I am a 47 year old male who has lifted weights as a hobby since teenage. For the past three years I have lifted light weights with high reps due to a shoulder injury (rotator cuff impingement). Since I have been feeling much better lately I decided to give the heavy weights one last try. I have been at this for about 2-months.?
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Now I have developed numbness in both hands on the ring finger and pinkie. The numbness only occurs at night when I am sleeping and normally wakes me up four to five times per night. I am sure it is from the weight lifting, but I can not figure out whether the pressure point that is causing the problem is in my wrist or elbow. I wear gloves when working out.?
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My questions are
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Would my whole arm be numb if the pressure point is in the elbow??
Would ice and heat help the condition over time? Or is there other home treatment I should engage in?

Dr. Joshua’s Answer

Numbness in the ring finger and pinkie is usually caused by compression or entrapment of the ulnar nerve. The usual location for nerve compression is indeed the elbow. If you stand with your palms facing forward, you can use the other hand to examine the bony structure in your other elbow projecting toward your torso. Just behind this, moving just around the corner so to speak, there is a groove that holds the ulnar nerve. Rub this groove a bit and if there is worsening of the symptoms, it is likely that the ulnar nerve is compressed at this level. Of course, such a self-test is not entirely reliable and if you are in doubt, see your doctor. There are other possible reasons for these symptoms, this being one of the more likely ones.

If the symptoms persist, talk to your doctor. If he/she agrees that you ulnar nerve is to blame, the most likely cause of this problem is your increased weight training, just as you suspected. In this case, some rest from heavy weight lifting is necessary in order for your nerve and muscle structures to adapt to the new level of exertion and muscle growth.

If ibuprofen is suitable for you, you can try a short course, 600 mg three times daily for a few days and see if it helps. It may relieve the symptoms and facilitate nerve healing by relieving the inflammation.