving the arm or hand. This may lead to ulnar nerve damage, causing numbness in the little finger, weakness, or pain in the fingers. Patients are advised to rest adequately and apply appropriate cold or heat therapy along with massage, which can help improve symptoms.
2. Trauma: Trauma to the wrist or hand may directly injure the ulnar nerve. After nerve injury, nerve conduction may be blocked or interrupted, resulting in sensory abnormalities—such as numbness or tingling—in areas of the hand innervated by the ulnar nerve, including the little finger. It is recommended that patients seek medical attention promptly and follow medical advice to use medications such as Sanqi Zhi Xue Pian (Notoginseng tablets) or Zhi Xue Zhen Tong Jiao Nang (hemostatic and analgesic capsules).
3. Secondary Inflammation: Secondary inflammation refers to ulnar nerve damage caused by acute or chronic infections, inflammatory conditions, or pathological changes in the wrist or hand. During inflammation, swelling of surrounding tissues, compression, or release of irritating substances may damage the ulnar nerve, leading to symptoms such as numbness, pain, or abnormal sensation in the little finger. Patients should follow medical guidance and take medications such as Cefdinir tablets or Cefradine capsules.
4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome involves nerve compression at the wrist, including the ulnar nerve. When the ulnar nerve passes through the carpal tunnel, increased pressure within the carpal canal or swelling of the flexor tendons in the tunnel may compress the nerve, leading to abnormal nerve conduction. This may result in numbness, tingling, or sensory disturbances in the little finger and adjacent fingers. Patients are advised to take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets as directed by a physician.
5. Cervical Spondylosis: Cervical spondylosis refers to degenerative changes or injuries in the cervical spine, which may compress or damage spinal nerve roots, including those contributing to the ulnar nerve. This compression or irritation can lead to ulnar nerve dysfunction and cause numbness in the little finger. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as celecoxib capsules or diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules for treatment.
Patients are advised to seek timely medical care when experiencing discomfort and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a healthcare professional to promote recovery.
