Causes of Numbness in Fingers

Did you know that fingertips are the second most sensitive organ in our body? With a large concentration of touch and thermo-receptors, fingers are used for a wide range of functions, including sensory ones. Apart from helping us in holding objects, in writing, typing and driving, these terminal members of the hands are vital for most of our day-to-day activities. As fingers are part and parcel of daily activities, they are susceptible to injuries and other problems. One of the common conditions that is associated with fingers is numbness.

People often complain about numbness or a tingling sensation in various body parts. This can occur in any part of the body, but mostly this sensation is felt in the fingers, hands, arms, legs and feet. This condition is also known as loss of sensation, paresthesia or sensory loss. It can also be associated with other abnormal sensations like tingling, prickling or burning sensations. Some people describe the feeling as pins and needles. Though injury to the fingers may cause numbness, there are various other causes that can lead to this problem. In fact, numbness in fingers are often caused by other conditions that are not directly related to these parts. This article will provide you with some information about causes of numbness in fingers.

What Causes Numbness in Fingers?

As mentioned above, there are various factors that can cause finger numbness. Nerve damage is found to be a common factor that is associated with this condition. It is the function of the nerve cells to carry sensations from various parts of the body to the brain. Any damage caused to these nerves, like blockage of blood supply, can affect their functioning, which in turn results in the numbness or tingling sensation. The most common reason behind the occurrence of finger numbness is the damage caused to the nerves, due to nerve diseases, pressure or entrapment. If left untreated, the nerve damage can eventually lead to a permanent loss of sensation. Some people experience extreme pain along with finger numbness, which can occur in any of the fingers or more than one finger. It is very important to figure out the fingers in which the sensation occurs. This is one of the factors that helps in the right diagnosis of the disease causing this sensation. Apart from nerve damage, there are some other medical conditions that can also cause finger numbness. Let us go through some of the common causes of numbness in fingers, along with the associated symptoms, in each case.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

So, finger numbness is mainly caused by nerve damage. Any damage to the upper spinal cord or the nerves in the arms may cause numbness in the wrists, hands and fingers. One such condition is carpal tunnel syndrome, a medical condition in which the median nerve of the wrist is compressed. This nerve enters the palm through the wrist, just beneath base of the thumb.

• Numbness and tingling in the fingers and arms are the initial symptoms of this condition. These sensations may aggravate during nighttime. As the condition worsens, the person may develop symptoms, like pain, cramps, burning sensations and weakness in the palm, fingers and arm of the affected hand.
• In this case, the median nerve is compressed and so, the thumb, index finger, middle finger and one side of the ring finger (side that is adjacent to middle finger) are affected. The area of the palm beneath these fingers may also get affected.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome is mostly found in those, who use computers on a regular basis, that too for very long hours. Even others, who use their wrist and fingers regularly can get affected with this condition. So, carpal tunnel syndrome is also seen to be associated with those who indulge in activities like driving, sewing, writing, painting, etc.

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment

In case of carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve that enters the palm through the base of the palm, near the thumb, is affected. The ulnar nerve enters the palm through the base of the palm, but in opposite direction. This nerve travels through that part of the wrist that corresponds with the base of the small finger.

• Compression of ulnar nerve results in numbness, tingling and weakness in the small finger, the side of the ring finger (next to the small finger) and the part of the palm (both front and back sides) that is beneath these fingers.
• This type of numbness in fingers (ring and pinkie finger) is mostly found to occur, when the elbow is kept bent for long. During initial stages of ulnar nerve entrapment, occasional numbness (especially at night) is caused.
• Apart from numbness, this condition may also affect the free movement of the fingers. The affected person may also find it difficult to control the movements of these fingers.
• In advanced cases, weakness of the fingers and loosening of grip may also develop. Coordination between the fingers may be lost and as a result, activities, like typing may get hampered.
• In severe cases of ulnar nerve entrapment, the ring and pinkie fingers are found to curl up and the position is described as 'ulnar claw'. Ulnar nerve entrapment may also lead to muscle wasting (decrease in muscle mass) in the hand, if left untreated for long.

