Hand numbness can be caused by a variety of factors, including nerve injury and circulatory issues. It might be minor and transient, or it can be a sign of a more serious medical issue.
Numbness along a single nerve in one part of your hand or both hands may mean that the nerve has been damaged, irritated, or compressed. Moreover, a disease affecting the peripheral nerves in your arms and hands, such as diabetes, may cause numbness as well.
In the same way, numbness by itself is not a sign of a potentially life-threatening disorder unless, and this is rare, it is caused by problems with your brain or spinal cord. Most of the time, numbness is caused by long-term pressure on the area.
This happens when one or more nerves in the area are pinched or irritated, like spending a long time sitting behind the wheel of a car or sleeping in an awkward position.
Here are the five common causes of numbness in your hands you need to be aware of:
1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is squeezed as it travels through the tiny carpal tunnel on the front part of the wrist.
It is a common disorder in people who perform repetitive, forceful tasks with the hands, wrist, and fingers, such as assembly-line workers, carpenters, and musicians. It will become permanently damaged if not treated. So have yourself consult a doctor for carpal tunnel syndrome treatment.
2. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome happens when nerves and blood vessels in the neck, armpits, and upper chest are compressed, often because of swelling or a retreating rib muscle. It is a common disorder in people who do heavy work with their arms, such as waiters, construction workers, and farmers.
3. Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetes raises your risk of getting nerve damage the older you get and the longer you have it. In fact, diabetes management is an important aspect of preventing health complications such as diabetic neuropathy.
Diabetic neuropathy happens when damage to the peripheral nerves causes numbness, pain, tingling, and weakness in the feet and hands. It affects nearly 10 percent of people with diabetes, especially those who have been diagnosed for many years.
4. Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy happens when your upper back or neck nerves are compressed or irritated. It is a common disorder in heavy workers, such as construction workers, truck drivers, and farmers.
If you get this sort of numbness, try to remain physically active and avoid sitting or standing too long, as well as heavy lifting.
5. Raynaud’s Disease
Raynaud’s disease happens when blood vessels in your fingers, toes, and sometimes also in your nose, ears, or scalp become narrowed or blocked. It is common for people who work in cold weather.
Try to relieve symptoms of Raynaud’s disease by wearing a mitten, gently massaging the area, or soaking it in a warm bath. You can also try taking anti-inflammatory medication to relieve symptoms, only upon doctor’s orders.
Conclusion
If you feel numbness in your hands in any way, see your family doctor for a physical examination right away. You may be sent to a neurologist or another health practitioner to assess your illness further, especially if symptoms are severe or recurring.
Furthermore, if you’re suffering from numbness in your hands, try to keep active with daily activities and hobbies. Make sure to know the signs your body sends you as well, and take time off when needed to rest. Remember that you have complete control over your health, and you need to be proactive in keeping yourself healthy and strong.
North Florida Hand and Wrist is your best option for an orthopedic hand specialist in Jacksonville, FL. We have been devoted to delivering the best possible service to patients since 1995. Schedule an appointment with us now!
