Does this symptom indicate a heart problem?!


Question:

Does this symptom indicate a heart problem?

The last two nights, I have gotten a very sharp pain shooting up my right index finger and up to my elbow. I thought it was arthritis but a friend said it could mean heart trouble. Has anyone else heard of this symptom being related to a heart attack?


Answers:

I do not think it is a heart problem. During a heart attack the pain spreads DOWN the left shoulder and arm and to other areas, such as the back, jaw, neck, or right arm. You stated your pain shoots up your right index finger and up to your elbow.

The symptoms of carpal tunnel are: The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are tingling, numbness, weakness, or PAIN of the fingers or, less commonly, the palm. Symptoms most often occur in the parts of the hand supplied by the median nerve: the thumb, INDEX finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. If your little finger is not affected, this may be a sign that the condition is carpal tunnel syndrome, because the little finger is usually controlled by a different nerve than the thumb and other fingers. You may first notice symptoms at NIGHT, and you may be able to get relief by shaking your hand. But most people with carpal tunnel do not have pain in the elbow or that far up to the elbow.

Or it could be symptoms of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). (I also work in a orthopedic practice).

Or it could be none of the above. Tell your physician of these symptoms so tests can be done to be sure what is going on, but I do not feel it is anything with your heart.

Click these links if you would like more info:
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/carpa...
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/tc/he...
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tenni...

Hope you feel better soon.




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