Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 8/9/2007

Question
You know how when you're carrying a bunch a heavy groceries, you just kinda grab them all at once and not every finger catches every bag handle and everything gets all twisted and tangled?
Well last night I was carrying 6 bags of groceries, I'd say 3-5 lbs each up 4 flights and one of the bag loops was on only one finger. It got twisted like a tourniquet and I lost feeling in the end if my right index finger... (I guess like when you twist a rubber band around your finger and it turns purple).

I assumed as soon as I put the bags down the feeling would return, but it didn't... I tried hot water for circulation and lots of massage,but I'm thinking the twisting plus the weight did something? the top third of my right index finger is completely numb... I tried the pin prick thing and nothing.....
This is creepy..... what do you think?  

Answer
You're right...it is creepy:) Just kidding.  In all seriousness, you probably injured the nerve by too much pressure on it.  It SHOULD return (the feeling) but it can take a few months.  Just to double check, have your family physician check it, but it should be ok.