numb thumb tip, pain in arm

[angel786]

Hi I am a 21 year old female. I have been experiencing severe pain in my left arm all week, particulary when sleeping and moving it. The pain started when I woke up with a stiff neck one morning. The pain is felt in my shoulder as well. I have also noticed for the past few days, the tip of my left thumb has turned numb and wont return to normal. It hurts when i push it against anything or apply pressure to it. This numbness has started to occur on my left index finger aswell today. What could be the cause. I am about 5ft 3 and a half and weigh 7.5stones and also have chronic knee pain, chonrdromalacia patellae.

[Maria RN]

Hi. Welcome to the forum. Numbness usually indicate problems with nerves. Arm stiffness occurs in different health problems including arthritis. It's best to consult your doctor to find out whether your new symptoms are related to your chronic knee problems. There are tens of health condition that may manifest the same way, and this is where the expertise of a physician would be of great help. Proper treatment can only be recommended once the underlying problem is identified. I recommend that you consult your family physician, you may be referred to specialists such as rheumatologists if necessary.