Thumb is numb/tingly?!
Question: Thumb is numb/tingly?
they couldnt be sure so they put me in a splint and told me to come back in 10 days to have another xray, and maybe a plaster put on. the splint they gave me was like an arm splint with a bit of metal underneath the arm, and a bit along the arm, going down from the thumb. it has a thumb support, and goes down too about halfway down my forearm (between hand and elbow). it was given to me on wednesday evening, and i have been wearing it quite loose ever since (taking it off for showers and to check bruising/swelling (there was none))
at about lunchtimeish yesterday, i noticed my thumb was tingling. i thought maybe the splint was abit tight, and loosened it. the rest of the day, it was on and off, feeling sometimes tingly and sometimes numb. loosening it and tightning it didnt make much difference
today, its been pretty much constant. i have taken it off, and it made little/no difference to the feeling. is this normal, or should i go back to the doctors, or wait until thursday when im ment to go back for the text xray.
Answers:
It could be swelling a bit and causing pressure on the radial nerve. Is there any coldness, discoloration? You can call them and ask them what they think. They have after hours doctors who are on call. I really would not wear the splint loose as it will defeat the purpose. You need to wear it so it "fits", not tight, but so that you can get 2 of your fingers between the strap and you. I am an Occupational Therapist Assistant and have dealt with many of a splint. Try to keep your arm up to keep any swelling down. Lay with it on a pillow at night when you are sleeping.