# My left index finger is numb.

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-left-index-finger-is-numb/88773>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [October 22, 2001, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-left-index-finger-is-numb/88773 "2001-10-22T01:28:03Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Jadis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/87869e/32.png) [@Jadis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jadis)\
**Post date:** [October 22, 2001, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-left-index-finger-is-numb/88773/1 "2001-10-22T01:28:03Z")

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So, I was painting my front porch today. I spent about 3 hours on my hands and knees (no rude comments, please!), supporting myself with my left hand while I painted with my right. Having my hand bent at the wrist and supporting me for several hours seems to have pinched a nerve and now my left index finger is numb. It has been that way for about 5 hours now.

Is there anything I can do to make it better? Should I take an Aleve, even though it doesn’t hurt (just for the anti-inflammatory effects)? When should I start being concerned to the point of making a doctor’s appointment?

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**Author:** ![Jessity](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c67d28/32.png) [@Jessity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jessity)\
**Post date:** [October 22, 2001, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-left-index-finger-is-numb/88773/2 "2001-10-22T02:14:11Z")

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I’m concerned about your numb finger…

Okay really - I would take an Aleve first, and if it doesn’t regain feeling by morning, I’d call my doctor. Unless it starts changing colors or the numbness spreads. Then I’d just go to the hospital.

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**Author:** ![Jadis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/87869e/32.png) [@Jadis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jadis)\
**Post date:** [October 22, 2001, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-left-index-finger-is-numb/88773/3 "2001-10-22T12:26:57Z")

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OK, my finger is still numb 16 hours later. I took an Aleve before I went to bed last night and it didn’t help.

Anyone ever experienced this? Will the feeling come back on its own, or is this a “Call the doctor” situation?

☹

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**Author:** ![Dragwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dragwyr/32/2855_2.png) [@Dragwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragwyr)\
**Post date:** [October 22, 2001, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-left-index-finger-is-numb/88773/4 "2001-10-22T12:49:15Z")

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IANAD (I am not a doctor), but my guess is that after all that time on your hands and knees, you pinched a nerve somewhere. I’d have a doctor check it out.