To wonder when this becomes a medical emergency? Hand numbness

[Medicalprobs]

I totally know this might sound stupid which is why I’m asking if this sounds normal/ok/something that eventually goes away on its own if anyone else has experienced it!

Half of my hand and two right fingers became totally numb last week and I thought it was a trapped nerve or maybe I slept on it too hard. The numbness hasn’t left and it turns into pins and needles sometimes.

For the past couple days my right arm has become super achy right up to my shoulder, to the point I’m finding it hard to sit at my desk and type for too long. Yesterday it felt super heavy too.

I am borderline diabetic and I’ve read that can cause these sorts of issues, however I tried to get a doctors appointment this afternoon and they said they’re at capacity and couldn’t offer me an appointment, so I’m thinking maybe it’s not an urgent matter?

Any help on this would be so appreciated…!

I'd book an appointment with the GP

I would definitely call 111 if I were you, given you've said about being a diabetic

Phone 111

We can't diagnose on here. Could be simple ir could be something serious. Either way your symptoms need investigating

Can you make an appt for tomorrow?

It could be carpal tunnel. I regularly get severe pins and needles in my arm overnight, to the extent that I can’t move my arm and have to pick it up with the other hand.
In my case it’s caused by overusing my right hand doing physical work and using tools. It settles down again once I stop. Could that apply in your case?

Ongoing pins and needles is worth getting looked at. Especially if diabetic I would say. Keep pushing for a gp appointment.

Phone your gp first thing tomorrow, I wouldn't be going to A&E with this ( not that you said you would ) phone 111 if you need some reassurance.

I would want to be seen ASAP in your shoes.

Half-hand loss of sensation is typical in ulnar nerve compression, but yes, you should definitely be going for assessment ASAP.

Do you lean on your elbow or have a habit of sitting scrolling your phone while lying down? If so, both are notorious for causing ulnar nerve entrapment. It's the same thing as Carpal, but a totally different nerve and affects the outer part of the hand rather than thumb/forefinger.