Question
I'm sorry if my question is directed to an inappropriate person.  This is the only genre of expertise that I figured could help me with this.  I'm 23 years old, I've been a professional pianist for 10 years.  I've been experiencing numbness and weakness in my left hand for the past 3 months and it seems to be getting worse.  I'm am almost certain I do not have a heart problem or any stroking issues.  Being that I do not have adequate health insurance, before I go to a GP, I was wondering if you had any idea what could be causing this.  I have had no other symptoms besides this and was figuring it might have something to do with arthritis or maybe carpal tunnel.  Please, if you have the time, get back to me with some sort of reccomendation or a direction to go in.  I truly appreciate any response.  I hope you have a very happy holiday.  Thanks so much for your time!

Answer
Megan,

Being that you are a professional piano player then you are most likely looking at carpal tunnel. This is a common problem among piano players and your symptoms are classic symptoms of carpal tunnel. Arthritis does not usually cause numbness or weakness.

I wish you happy holidays

Rusty

Here is some information about carpal tunnel that you may find helpufl.

http://arthritis-symptom.com/a-c/carpel-tunnel-syndrome-treatment.htm