Numbness in the fingers-shoulder pain-HELP!

[msalamon]

I'm posting this in the racquets section because this entire nightmare was directly the result of my demoing the new PureDrive2018. I tried the racquet for one week- and almost immediately after the week was over I began to feel pain in the shoulder. That progressed to the point where I could not even play. Its been 3 weeks now - I still have shoulder pain- but it has subsided- the big problem now is that I cannot feel anything in my pointer and middle fingers- it is truly strange and a little scary. I also have a some pain in the wrist.

Does anyone know whats going here? should I get one of those 2XU MCS ELITE COMP ARM GUARDS?

I have purchased a shoulder icing thing that helps already witht eh should--but cant get the feeling back to the fingers

Is is time to head to the doctors?

 

[teekaywhy]

May want to hit up the doc. I had similar pain and numbness and turned out to be nerve compression in the cervical vertebrae. Was out of tennis for 6 months.

 

[n8dawg6]

i was about to say ... and this isnt to alarm you ... if you have that tingling/numbness in the extremities it can be related to the nervous system. which usually means your back is jacked

 

[msalamon]

thanks for the replies- I will also note that I have since played on a few different occasion- including last night when I beat a player that I've never been able to beat before! So - maybe this is not too serious? I dont know...I'm reluctant to go to the doctors- but maybe I should. The shoulder pain is almost completely gone now- its really just the strange sensation of numbness that Im experiencing now.

 

[teekaywhy]

thanks for the replies- I will also note that I have since played on a few different occasion- including last night when I beat a player that I've never been able to beat before! So - maybe this is not too serious? I dont know...I'm reluctant to go to the doctors- but maybe I should. The shoulder pain is almost completely gone now- its really just the strange sensation of numbness that Im experiencing now.

Even more reason to go .numbness and tingling is a telltale sign. Don't let it progress to muscle weakness.

 

[msalamon]

Even more reason to go .numbness and tingling is a telltale sign. Don't let it progress to muscle weakness.

What doctor should I go to? Is there a particular field for this? Sorry for my ignorance on the subject


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[joohan]

Go and see a doctor or at least a good physio with some knowledge of neuroanatomy (the good ones do). This is neurology.

 

[sma1001]

Go to the doctor - would be called a "general practitioner" here, or "family doctor". Don't rely on diagnoses from TTers!

 

[PrinceMoron]

Hopefully you are not a lefty

 

[teekaywhy]

Your family doc or primary care doctor is where you should start. Not sure what country you're in but local insurance rules may apply in order to be seen by neurologist or other specialty. I ended up being treated by my neurologist who had me treat with therapy and acupuncture.

 

[IowaGuy]

I'd ditch the Babolat while you're at it! RA of 71 = ouch!

 

[msalamon]

Great thanks guys- I'll call my general Doc tomorrow- it's funny cause my Mom tried to convince me last week to go but looks like a listen to you guys instead. haha-
I am a righty. Babolat is definitely OUT! I am looking forward to trying the new Yonex Pro 97.....

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I'm posting this in the racquets section because this entire nightmare was directly the result of my demoing the new PureDrive2018. I tried the racquet for one week- and almost immediately after the week was over I began to feel pain in the shoulder. That progressed to the point where I could not even play. Its been 3 weeks now - I still have shoulder pain- but it has subsided- the big problem now is that I cannot feel anything in my pointer and middle fingers- it is truly strange and a little scary. I also have a some pain in the wrist.

Does anyone know whats going here? should I get one of those 2XU MCS ELITE COMP ARM GUARDS?

I have purchased a shoulder icing thing that helps already witht eh should--but cant get the feeling back to the fingers

Is is time to head to the doctors?

When you have tingling or numbness in your fingers, it's usually a sign that something is going on with the nerves and is usually associated with the spine. Have you ever seen a chiropractor? I have found a Gonstead Practitioner to be most helpful... It may not be extremely serious (you may have pinched a nerve or caused something to put pressure on some part of your spine (which can be remedied with a few adjustments)... or it could be something more serious. So, a visit to a chiropractor or, in the least, getting some x-rays of the entire spine would be a good idea. This will help you (or any health professional) assess what is happening...

