Finger is 1/2 Asleep!

[MarshCappa]

I spent the whole weekend powerwashing and staining the deck. Lots of fun in the heat! Anyways, last night when I finished I noticed my left pointer finger is 1/2 asleep. It doesn't hurt but it's kind of a weird feeling. It wasn't the trigger finger for the power washing either. No visible cuts or infection, etc. Noticed it last night and woke feeling the same way. Any clues?

[FishermanTim]

Did you paint the deck by hand, and did you hold the brush in that hand?
If so, it could be due to pressure on the nreve in the finger.
It's like a mild form of carpal-tunnel, only it's in the finger and not the wrist.
If it's from painting, physical therapy can help.
No, this is simple hand/finger exercises that help relieve stress in your hands and arms. Get a tennis ball, or a :stress ball (or even a balled up sock) and squeeze it in your hand repeatedly.
Heck, even just flexing your fingers will help.

I used to get shooting pains in my shoulder and neck before I fully realized what was causing it. Once my doctor informed me, I began a regular routine of stretching and hand clenching exercises at work, and I haven't had a pain in years.

I hope that this helps, because the other possibility would be nerve damage that might require surgery (as a last resort).

[MarshCappa]

I am a righty so the left hand only got about a quarter of the action painting wise. I was holding the can a lot with that hand though. I have an appointment tonight with my chiropracter so I'll bring it up with her. It does seem like some sort of nerve thing though because it has full mobility, etc. Weird.

[FishermanTim]

Is there any discoloration of the finger?
That could indicate a circulatory issue, which could have been caused by holding the can.

I've had instances, few and far between (thankfully) where I've had fingers on both hands go through (what I perceive to be) similar periods of "numbness".
All events were the results of trying to carry 3 plastic grocery bags of 2-3 litre bottles of soda (6 bottles total). The "handles" of the bags were all in the same crook of the finger, and when I put down the bags, the finger felt like it was "asleep"/numb.
It did pass, but not immediately.

If it is the finger of the hand that held the can, and the handle of the can was held in the crook of the finger, it could be nerve damage.

If it doesn't show signs of getting better, even after flexing and exercising it, than definitely see a professional.

Good luck!

[MarshCappa]

No discoloration at all. It looks normal. I'll keep you posted...........

[PRBuzz]

See the post in Grumpy board "No Sex Drive" there is posted a use for numbness while trying to get a fix......

[MarshCappa]

I'm staying away from that thread. I felt dirty and needed a shower after going through a few of the responses!