Understanding Numbness in the Pinky Finger: Exploring Possible Causes

Pinky finger numbness in both hands is a common problem faced by many men and women, regardless of age. Numbness in the hand or fingers needs a serious approach to diagnosis and treatment. As it can hide a variety of diseases of the:

• cardiovascular;
• musculoskeletal;
• other organ systems.

Numbness in pinky fingers entails difficulties in life due to impaired motor skills. Some things can lead to unpleasant consequences:

• violation of temperature;
• the tactile sensitivity of the fingers.

As a person can burn a numb finger in contact with a hot object or can not hold a cup with a hot drink in his hand.

So, you should start an examination as soon as possible. It is easier to determine the underlying condition that caused the finger numbness. The sooner you begin treatment, the more likely it is that sensitivity in the fingers will return. Read more about  the tip of the finger numb below.

Anatomy of the Pinky Finger

The pinky finger is the smallest finger on the human hand. But it plays a significant role in hand function and dexterity. Understanding the anatomy of the pinky finger is essential. Especially when you explore the possible causes of left pinky numb.

The pinky finger consists of three phalanges, or finger bones, known as the:

• proximal;
• middle;
• distal phalanges. 

These bones are connected by joints, allowing for movement and flexibility. Ligaments and tendons surround and support these bones. They enable the finger to bend, straighten, and grip objects.

Nerves are crucial in transmitting signals between the pinky finger and the brain. The ulnar nerve handles provide sensation to the pinky finger. It originates in the neck and travels down the arm. This nerve also controls the small muscles in the hand, allowing for fine motor skills.

Several factors are important in the examination of numbness in pinky fingers. Compression or injury to the ulnar nerve can lead to tingling or numbness in the pinky finger. It can be in cases of cubital tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve entrapment. Conditions may affect the nerves supplying the pinky finger, resulting in similar symptoms. It can be:

• carpal tunnel syndrome;
• diabetes;
• peripheral neuropathy.

Causes of Numbness in the Pinky Finger

Numbness in the fingers of the left hand refers to neurological symptoms. Most often, it occurs in the presence of:

• pathologies in the spine;
• mechanical injuries;
• improper lifestyle. 

Of course, sometimes the hand just sinks, and the numbness quickly passes. But if the little finger is numb regularly, we recommend you consult a specialist.

The doctor begins his search for the causes of decreased sensitivity in the extremities by:

• collecting anamnesis;
• interviewing the patient. 

The specialist clarifies the patient’s:

• working conditions and lifestyle;
• bad habits;
• injuries, and surgeries in the patient’s anamnesis. 

This allows you to exclude the following common causes of tip-of-finger numb:

• Prolonged work in one position. People who spend all day at the computer often complain about decreased sensitivity in the area of the hands;
• Raynaud’s syndrome. Stress or cold causes pain and temporary loss of sensation. It also causes discoloration of the fingers and, less frequently, the toes;
• Carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve is usually compressed. It results from repetitive movements of the wrist at the wrist joint;
• Cubital canal syndrome. There is compression of the ulnar nerve near the elbow joint. It is against the background of prolonged support on the elbow. Or it can be due to holding the arm bent at the elbow for an extended period;
• Hypovitaminosis. A deficiency of B vitamins can cause impaired nerve conduction and left pinky numb;
• Alcoholic polyneuropathy. It is nervous system disorders due to regular alcohol abuse;
• Recent trauma or surgery. Numbness of the little finger on the left hand can result from damage to the:
• spinal cord roots;
• nerve endings in the neck, shoulder girdle, and wrist.

Loss of sensation in the area of one or more fingers on the hand can also be a complication:

• diabetes mellitus,
• joint or nerve inflammation,
• osteochondrosis and other spinal conditions,
• heart and vascular disease,
• some autoimmune pathologies. 

The numb left pinky requires special attention. They can be signs of cardiovascular pathologies: angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Concomitant symptoms accompany these conditions. But there are also isolated cases when only the little finger on the left hand goes numb. And the clinical picture unfolds.

Osteochondrosis, local ischemia, and other pathologies are also found among the factors.

When both little fingers on the hand go numb, the cause may be inflammatory damage to the cartilage and joint structures. These include osteoarthritis and myofascial syndromes that affect the sheath covering the muscles. This list includes:

• rheumatoid arthritis;
• osteoarthritis;
• consequences of radial bone fracture;
• tendon sprains.

Medical Evaluation and Treatment  

Numbness in pinky fingers requires a thorough medical examination. The first thing to do is to see your general practitioner or a neurologist. Remember it when you have persistent numbness in your little finger. 

You can make an appointment with a neurologist at Lone Star Neurology. So your problem will be definitely dealt with by qualified doctors. They will carefully question and examine you. They will:

• prescribe the necessary examinations;
• consult another specialist;
• make a diagnosis and a treatment plan.

To diagnose the cause of  the tip of the finger numb, the following methods may be required:

• X-ray examination of the spinal column;
• computer or magnetic resonance imaging;
• ultrasound examination of blood vessels and nerves in the neck, upper extremities;
• electroneuromyography to study the transmission of impulses from neurons to muscles;
• laboratory examination of blood and urine.

In our center, the therapy program is individually designed for each patient. We take into account:

• the disease’s peculiarities;
• the nature of the patient’s activity. 

First, reducing the load on the injured limb is recommended, including using fixators (splints, orthoses). The course of treatment, if the little finger is numb, may include such methods as:

• Therapeutic (medical) blockades. They are injections of anesthetics in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs. They eliminate even the most intense pain almost immediately;
• Injections of muscle relaxants, analgesics, and anti-inflammatory drugs into the area of pathology (local injection therapy);
• Therapy with platelet-enriched plasma;
• Treatment with chondroprotective and hyaluronic acid preparations;
• Shockwave therapy;
• The complex therapeutic exercise;
• Laser treatment;
• Massage, etc.

Conclusion

The main thing to remember is that the body always warns of changes in advance and does not get sick suddenly. Few people notice just the beginning of problems. They often do not pay attention to it, hoping it will pass by itself. So don’t hesitate to contact Lone Star Neurology. Our professionals will give you the best help.

FAQ

• When should I seek medical attention for pinky finger numbness?

You should seek medical attention for pinky finger numbness if it persists or worsens over time, is accompanied by other symptoms like weakness or pain, or if it affects your ability to perform daily activities.

• Can pinky finger numbness be a sign of a serious condition?

Yes, pinky finger numbness can be a sign of a serious condition. It can indicate nerve compression or underlying medical conditions such as cubital tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, or peripheral neuropathy, which may require medical intervention.

• Can physical therapy help with pinky finger numbness?

Yes, physical therapy can be beneficial in managing pinky finger numbness. Physical therapists can help alleviate symptoms through exercises, stretches, and techniques that improve nerve mobility, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the surrounding muscles.

• What causes numbness in the pinky finger?

Numbness in the pinky finger can be caused by various factors, including nerve compression or injury, such as in cases of cubital tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve entrapment.