Hand Numbness Causes

Simply put, numbness in hands is caused by compression of a nerve that is traveling to the hands, arms, or fingers. A person who experiences numb hands may just feel a loss of sensation that, in most cases, is accompanied by burning, weakness, or a sharp tingling in hands and feet. Hand numbness isn't too severe an illness to be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Instead, there are some simple solutions for a person to get rid of it. However, there are cases where causes of hand numbness may just lead to life-threatening diseases. Termed as a stroke, this sudden numbness in hands causes weakness or even paralysis, accompanied by difficulty in talking and balancing, and extreme headache. Causes for both hands may differ, depending upon the reduced flow of blood. The following sections attempt to shed light on exactly what are the possible causes of hand numbness in both hands.

Causes

The hands, having a number of sensory nerves, are often subject to numbness, thereby, causing nerve damage. There is nothing particular in experiencing numbness in one hand, and not in the other. In fact, it could just be due to the fact that in comparison to the left hand, the right hand is, somewhat, more affected. To start with, if a part of your right hand, suppose fingers, wrist, etc. is fractured, the entire hand might experience numbness. Furthermore, diabetes is responsible for causing poor circulation in the body, thereby, leading to hand numbness in a particular part of the body. In addition, lupus, that is denoted by the tissues getting infected by immune system may cause right hand numbness. All things considered, following are the listed causes of numbness in right hand:

• Irregular blood circulation in right hand
• Diabetes
• Lupus
• Fracture in fingers or wrist
• Swelling in nerves
• Deep cuts or bruise

Akin to the causes of right hand numbness, the same ailment in the left hand can be caused by irregular blood circulation in the left hand. However, the most common cause of left hand numbness is carpal tunnel syndrome, as a result of the perpetual stress motion disorder. In case of left hand numbness, the areas that are the most affected are the middle finger, the thumb, and the index finger which could be extremely painful. Tingling sensation might cause immense pain in hand with total loss of sensation in the fingers. On the other hand, many a time, left arm numbness causes are trailed by circulatory conditions too. This shall not be ignored, as with increasing pain, it could even become a life-threatening disease. Considering all the possibilities, following is a concise list of the various causes of numbness in fingers and arm of the left hand:

• Irregular blood circulation in left hand
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Nerve damage
• Raynaud's Disease
• Nerve compression

Having listed all the possible causes, the following section discusses the relevant measures that need to be taken, in order to treat hand numbness. Take a look.

Treatment

In order to treat hand numbness, a comprehensive evaluation of the varied symptoms and causes of stroke, and patient's medical history needs to be taken account of. In case of simple, painless numbness though, there isn't much to worry about, as the symptoms can be alleviated by rest and correct sleeping position, or a few hand movements and arm exercises. However, in case of serious numbness that refuses to alleviate, one needs to visit a physician who carries out diagnosis with the help of electromyography, cold stimulation and thyroid function tests, CT and MRI scans, X-ray, and neuropathy examinations. The results of these tests would help in recognizing the conditions, and relevant treatment would follow. In both cases, applying ice to the affected area serves the purpose to a great extent, thus, providing ease and comfort to the patient.

A number of factors may lead to hand numbness. Causes are many, but so are the solutions! When it comes to health, the only advice to cure numbness in hands would be not to ignore any symptom, and straightaway visit the doctor. Numbness in hands and feet could just be a matter of minutes, but then, at a detailed glance, it could also be a matter of life and death.