You can’t see it, but your left palm is home to a mysterious vein called the ulnar artery. It starts at the elbow and runs down the inside of the forearm to the pinky finger. If you notice a tingling or itching sensation in your left palm, it could be a sign that your ulnar artery is inflamed.
What Causes a Left Palm Itching?
The ulnar artery supplies your hand, wrist, and parts of your forearm with blood, so it’s important to keep the artery clean and clear. When the artery becomes clogged, it can cause the ulnar artery to swell up and become inflamed, which can lead to some uncomfortable sensations.
Here are some things that can cause your ulnar artery to swell up:
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Raynaud’s syndrome
- Scleroderma
- Thromboangiitis obliterans
- Tietze syndrome
- Varicose veins
- Vascular diseases
- Viral infections
- Tumors
Some medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, blood pressure medication, and antidepressants, can cause the ulnar artery to be inflamed.
Other possible causes of ulnar artery inflammation include:
- Trauma
- Infection
- Injury
If you have a feeling of pins and needles in your pinky or ring finger, ask your doctor to check for an ulnar artery inflammation.
What Do You Do If Your Left Palm Itches?
If you have an ulnar artery inflammation, your doctor may recommend a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. The doctor may also recommend wearing compression stockings or splinting to reduce the swelling.
If you are experiencing ulnar artery inflammation, your doctor may prescribe blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clots.
If your symptoms persist, you should seek medical help.
What’s the Deal With Ulnar Arteries?
The ulnar arteries are branches of the brachial artery, which is located in the upper arm. The ulnar arteries supply blood to the lower arm, hand, and fingers.
The ulnar artery works with the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve is a branch of the median nerve in the arm. When the two nerves get compressed, it can create numbness, tingling, or pain in the ring and pinky fingers.
The ulnar nerve passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow space where the ulnar nerve and tendons pass through.
The carpal tunnel is bordered by the bones and ligaments in the wrist. When the pulsation of blood in the ulnar artery causes swelling, the swelling can cause the carpal tunnel to compress the ulnar nerve and the tendons in the wrist.
This compression can cause an intense feeling of tingling or pain in the ring and pinky fingers.
If you notice a tingling or burning sensation in your pinky or ring finger, it could be a sign that your ulnar artery is inflamed. You should see your doctor to get an ulnar artery inflammation test to determine if you have a problem with your ulnar artery.
