Numbness and tingling in hands can be described as a loss of sensation in the hands, which is usually accompanied by an abnormal sensation of stinging. Sometimes, such a sensation can be felt only in one hand, while at other times, both the hands can get affected. Numbness and tingling in hands can stem due to various reasons, some of which can be minor like, keeping the hands in a single position for a prolonged time period. However, it can also be associated with certain serious diseases such as, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Sometimes, numbness and tingling in hands can be the first sign of an impending stroke. Therefore, persistent numbness or tingling in your hands or fingers is not a minor discomfort, but needs immediate medical attention. Read more on stroke symptoms.
Causes of Numbness and Tingling in Hands
As has been mentioned already, there can be several causes of numbness and tingling in hands and fingers, which is sometimes, accompanied by some other symptoms like, a burning sensation, weakness and pain in the hands. These symptoms along with the sensation of numbness and tingling can start all of a sudden or develop gradually. Know more about the causes of numbness in fingers and left arm numbness causes. A few of the most important and common causes of numbness and tingling in hands and fingers are
Being in the same position for a prolonged time period, and pressure on the hands are some of the most common factors, that can cause numbness and tingling sensation in hands or arms. This is the reason why people having the habit of sleeping with the hands under the head, often feel hand numbness.
Keeping the hands above the level of heart for a long time can too result in numbness and tingling in hands and fingers, as it can prevent normal blood flow to this part of the body.
If you get numbness and tingling in hands while sleeping, then it can be carpal tunnel syndrome, a disorder caused by the compression of a nerve in the carpal tunnel, which is located in the wrist. Along with hands, it can cause numbness and tingling in fingers.
Interruption in the normal supply of blood to the hands and fingers can also cause pain and numbness. Such interruption in blood flow can take place, due to plaque formation within the arterial wall.
A herniated disc can press the spinal nerves to cause numbness, pain and tingling sensation in the hands, shoulder, neck and upper back region.
Spondylosis, especially cervical spondylosis is another condition, that can put pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots present in the neck, to cause numbness and tingling in hands and neck.
Sometimes, injury of the arms, wrist, fingers and shoulder blade can too cause stiffness and numbness in hands, fingers and shoulder.
Many a times, vitamin B12 deficiency, use of certain medications as well as excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking can also cause numbness and tingling in hands.Apart from these, numbness and tingling in hands can be a sign of some medical conditions including, diabetes, strokes, multiple sclerosis, ganglion cyst, hypothyroidism, Raynaud’s syndrome or disease and peripheral neuropathy.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Numbness and Tingling in Hands
A complete analysis of the medical history of the affected person, and the symptoms of the condition, followed by neurological examinations can help to diagnose hand numbness and tingling. Along with these, complete blood count test, thyroid function test, cold stimulation test, and test for determining the level of vitamins and minerals in the body are also carried out. Additionally, physicians often perform tests for measuring the level of blood sugar, CT scan of the head and the spine, MRI of the head and spine, electromyography (EMG), angiogram, myelography and X-ray of the affected area.
As numbness and tingling in hands can be caused by several factors, treatment of this condition mainly depends on accurate diagnosis. If overexertion of the hand and wrist is responsible for causing hand numbness, then rest can help to improve the symptoms. Exercises and physical therapy can too provide significant relief in arm or hand numbness. Similarly, controlling diabetes and taking nutritional supplements are some other methods, that can treat certain specific causes of numbness and tingling in hands. Correcting your sleeping position can too help to prevent hand numbness. Read more on
Left Arm Numbness and Tingling
Left Arm Tingling
Tingling Hands
To sum up, for an appropriate treatment of numbness and tingling in hands, it is very essential to diagnose the condition. It should be properly evaluated with the help of an expert physician, as many a times, numbness and tingling in hands can be a sign of some major medical conditions like, strokes, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. This is particularly applicable, if numbness in fingers and hands is troubling you for a considerable length of time. In the meantime, avoid overexertion and placing too much pressure on the affected hands.
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