Hope it's not serious and that you recover very soon...

 

[Crocodile]

A physio will give you exercises to decompress some nerves that have been pinched. C6 and C7 usually cause problems in your shoulder and this can radiate right down your arm. Shoulder weakness is one symptom although a shoulder test may also be given. If you can raise your arms up to 12 o'clock position without pain Then I'd say it's your neck.

 

[mxblink]

Yes see a doctor. You could start with your PCP, a physiatrist, or even go straight to an orthopedist or neurosurgeon. Don’t see a neurologist. Sounds like a C7 compression but impossible to tell without an exam and perhaps imaging. Shoulder weakness wouldn’t typically be expected with a C7 problem, so don’t go off of that.

Also, be wary about chiropractors. There’s a very wide range and it’s hard to tell who’s good. If you see one, I would advise strongly against letting them manipulate your neck. Too many people come in after a chiropractic neck adjustment with a brand spanking new vertebral artery dissection.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Yes see a doctor. You could start with your PCP, a physiatrist, or even go straight to an orthopedist or neurosurgeon. Don’t see a neurologist. Sounds like a C7 compression but impossible to tell without an exam and perhaps imaging. Shoulder weakness wouldn’t typically be expected with a C7 problem, so don’t go off of that.

Also, be wary about chiropractors. There’s a very wide range and it’s hard to tell who’s good. If you see one, I would advise strongly against letting them manipulate your neck. Too many people come in after a chiropractic neck adjustment with a brand spanking new vertebral artery dissection.

I'm not a chiropractor... but wow!!!... you sure know how to panic a person... you must be a doctor... And talk about smearing a whole profession and making generalizations... that's like someone saying... "watch out for those orthopedic and neurosurgeons, their job is to cut things up...glorified butchers all of them"... That would be a giant generalization... some surgeons are great... some are good... and some are really bad... JUST like ANY profession... great hairdresser... good hairdresser... horrible hairdresser... everything is a spectrum...

I've seen a chiropractor many many times... for years... and this has never happened...

I'm very much for checking everything out... definitely, the OP should get a complete spinal x-ray and see medical professionals (should the x-rays show a need for further investigation). Even surgeons... as a last resort... if that is needed...

OP get the x-rays (this will give you further concrete information from which you can choose further action) and don't ask a tennis forum and a bunch of people who haven't seen any evidence-based information to throw a bunch of diagnoses at you... including me... my personal motto when it comes to the body is "always check it out... better safe than sorry..."

 

[Dartagnan64]

I'm posting this in the racquets section because this entire nightmare was directly the result of my demoing the new PureDrive2018. I tried the racquet for one week- and almost immediately after the week was over I began to feel pain in the shoulder. That progressed to the point where I could not even play. Its been 3 weeks now - I still have shoulder pain- but it has subsided- the big problem now is that I cannot feel anything in my pointer and middle fingers- it is truly strange and a little scary. I also have a some pain in the wrist.

Does anyone know whats going here? should I get one of those 2XU MCS ELITE COMP ARM GUARDS?

I have purchased a shoulder icing thing that helps already witht eh should--but cant get the feeling back to the fingers

Is is time to head to the doctors?

Where was the shoulder pain? In the shoulder blade or right in the joint?
How numb are the fingers and is it intermittent or persistent?
Does the wrist bother you when you use it or when you sleep.
Any weakness in the biceps or triceps?

If the fingers are numb then you've got a nerve issue, likely an impingement somewhere. Could be C7 nerve root if the shoulder pain was more in the shoulder blade. Could be brachial plexus if the shoulder pain was deeper near the joint. Could be carpal tunnel if the numbness and wrist pain are worse during sleep. With all those possibilities, likely best to see a doctor, preferably a neurologist to localize the problem.

 

[TennisHound]

I'm posting this in the racquets section because this entire nightmare was directly the result of my demoing the new PureDrive2018. I tried the racquet for one week- and almost immediately after the week was over I began to feel pain in the shoulder. That progressed to the point where I could not even play. Its been 3 weeks now - I still have shoulder pain- but it has subsided- the big problem now is that I cannot feel anything in my pointer and middle fingers- it is truly strange and a little scary. I also have a some pain in the wrist.

Does anyone know whats going here? should I get one of those 2XU MCS ELITE COMP ARM GUARDS?

I have purchased a shoulder icing thing that helps already witht eh should--but cant get the feeling back to the fingers

Is is time to head to the doctors?

Go to the Dr.

How old are you? I’m 50 and my PD’18 has given me zero trouble. Now, my Duel g 330 on the other hand wears my shoulder out in serves (only because I’m out of shape).

 

[msalamon]

Update*- I went to the Dr's (general family Dr) they prescribed 800mg ibuprofen and some sort of muscle relaxer as well. told me to try that out for a few weeks and also to make an appointment with a neurologist in case things get worse.
Since I have full range of motion and can even play tennis still will just a little discomfort- they did not seem too concerned

Where was the shoulder pain? In the shoulder blade or right in the joint?
-in the joint- mostly in the back
How numb are the fingers and is it intermittent or persistent?
-just one finger (middle) and the side of the pointer-- I would say it is level 4 numbnes (1-10 - 10 being completely numb)
Does the wrist bother you when you use it or when you sleep.
- when using--wrist pain has subsided quite a bit in the last few days
Any weakness in the biceps or triceps?
- yes- very slight weakness in the biceps

I am 44, last I checked...

 

[msalamon]

oh - one other bit of info- I have switched to full bed of vokl cyclone 17 g @ 48

 

[CopolyX]

see a good coach for lessons with a PHD

 

[Shroud]

I'm posting this in the racquets section because this entire nightmare was directly the result of my demoing the new PureDrive2018. I tried the racquet for one week- and almost immediately after the week was over I began to feel pain in the shoulder. That progressed to the point where I could not even play. Its been 3 weeks now - I still have shoulder pain- but it has subsided- the big problem now is that I cannot feel anything in my pointer and middle fingers- it is truly strange and a little scary. I also have a some pain in the wrist.

Does anyone know whats going here? should I get one of those 2XU MCS ELITE COMP ARM GUARDS?

I have purchased a shoulder icing thing that helps already witht eh should--but cant get the feeling back to the fingers

Is is time to head to the doctors?

How often do you play per week? Did you play more than normal? Or the same amount? Does it hurt on specific shots?

 

[TennisHound]

Update*- I went to the Dr's (general family Dr) they prescribed 800mg ibuprofen and some sort of muscle relaxer as well. told me to try that out for a few weeks and also to make an appointment with a neurologist in case things get worse.
Since I have full range of motion and can even play tennis still will just a little discomfort- they did not seem too concerned

Where was the shoulder pain? In the shoulder blade or right in the joint?
-in the joint- mostly in the back
How numb are the fingers and is it intermittent or persistent?
-just one finger (middle) and the side of the pointer-- I would say it is level 4 numbnes (1-10 - 10 being completely numb)
Does the wrist bother you when you use it or when you sleep.
- when using--wrist pain has subsided quite a bit in the last few days
Any weakness in the biceps or triceps?
- yes- very slight weakness in the biceps

I am 44, last I checked...

Wow, sounds like you’ve had a pretty tough trial. Hopefully, all the feeling comes back to your hand and fingers, and it’s something minor.

 

[USPTARF97]

oh - one other bit of info- I have switched to full bed of vokl cyclone 17 g @ 48

What was in the racquet the week you played with it and the pain followed?

 

[msalamon]

I play about 3 times a week - match play---in addition to that I'm training my 5 year old son- and we hit everyday for around 2 hours. ( check him out at zevtennis-dot-com)
The Pure Drive 2018 that I was demoing was strung with RPM blast at 52 I think....

 

[o0lunatik]

I play about 3 times a week - match play---in addition to that I'm training my 5 year old son- and we hit everyday for around 2 hours. ( check him out at zevtennis-dot-com)
The Pure Drive 2018 that I was demoing was strung with RPM blast at 52 I think....

