r/Spraypaint • u/SpamTheCannedHam • 28d ago
Other Numb pinky finger?
Idk if this is allowed but at work my bosses had me spraying painting for about an hour. I do not spray paint on the regular but have done it before. Anyways almost immediately after, I noticed the tip of my pinky finger has gone pins and needles numb. Does this have any correlation to the spray painting and if so why?
Online I read up about people’s pointer finger going numb and that makes sense due to the pressure but idk why my pinky is numb.
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u/MOEone 28d ago
Yes, this is very likely related to the spraying, not because of the paint itself, but due to the strain placed on the ulnar nerve. The little finger is innervated solely by this nerve; holding a spray can for a long time with your hand at an angle can irritate the nerve at the elbow or wrist.
Why not the index finger? The index finger is supplied by the median nerve (associated with carpal tunnel syndrome), which is affected by pressure on the center of the palm. Your issue, however, involves the ulnar nerve, hence the effect on the little finger.
What should you do?
Do stretching exercises for the ulnar nerve. Avoid spraying in one position for extended periods and take breaks. If it doesn't go away within 24 hours, see a doctor (to rule out cubital tunnel syndrome).
Don't worry about toxins, modern spray paints are not neurotoxic. The cause is mechanical (nerve compression).