Question
Hi, Karen - I know I have arthritis, but something else is bothering me. Maybe you can shed some light: For months I have had constant tingling/numbness in my left pinky that extends up the side of my hand to the wrist and then further up toward the elbow. Since this has started, I have lost strength in the hand as a whole. I used to play guitar professionally and now lack the strength (between my thumb and index finger of that hand) to be able to hold down and play a full barre chord. Slowly the sensation (or lack of it) seems to be spreading to my left ring finger as well. My left shoulder had been bothering me a lot before this started to happen. Your willingness to share information is gratefully appreciated. - Tom - PS _ This is my 1st attempt to find any answers.

Answer
Dear Tom,  I really can't help you much since you need to get to a doctor regarding these NEW problems and get some tests done to see if it could be carpel tunnel syndrome, or caused by your arthritis, or if it could be a cervical neck problem affecting the shoulder nerves and the hand nerves...

thank you,   karen