Peripheral Neuropathy

One of the common neurological causes of numbness in fingers is peripheral neuropathy. This condition which is caused by nerve damage, is characterized by numbness in hands and feet. Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by various reasons and diabetes is one among them. Others include infections, regular and excessive alcohol consumption, some autoimmune diseases, infections, etc. The symptoms may vary with the types of nerves affected and the type of peripheral neuropathy.

• Initial symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. These sensations may gradually spread up the arms and/or legs.
• As the disease advances, the affected person may develop a burning pain in the arms and legs that may also get too sensitive to touch. Some people may experience sudden onset of sharp pain and muscle loss too.
• Advanced stages may sometimes cause paralysis and even bowel and bladder problems. Peripheral neuropathy may also lead to changes in skin, hair and nail. Cramps are also common in those with this condition.

Multiple Sclerosis

An autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis is mostly found in women. In this case, the covering of the nerves (myelin sheath) is damaged due to inflammation. It is said that the nerve cells are attacked by the immune cells of the body, thereby causing inflammation and the resulting damage (to any part of the spinal cord, brain or optic nerve). Though, there is no conclusive cause for this condition, it is believed that genetic factors, viral attacks and environmental factors may trigger this condition.

• Multiple sclerosis is a condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms that may not be similar for all the affected people. This may include eye symptoms, bowel and bladder symptoms, speech problems, etc.
• Numbness and tingling (in both arms and legs) is one of the commonly found symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The affected person may experience numbness in fingers, along with sensations of crawling, tingling and burning.
• Other symptoms include weakness and tremors in arms and legs and problems in moving them. The person may also develop loss of sensitivity, fatigue and muscle weakness with a lot of other symptoms. Multiple sclerosis is characterized by periods of relapses or flare-ups.

Cervical Spondylosis

This is also one of the common causes of numbness in fingers. Cervical spondylosis is a condition that is usually caused by the wear and tear of the cervical spine (spinal discs in the neck) caused by aging. As the condition worsens, the nerves that pass through that location can get compressed. Even other parts of the spinal cord may get affected.

• Apart from causing stiffness and pain in the neck, this condition may cause a wide range of other symptoms. The neck pain and stiffness may radiate to the shoulders, arms and chest.
• The condition may also cause numbness, tingling and pinprick sensations in the fingers. In some people, cervical spondylosis may affect the legs too. Weakness in arms and legs is another symptom associated with the condition.

Finger Numbness - Other Causes

Even though nerve damage is considered as the common cause of finger numbness, there are various other medical and physical conditions that can cause this sensation. This include damage to the bones, problems of the circulatory system, etc. Let us take a look at some of these conditions.

1. Hand injuries, like, broken finger or wrist can cause numbness in fingers. Even a neck or back injury can result in such sensation in fingers.
2. In the long run, regular inhalation of some chemicals can cause finger numbness. For example, the inhalation of smoke emitted from burning acidic dry cell batteries (contains toxic chemicals) can be a cause, provided, sufficient amount of smoke is inhaled, so as to develop the symptoms.
3. Insufficient or total blockage of blood supply to the fingers can cause this condition. This can be caused by peripheral artery disease or narrowing of arteries (that supply blood to extremities) due to accumulation of fat.
4. Blood supply to the extremities can be blocked in case of frostbite too. This can also lead to tissue damage and numbness in the fingers. Another such condition is Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes narrowing of blood vessels to the fingers and toes.
5. Brain damage caused by a mini stroke or stroke can also cause finger numbness.
6. Tumors on the nerves in the neck, arms or wrists is another reason for numbness and tingling sensation in the fingers. Other causes of numbness in fingers include metal poisoning (like lead poisoning), systemic lupus erythematosus, transverse myelitis, shingles, leprosy, thoracic outlet syndrome, vasculitis and hypothyroidism. Even migraines are sometimes said to cause finger numbness.

The above said is only a brief overview about the common causes of numbness in fingers. If you experience finger numbness, which is persistent, then you should consult your doctor at the earliest. The doctor may need information regarding your medical history, family history, nature of your job, etc, for a correct diagnosis, which is very vital for the treatment. Treatment of the underlying cause along with occupational and physical therapy and exercises are helpful in curing the condition. The mode of treatment for numbness in fingers may vary from one patient to another, on the basis of the underlying cause.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.