Ouch! PD has done nothing except add dampening agent to mask the stiffness. It's still a silent killer for those who hasn't have any issues yet, esp for those using polys.

 

[USPTARF97]

I play about 3 times a week - match play---in addition to that I'm training my 5 year old son- and we hit everyday for around 2 hours. ( check him out at zevtennis-dot-com)
The Pure Drive 2018 that I was demoing was strung with RPM blast at 52 I think....

RPM is super tough on the arm when it dies which is relatively soon. That racquet is tough on the arm in itself. Perfect storm. I encourage people to never hit with a demo with poly unless you know it was just strung. Like the term “silent killer” used above.

 

[n8dawg6]

has the OP died of a neurological disorder yet or did the TT doctors cure him w a heavy flexy player’s frame?

 

[Dartagnan64]

Update*- I went to the Dr's (general family Dr) they prescribed 800mg ibuprofen and some sort of muscle relaxer as well. told me to try that out for a few weeks and also to make an appointment with a neurologist in case things get worse.
Since I have full range of motion and can even play tennis still will just a little discomfort- they did not seem too concerned

Where was the shoulder pain? In the shoulder blade or right in the joint?
-in the joint- mostly in the back
How numb are the fingers and is it intermittent or persistent?
-just one finger (middle) and the side of the pointer-- I would say it is level 4 numbnes (1-10 - 10 being completely numb)
Does the wrist bother you when you use it or when you sleep.
- when using--wrist pain has subsided quite a bit in the last few days
Any weakness in the biceps or triceps?
- yes- very slight weakness in the biceps

I am 44, last I checked...

Sounds like either a C6 radiculopathy or an upper trunk brachial plexus lesion. With the pain in the shoulder itself I suspect plexus over nerve root impingement. Really work on stretching out the shoulder and warming up the rotator cuff with therabands. Of course it may be unrelated to sports and be idiopathic brachial neuritis, but that's a tough diagnosis to make over the internet. Need a proper history and exam.

 

[USPTARF97]

#whathesaid

My dad was a doctor and when I would get hurt he would always say..”Whatever caused the injury..don’t do that again.” PD/RPM

 

[n8dawg6]

”Whatever caused the injury..don’t do that again.”

that is diametrically opposed to the crossfit ethos

 

[USPTARF97]

that is diametrically opposed to the crossfit ethos

Crossfit is going to put themselves out of business with lawsuits. My wife used to do Crossfit and it got to the point she was the only one showing up for the class. She was already in shape when she started and avoided injury.

 

[Zoolander]

Im no Doctor but sounds like a brain tumour, prob a week or two to live. Have you thought about getting your affairs in order?

Don't rely on diagnoses from TTers!

Wot he said!

 

[fuzz nation]

I play about 3 times a week - match play---in addition to that I'm training my 5 year old son- and we hit everyday for around 2 hours. ( check him out at zevtennis-dot-com)
The Pure Drive 2018 that I was demoing was strung with RPM blast at 52 I think....

I've coached and strung for a few high school kids who have gone on to play serious college tennis. A couple of those killers - young bucks in their warrior years - had to switch away from full beds of RPM Blast in either a Pure Drive or Graphene Radical Pro because it gave them numbness in their racquet arm. RPM Blast is overpriced garbage.

It doesn't sound like you're going to be able to completely shut down your tennis for a month, so I'll strongly recommend that you get away from the poly for a little while. No need to go ultra soft in terms of multifiber. You'll get moderate softness along with a little backbone from a syn. gut and if you burn through it more quickly, at least it's not a pricey as premium multi or funky hybrids.

If the poly bug won't let you go, I'd say stick with a hybrid and keep the gauge of your poly on the light side. One of the more popular basic hybrids I do for some locals is Isospeed Baseline 1.20mm mains with Gosen OGSM 16 crosses. I sometimes string Cyclone 17 and even though that stuff is regarded as being softer than some other poly options, a full bed of that string is not soft.

 

[om panda]

Been there when using Babolat PD 2015.

Same like you, only getting meds to reduce swollen and shocked muscle plus rest. For that time, i totaly stop for 2 weeks.

Its the Pure Drive stiffness and high swingweight that make your muscle and nerve in shock. Everybody is different, but my body can't stand with babolat

That time, i also visit physiotherapists or sports massager

 

[om panda]

Best remedy? Stop using PD becaue even with multi it still causing pain

 

[tmc5005]

You need to rest and when you come back stay away the Babolat Pure Drive, most important you need a more flexible racquet with less vibration. You need to use an arm / elbow friendly racquet.
My current top 10 list includes
Yonex EZone DR 98
HEAD XT Graphene Prestige MP
PACIFIC BXT X Tour Pro 97
Wilson Ultra Tour
Volkl Vsense 10 325g (c
Pro Kennex Q+ Tour Pro
Pro Kennex KI5 320
Head Graphene Touch Speed Pro
Wilson Countervale Blade 98 18×20 (
Dunlop Srixon Rev CX 2.0 Tour

 

[movdqa]

Please see a doctor; I'd guess that he will refer you to a specialist. I know what the tingles and neuropathy feel like and I probably couldn't hold a tennis racquet myself right now. Hopefully you can find the cause and get it fixed.

 

[zoobears]

Go the doctor. Get an MRI and an Xray. Numbness is nerve compression. You'll need massage or some form of physio/osteopathy. Give tennis a break until you get your sensation back.

 

[UCSF2012]

Update*- I went to the Dr's (general family Dr) they prescribed 800mg ibuprofen and some sort of muscle relaxer as well. told me to try that out for a few weeks and also to make an appointment with a neurologist in case things get worse.
Since I have full range of motion and can even play tennis still will just a little discomfort- they did not seem too concerned

Where was the shoulder pain? In the shoulder blade or right in the joint?
-in the joint- mostly in the back
How numb are the fingers and is it intermittent or persistent?
-just one finger (middle) and the side of the pointer-- I would say it is level 4 numbnes (1-10 - 10 being completely numb)
Does the wrist bother you when you use it or when you sleep.
- when using--wrist pain has subsided quite a bit in the last few days
Any weakness in the biceps or triceps?
- yes- very slight weakness in the biceps

I am 44, last I checked...

Alright, let me speak as a doctor. I'm the only doctor on TW.

I doubt the ibuprofen and muscle relaxants will do anything. Numbness in the fingers can either be neurological or nutritional. If it's neurological, you have to go see a neurologist. They will test out your nerves. (I it motor or sensory? If sensory, can you feel a cotton wisp? a needle poke? how do you do on two-point discrimination,...etc.) Most of this won't mean much to you, but it's a series of tests they may perform. The neurologist will give you the diagnosis. ONLY the neurologist can give you a diagnosis, so I won't go into it.

If it's nutritional, that's easy. Typically, numbness in the fingers is due to a VITAMIN B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is also known as cobalamin.

MOST the time, your symptoms are due to a nutritional deficiency, not a neurological problem. My suggestion, go to the grocery store and find the B12 supplement. To be on the safe side, start taking multivitamins. Centrum or anything will work.

My official doctor's advice: start with the vitamin supplement, and see if it gets better. If it doesn't, then go back to the primary care doctor. Actually, go to another primary care doctor. Yours may not know what he's doing. He should've caught the B12 deficiency.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Alright, let me speak as a doctor. I'm the only doctor on TW.

I doubt the ibuprofen and muscle relaxants will do anything. Numbness in the fingers can either be neurological or nutritional. If it's neurological, you have to go see a neurologist. They will test out your nerves. (I it motor or sensory? If sensory, can you feel a cotton wisp? a needle poke? how do you do on two-point discrimination,...etc.) Most of this won't mean much to you, but it's a series of tests they may perform. The neurologist will give you the diagnosis. ONLY the neurologist can give you a diagnosis, so I won't go into it.

If it's nutritional, that's easy. Typically, numbness in the fingers is due to a VITAMIN B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is also known as cobalamin.

MOST the time, your symptoms are due to a nutritional deficiency, not a neurological problem. My suggestion, go to the grocery store and find the B12 supplement. To be on the safe side, start taking multivitamins. Centrum or anything will work.

My official doctor's advice: start with the vitamin supplement, and see if it gets better. If it doesn't, then go back to the primary care doctor. Actually, go to another primary care doctor. Yours may not know what he's doing. He should've caught the B12 deficiency.

Numbness in the fingers of one hand is not likely to be nutritional. Nutritional and metabolic problems that lead to sensory loss tend to a) affect the longest nerves first (i.e. toes) and b) affect both sides symmetrically. B12 is a rare deficiency affecting mostly strict vegans and elderly. Most common cause of neuropathy is actually diabetes followed by alcohol. At least in the first world.

 

[Harry_Wild]

I think a MRI and/or CAT scan is called for!

 

[mxblink]

Alright, let me speak as a doctor. I'm the only doctor on TW.

I doubt the ibuprofen and muscle relaxants will do anything. Numbness in the fingers can either be neurological or nutritional. If it's neurological, you have to go see a neurologist. They will test out your nerves. (I it motor or sensory? If sensory, can you feel a cotton wisp? a needle poke? how do you do on two-point discrimination,...etc.) Most of this won't mean much to you, but it's a series of tests they may perform. The neurologist will give you the diagnosis. ONLY the neurologist can give you a diagnosis, so I won't go into it.

If it's nutritional, that's easy. Typically, numbness in the fingers is due to a VITAMIN B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is also known as cobalamin.

MOST the time, your symptoms are due to a nutritional deficiency, not a neurological problem. My suggestion, go to the grocery store and find the B12 supplement. To be on the safe side, start taking multivitamins. Centrum or anything will work.

My official doctor's advice: start with the vitamin supplement, and see if it gets better. If it doesn't, then go back to the primary care doctor. Actually, go to another primary care doctor. Yours may not know what he's doing. He should've caught the B12 deficiency.

I don't know. As has been pointed out, isolated unilateral finger numbness would be a pretty strange presentation of SCD. That said B12 is cheap and won't hurt you. At worst your urine gets a little more expensive.

Given this seems to have started after your racquet change (though it's possible the racquet is unrelated), I'd guess this is likely a biomechanical issue (as opposed to a "medical" one), which is why a neurologist wouldn't be my first pick. Even if they do something like a nerve-conduction study, I'm guessing actual treatment would likely be out of their purview (unless the treatment is rest... or maybe a cortisone injection).

That said, hopefully rest takes care of it, or it just improves on its own. If not, I'd guess wager an MR C-spine might show something. Could also be carpal tunnel though the symptoms don't quite line up. Agree that a muscle relaxer won't do much. Ibuprofen may help if the cause is inflammation near the nerve... but it probably won't do much if you keep irritating it with playing.

 

[UCSF2012]

Are you doctors? Have you attended medical school? I went to this small school called UCSF, otherwise known as the University of California at San Francisco. We are #4 in the country.

...this isn't the first time I've seen numbness of the fingers.

If it's a neural issue, then I won't comment on it. I'm an actual doctor. I know better.

...I'll let you hacks from Bloggers Univ, School of Fake-ass Medicine handle the case further

 

[UCSF2012]

Sounds like either a C6 radiculopathy or an upper trunk brachial plexus lesion. With the pain in the shoulder itself I suspect plexus over nerve root impingement. Really work on stretching out the shoulder and warming up the rotator cuff with therabands. Of course it may be unrelated to sports and be idiopathic brachial neuritis, but that's a tough diagnosis to make over the internet. Need a proper history and exam.

Wowsers! Playing with a Babolat gave him a brachial plexus lesion? I knew Babolat was evil!

Op, stick to Wilson. A Wilson racket will heal all wounds.

 

[dnguyen]

I just had a massage and it was very deep one on my shoulder and she said most muscles are surrounding around my shoulder are clogged. That was yesterday. Today I could feel it's unclogging slowly.

She did an excellent job on my whole body including my shoulder injury.

If you have real injury, see physio. For me, it's sore, that's why I got massaged deeply. She's very good at deep muscle massaging issue. Once it's recovered, hopefully my power will be restored on serve.