“My arm is going numb?”
My boyfriend is starting to get cold and numbness in his arm, it is from the palm of his hand to elbow. It feels like its circulation is being cut off even when fully extended.
Male | 37 years old
Complaint duration: Few hours
Conditions: hiv
2 Answers
The following are my thoughts, and sometimes my tips and suggestions in response to your inquiry:
I thank you for sharing and I am sorry to read about the painful feelings in your boyfriend’s arm. When I think of ‘cold and numbness’ I think of nerve-related disturbance or pain. It can also be a vascular issue (having to do with the blood vessels). Obtaining a thorough and revealing history of these feelings would greatly help. Perhaps there may be something compressing the arm (squeezing the vessels or nerves) for a prolonged period (sleeping, resting, assuming one position for a time of more than 30 minutes)? If this continues for more than 3-4 weeks and feels like it is staying the same or getting worse, and/or waking him from sleep, then a visit to a nerve doctor or orthopedist (a doctor dealing with muscles, bones and joints) is suggested.
David T. Neuman, MD FAAOS
I thank you for sharing and I am sorry to read about the painful feelings in your boyfriend’s arm. When I think of ‘cold and numbness’ I think of nerve-related disturbance or pain. It can also be a vascular issue (having to do with the blood vessels). Obtaining a thorough and revealing history of these feelings would greatly help. Perhaps there may be something compressing the arm (squeezing the vessels or nerves) for a prolonged period (sleeping, resting, assuming one position for a time of more than 30 minutes)? If this continues for more than 3-4 weeks and feels like it is staying the same or getting worse, and/or waking him from sleep, then a visit to a nerve doctor or orthopedist (a doctor dealing with muscles, bones and joints) is suggested.
David T. Neuman, MD FAAOS
It's hard to determine if it's circulation or a nerve (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome). Contact your primary and have them see you and determine if you need to see a vascular doctor or a Neurologist. Sometimes also medications and nutritional deficiencies can cause neuropathy. Check and see if you are taking any medication that can cause this or if you have nutritional deficiencies.
Dr. F
Dr. F
