Numbness and Tingling in Hands

Numbness and tingling can be described as a loss of sensation, 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. This condition 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, it 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.

Causes of Numbness and Tingling

There can be several causes of this condition, which is sometimes, accompanied by some other symptoms like, a burning sensation, weakness and pain in the hands. These symptoms can start all of a sudden or develop gradually.

• 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 numbing 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 also lead to this condition, as it can prevent normal blood flow to this part of the body.
• If you experience such a sensation 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 stinging 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 in neck and also in the hands.
• Sometimes, injury of the arms, wrist, fingers and shoulder blade can also cause stiffness and numbness in hands, fingers and shoulder.
• Many times, vitamin B12 deficiency, use of certain medications as well as excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking can also be a factor.
• It can be a sign of some medical conditions, including diabetes, strokes, multiple sclerosis, ganglion cyst, hypothyroidism, Raynaud's syndrome or disease, and peripheral neuropathy.

Treatment for Numbness and Tingling

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 this problem. 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 this condition 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 also provide significant relief in arm or hand numbness. Similarly, controlling diabetes and taking nutritional supplements are some other methods, that can treat certain underlying causes. Correcting your sleeping position can also help to prevent hand numbness.

To sum up, for an appropriate treatment, it is very essential to diagnose the condition. It should be properly evaluated with the help of an expert physician, as many times, it 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.