Sudden onset of bilateral paresthesia in forearm/hand when waking up
 

First off, I am a 25 yo male.

Few weeks ago I started having an issue where nearly every morning I wake up with tingling and numbness from my elbow and down in one or both hands. After waking up, it typically goes away anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes of moving the arm.

But there have been a few occasions where it lasted hours to all day. On the days it lasted awhile, I noticed there was no real pattern as to the nerve effected, the first time it lasted a prolonged period it was the pinky and ring finger on my right hand, the second time it was the pointer and middle finger.

Unless it is a prolonged effect from waking up, it doesn't bother me, the onset is never while I'm awake. However, yesterday I did go work out for the first time in a long time, and I noticed I had a lot of joint popping/creaking than normal, in the wrist, elbow and shoulder (right more than left). And when doing pushups, I noticed a strange pressure/pain on the heel of my right hand under thumb, that made them uncomfortable.

Again, this wasn't a slow buildup, a few weeks ago it was just like bam, bilateral paresthesia, I've never had any problems prior. I went to a walk-in clinic and they pretty much just rushed me out the door with nothing but a prednisone rx, and I wont be able to see a regular doctor until after finals, so wanted to see what you guys thought about this issue.

I take no other medications except tretinoin for acne, and currently treating a case of jock itch with lamictal cream.

Welcome to NeuroTalk:

First off, I'd recommend you suspend the weight lifting/pushups for a while. See if things improve.

Secondly, some people get compression paresthesias at night.
I believe the most common reason, is low blood sugars. Have a balanced snack before bedtime, that has protein in it, and not too much sugar or carbs. I use Zone bars, because they are balanced that way. If your symptoms abate with a snack then you can try to watch your diet, avoid too much sugar/carbs, and eat quality protein and good fats. This can balance your blood sugars so you won't get lows.

Sometimes strains, esp the tendons, compress nerves, so avoiding stresses on the wrists may help. Inflammation around the tendons can affect the nearby nerves. You can test to see if inflammation is your culprit by using some NSAID orally like Aleve and if it works then you know you have inflammation.

Salonpas patches on the wrist may help too. You can get these at RiteAid or Walgreen's, and some WalMarts. The original one is very inexpensive (the fancy new arthritis one is not necessary) and can help alot. Some people find an ice pack on the wrist helps too. Just don't do it for more than 20 minutes at a time.

All of what mrsD said and possible cervical strain and or irritation from the exercising.

For six months I'd wake up with numb hands and I couldn't even feel my fingers. I'd roll from my side to my back and the blood would return and everything would be normal. Then my massage therapist suggested it could be carpal tunnel. I put a sturdy pillow on my bed to keep my wrist flat while I sleep.

The problem went away and hasn't returned.

Your title caught my eye , so I'll just mention Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - it can be blood flow compression/impingement and/or nerve compression/impingement.
Affects the hands, arms, neck & can involve shoulders/upper back.

You may want to read about it on our TOS forum (for a crash course on it check the sticky threads there).

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum24.html