From the Guidelines
Numbness in the pinkie finger is typically associated with ulnar nerve compression or injury, which can lead to decreased grip strength and hand function if left untreated. The pinkie, also known as the fifth digit or little finger, is the smallest finger on the human hand and is located on the outer edge of the hand opposite to the thumb. While there are no inherent numbers assigned to the pinkie finger itself, in some contexts like piano playing, the pinkie is sometimes labeled as finger number 5 when counting from the thumb (thumb being 1). The pinkie contains three phalanges (bones): proximal, middle, and distal, as well as metacarpal bones connecting it to the wrist. The pinkie is controlled by various muscles including the hypothenar muscles and is innervated primarily by the ulnar nerve. Some patients may experience numbness, tingling, and pain in their fingers, including the pinkie, due to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, as described in the ASCO guideline update 1. This type of neuropathy is primarily sensory and can be caused by certain chemotherapy drugs, such as oxaliplatin and paclitaxel. Key points to consider when evaluating numbness in the pinkie finger include:
- Ulnar nerve compression or injury as a potential cause
- Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy as a possible cause in cancer patients
- The importance of medical evaluation to prevent decreased grip strength and hand function. In the context of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, the symptoms can be similar to those experienced by patients with ulnar nerve compression or injury, including numbness, tingling, and pain in the fingers and toes, with a stocking-glove distribution of symptoms 1.
From the Research
Neurological Symptoms and Vitamin Deficiencies
- The provided studies do not directly address the topic of "numberss in the pinkie" 2, 3.
- However, they do discuss the relationship between vitamin deficiencies and neurological symptoms, including peripheral neuropathy 2, 3.
- Peripheral neuropathy can cause a range of symptoms, including numbness or tingling in the hands and feet 3.
- It is possible that "numberss in the pinkie" could be related to peripheral neuropathy or another neurological condition, but more information would be needed to determine this.
Vitamin Deficiencies and Peripheral Neuropathy
- Vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of certain B vitamins, can cause peripheral neuropathy 3.
- Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by a range of factors, including vitamin deficiencies, toxins, and medications 3.
- Accurate diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy is important, as it can be treatable and preventable 3.