HomeHealth articlesdiabetesWhat Are the Causes for Numbness in the Fingers?

Numbness in the Fingers - Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Verified dataVerified data
0

4 min read

Share

Numbness of fingers or hands is an irregular feeling typically resulting from conditions that affect the nerves and blood vessels that supply the hand.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Abhishek Juneja

Published At January 11, 2023
Reviewed AtMay 26, 2023

Introduction

Numbness in fingers can cause a tingling, burning, pain, or prickling feeling. The finger numbness can be caused by a pinched nerve, nerve injury, diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or it could be a sign of a more severe condition. There can be a loss of strength in the hands and fingers. It may affect the ability to pick things. Also, it may impair the ability to perform daily tasks. Numbness in fingers is also called paresthesia. Numbness can occur in the single nerve of one hand or symmetrically in both hands.

What Are the Causes for Numbness in the Fingers?

Numbness in hands and fingers can have many different reasons, like mild, moderate, and serious conditions. The nerves in our body are responsible for transmitting signals to the brain. The most common cause of numbness of fingers is nerve compression or damage to the nerve of the hands. Other causes of numbness in fingers and hands include:

  • Nerve Damage- Nerve damage in hands, neck, or arm.

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the main nerve of the hand gets pinched or obstructed. Tingling and pain can be observed. It could be due to excessive use of the hands in case of typing etc.

  • Diabetes - There is diabetic neuropathy in which there is damage to the nerves of the feet and hands. Almost 50 percent of diabetic patients develop this disease. The numbness is first observed in the feet and legs, followed by hands and arms. Diabetic neuropathy also causes weakness and pain.

  • Cervical Radiculopathy - It is also known as a pinched nerve. Cervical radiculopathy occurs when the nerve of the neck becomes compressed or inflamed. It causes numbness and tingling in the hands.

  • Raynaud Disease - Raynaud disease causes a spam of small arteries in the fingers. It affects circulation, causing numbness. Cold temperatures and emotional stress trigger it. The fingers appear pale and bluish.

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis causes swelling, pain, and tenderness in the joints. It can lead to burning, numbness, and tingling in the hands.

  • Infections like Lymes disease, syphilis, human immunodeficiency syndrome and leprosy can also cause numbness of the fingers.

  • The other conditions that affect the nerves and blood vessels are Guillian-Barre syndrome, multiple sclerosis, stroke, thoracic outlet syndrome, fibromyalgia, amyloidosis, vasculitis, and Sjogren's syndrome.

  • Ulnar Nerve Entrapment - This condition affects the ulnar nerve that runs on the little finger, which results in causing numbness in the pinky and ring fingers.

  • Other causes are side effects of chemotherapy drugs, vitamin B12 deficiency, ganglion cysts, and fractures of the hand or wrist.

  • Animal or insect bite.

  • Brachial plexus injury.

  • Excessive alcohol use.

  • Herpes infection or shingles.

  • Frostbite.

  • Cubital tunnel syndrome.

  • Cervical spondylitis.

  • Spinal cord injury.

How Is Finger Numbness Diagnosed?

The healthcare provider will start examining the finger numbness by taking a medical history by and examining the hand, arm, and finger to determine the duration and other possible symptoms.

The doctor may perform some tests to find out the cause, including:

  • Complete blood count.

  • Thyroid function tests.

  • Toxicology reports.

  • Vitamin tests.

  • Tests of electrolyte level.

Along with this, the doctor may suggest some additional tests like:

  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of head and neck.

  • Ultrasound.

  • Angiogram.

  • X-rays of neck, shoulders, arms, wrist, and fingers.

  • Lumbar puncture.

  • Electromyography.

When Should One Be Worried About Numbness in the Fingers?

It is important to determine the cause of the finger numbness. One should get help immediately if they have any of the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty in breathing.

  • Confusion.

  • Dizziness.

  • Sudden weakness in arms, legs, or any parts of the body.

  • Severe headache without any cause.

  • Difficulty in speaking.

  • Loss of bowel or bladder control.

  • Sudden weakness or paralysis.

  • If numbness happens repeatedly and does not go away.

  • Spreads beyond the fingers.

  • Usually happens in the same fingers or set of fingers.

How to Prevent Finger Numbness?

When a person uses repetitive motions that can damage or irritate the nerves, it causes numbness. This is called overuse injuries. There are different ways to avoid repetitive motion injuries:

  • Try to stretch the muscles that one uses to reduce tension.

  • One can purchase ergonomic or supportive devices such as a wrist brace or wrist rest for the keyboard.

  • Take a break for half-hour to one hour when doing any activity continuously.

  • Try to practice good posture.

How to Treat Numbness in Fingers?

Different ways can help treat the numb fingers which include:

  • Find out the main reason for numbness.

  • The healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter medications (OTC) to reduce inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

  • A brace or splint can help support the elbow and wrist in a stable position, reducing nerve compression.

  • Resting the hands and wrist can help reduce inflammation.

  • Apply ice to the affected area.

  • Steroid injections can be given if other treatments do not work.

  • Surgical treatments are also available, and they can be used to repair or remove damaged nerves or to stop bones from pressing the nerves. Surgical treatments include cubital tunnel release, ulnar nerve anterior transposition, and medial epicondylectomy.

Stretches for finger numbness can reduce discomfort and muscle tension. Examples include:

  • Try to roll the shoulder backward then and forward five times each.

  • Stretch the fingers as widely as possible and hold them in that position for about 10 seconds.

  • Move the hand clockwise and then anti-clockwise about ten times each to help reduce the muscle tension.

Always talk with the doctor before trying any new exercise or stretches.

Conclusion

Finger numbness is often treatable. Specific medical treatments can help to overcome the numbness depending on the underlying cause. It is important not to ignore the symptoms.

Dr. Abhishek Juneja
Dr. Abhishek Juneja

Neurology

Tags:

numbnessdiabetes
Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Source Article ArrowMost popular articles

Do you have a question on

diabetes

Ask a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy