What Should I Do If My Little Finger and Ring Finger Feel Numb?
A common cause of numbness in the little finger and ring finger is peripheral nerve injury. In particular, ulnar nerve injury is relatively common in the positions of the little finger and ring finger. The main reason is local compression. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a neurologist for examination and treatment as soon as possible. Additionally, blood lipid and blood sugar tests should also be conducted. Apart from determining ulnar nerve injury, other metabolic diseases in the body should also be ruled out.
1. Ulnar Neuritis: Also known as cubital tunnel syndrome, which is a common cause. Cubital tunnel syndrome refers to the compression of the ulnar nerve in the tunnel, often caused by the ulnar nerve slipping due to friction at the bony prominence on the medial side of the scaphoid bone, related to frequent flexion and extension activities or excessive movement of the elbow joint. After prolonged slipping, the ulnar nerve rubs against the bony prominence on the inner side of the elbow, causing edema and swelling, leading to symptoms similar to nerve inflammation and resulting in numbness in the little finger and ring finger. This numbness affects the entire little finger and half of the ring finger, as well as the ulnar side of the palm near the little finger. It does not affect the thumb, index finger, middle finger, or the other half of the ring finger. If the compression caused by cubital tunnel syndrome persists for a long time, in addition to numbness, muscle atrophy in the hand may also occur, manifesting as a claw-like hand due to atrophy between the bones;
2. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: This refers to the compression of the brachial plexus nerves in the neck. Apart from numbness in the little finger and ring finger, it can also cause numbness in the inner side of the forearm, which requires comprehensive evaluation due to the higher location of the numbness;
3. Cervical Spondylosis: Neural compression occurs at a higher position accompanied by neck discomfort, and patients may experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or weakness in lower limb movement;
4. Others: Tumors, such as schwannomas and neurofibromas.
