Finger, Hand, And Wrist Problems, Noninjury: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have numbness or tingling in your finger, hand, or wrist?

See significance of numbness or tingling if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have new numbness or tingling and the hand is more pale, white, blue, or cold than your other hand?

Yes

Do you have new numbness or tingling and you are unable to move your finger or hand?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had steady numbness or tingling that has lasted for 1 hour or longer?

Yes

Have you had numbness or tingling for a long time that has been checked by your doctor, but the numbness or tingling is not getting better or is getting worse?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had numbness or tingling that comes and goes for 24 hours or longer?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	November 13, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer