White finger!

[Batcerb]

For the past couple years ive been experiencing this more often.
It mostly happens in winter - I can be warm, but my finger tips go completely white and numb, sometimes for hours, but occasionally summer too.
A few of the guys at work have seen it, apparently its an industrial disease that you cant do much about. Wonder if years of engineering and riding bikes have contributed to it .... im barely 26 tho!

Any others battle with it?

[Pixie]

Never seen it.Did read that white finger disease was caused by vibration - chainsaw users used to get it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibration_white_finger

[Laava]

I think Mugins get's that too! Have you asked your Doc?

[McJim]

I knew a welder that lost all sensation in his fingers permanently from the second knuckle to his fingertips.

I'm glad I work in financial analysis :

[StoneY]

For the past couple years ive been experiencing this more often.
It mostly happens in winter - I can be warm, but my finger tips go completely white and numb, sometimes for hours, but occasionally summer too.
A few of the guys at work have seen it, apparently its an industrial disease that you cant do much about. Wonder if years of engineering and riding bikes have contributed to it .... im barely 26 tho!

Any others battle with it?

I had this symptom at age 21 man, and the wankers did a carpel tunnell release operation (on ACC funny enough!)
Was put down to my job at the time, and gave me no relief of the symptoms

Years later an old Chinese osteopath sorted it out, trapped nerves in higher muscle groups near my shoulders were causing inflamation that cuts down blood flow to the lower arms and fingers when your gripping stuff

Swollen nerves and tissue from overuse

There are herbal rubs and massage techniques that help a bit but mate other than a huge change in career your stuck with it (if the same as me)

DO NOT let them operate, its not the answer, and you will have un-necessary scar tissue

Go to an Osteo or a Chiro in the first instance, WORD

[Laxi]

I,ve had that problem since I was a kid! it's a circulation problem, been to see doctors and all they've done so far was give me some pills that gave me hot surges, still had numb white finngers though

[MacD]

Your description sounds like Raynaud's Phenomenon.

It can be caused by vibration, but is usually a response to cold.

If it's getting worse go and see your doctor as it can be associated with a number of diseases, but it's usually fairly benign.

[klingon]

I knew a welder that lost all sensation in his fingers permanently from the second knuckle to his fingertips.

I'm glad I work in financial analysis :

Working as a bean counter just gives you a cold, numb heart!

I also support the ideas floated so far

• see your GP to eliminate other causes
• don't have surgery!
• Ask for a referral to a chiropractor, osteopath, physio, acupuncturist... anyone except a surgeon!

OK now I'm going to be really boring and obvious

• Give up smoking
• Minimise intake of alcohol and coffee
• Get plenty of excercise
• Make sure you eat well!

(Yes, I am your mother! )

Also consider some vitamin/mineral supplements especially designed to aid circulation. The B group vitamins are great (they are the ones that give you hot flushes - shows they are working!) Also C group vitamins help a lot. Ask a chemist or a nutritionist, or just read all the labels on the supplement shelf at the supermarket!

[MIXONE]

Cheers for this people.
I had the same operation as Stoney on my left hand a few years ago which sorted that problem.
I get the dead finger in just my ring dig right hand now and thought I would be up for the same op again.
While I wont be giving up smoking,drinking or fried foods anytime soon(sorry Klingon) at least I know I'm not on my own.

[klingon]

... I wont be giving up smoking,drinking or fried foods anytime soon(sorry Klingon)...

Well don't come crying to me when your finger goes numb!

And put your vest on before you go out or you'll get a chill in your kidneys!

[mossy1200]

• Give up smoking
• Minimise intake of alcohol and coffee
• Get plenty of excercise
• Make sure you eat well!

(Yes, I am your mother! )

Are you trying to kill the guy because he has sore fingers?

[KiwiGs]

I get it, mine seems to come more from vibration than cold, couldn't possibly be the cold I do most of riding in Dunedin.
I used to get it bad on the bike, but after I tuned it up and vacuum synced the carbs I don't get as much vibration.
So now it is just the chainsaw that gives me gyp.

[tri boy]

I remember having "stink finger" as an adolescent.
Happy days.

[munster]

I had white finger today on the way back from Tauranga. Both middle fingers. Didn't last long, and it was after a particularly long stretch at one speed. I thought it was the cold, but could have been vibration. Though my bike doesn't seem to have that much anyway.

I remember a similar sensation in my big toes after a BFT (Battle Fitness Test - 12km's in an hour and a half, with full pack, rations, water, ammo & rifle). The constant drumming from marching on tarseal. Didn't notice it till we stopped and it was gone within 15 minutes or so. That was back in '89.

[Forest]

Your description sounds like Raynaud's Phenomenon.

My ex used to have Raynaulds syndrome.

Probably explains why she turned into a frigid bitch.