Left hand weakness?

[emilydharris94]

Ok so recently I have been having a lot of pain on and off in my left arm for the past few weeks. I wake up this morning and my hand is really weak. I try to pinch my other arm with my left hand and it starts to do it but my hand slips like I can not hold a grip. If I were to estimate the weakness I would say its a decrease of strength anywhere between 25% and 33%.
Anyways this worries me because I have never had it before.
My hand seems to be slower and not responding well the only way I can describe it is not having complete control over it.
I thought maybe it was because I was laying on my left arm all night but I moved out of the position a while ago and my friend gave me a massage and its still there.
What could this be?
I'm worried.
Any ideas will really help

[silverfox67]

    Hi Emily - I was just reading about Fifth Disease and it sounds a lot like Lupus - and a lot like what you've been suffering.   Both cause basically the same symptoms.
    About the only way you can tell them apart is with the lab work.
     I hope you get to the bottom of what's causing you all these different symptoms!  Wow!  Arthritis-type pain, fatigue, headaches, etc.   Please take care of yourself and when possible see a doctor.

      Wishing you the best

[jemma116]

I would suggest you make an appointment to get this checked out.

It may possibly be a problem stemming from your cervical area (neck) or from a carpal tunnel problem.  The doctor may check your arm and wrist, send you for an xray or ultrasound scan and also a nerve conduction test to confirm whether or not you do have compression of nerves in the carpal tunnel.

If you use your left arm/hand a lot, it could be as a result of repetitive use.
You may be advised to rest the arm and hand and wear a metal support over the hand and wrist until it has healed.  If you continue to use the hand and not rest it, the condition can get much worse.

Best wishes.

[silverfox67]

    Another possibility is a pinched nerve in your neck.  You might want to see a chiropractor or osteopath.  Both do manipulation.   The advantage of an osteopath is he is also a physician and can prescribe meds if necessary.

[silverfox67]

   Please see you doctor and get checked for ANA and Lupus.  My daughter has Lupus and lots of trouble with her hands - wrists.  Pain and weakness.