I was diagnosed with RA in July 2008.About 9 months ago I started having pins and needles in my left hand,mainly my little and ring finger.Over a period of about 3 months the symptoms got worse untill I lost all feeling in the effected digits and my grip strength all but disappeared.I had tests and was diagnosed as having a trapped ulnar nerve.At the begining of December 2008 I had an operation to move the nerve where it passes near the elbow(the funny bone) ,but at the time of writing my hand is as numb as ever and now my elbow hurts! Neither my GP or my Rheumatologist can tell me the cause of this disorder,and are not sure if it has any conection with my RA.My question is,has anyone else had this condition,is it common in RA sufferers, and if anyone has undergone the same operation,(known as a sub-muscular ulnar nerve transposition),did the feeling and strength return to your hand ,and if so, how long did it take?
May I take this opportunity to wish all members a happy New Year. Mick

Hi, I have had this problem, but mine isn't as severe as yours, I don't need surgery. My nerve is trapped at neck not at elbow. I take painkillers, muscle relaxants, but I also would be lost without my supportive pillow and trusty hot water bottle. It doesn't sound as though surgery fixed your problem. Have you seen a neurologist? Sometimes if the damage isn't repaired in time it can become permanent. Which I guess you don't want to hear. Do you suffer from neck probs?

Deb

Sorry Mick, not had this, but agree with others best to see your surgeon again and armed with a list of questions.

Love,

Barbara
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Hi Mick

I have had this problem since diagnoses with my left hand/elbow fingers. the ulna nerve travels tthrough to the 2 fingers middle and ring and I have pins and needles and drop things with muscle cramping etc. I was driven crazy by this it is a constant. Anyway I tried resting hands with splints as I get a lot of swelling around the wrists and it seems to be eminiating from teh ulna joint and then from teh elbow down. My fingers have not been numb.

My previous rheumy sent me for nerve tests and they came back fine. Finally, At my my consultant sked me if i have a habit of leaning on my elbows and that causes it. So since I stopped resting on my elbows I have been lots better. (touch wood and easier said than done). Why it took more than 20 months for this suggestion is beyond me.

My consultant also said that the though the operation is small it does not always work.

So stop leaning on your elbows reading this....

Seriously, If that doesnt seem to be your problem then going back with your questions seems an excellent idea. I hope you get sorted soon.

All the best

Mari