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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Raynaud's?
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Raynaud's?
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Finger Tingle When Running
Runners are at risk of several medical conditions besides runner's knee and shin splints. Some experience tingling, or a sensation of pins and needles, in their extremities. If your finger tingles during a run, you may have an underlying medical condition affecting your spine. However, a more common cause is increased blood flow to your legs, which causes tingling in blood-starved regions such as your hands and fingers. If the condition persists, check with a doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions such as Raynaud's disease.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Blood Flow
During a long run, your body directs blood to the large muscles in your legs. This means that your upper extremities, including your hands and fingers, may suffer from blood loss. As blood concentrates in your legs and feet, you may experience tingling or numbness in your fingers. The blood will return to your extremities as your body returns to its regular state after a run. If the tingling occurs in both hands evenly and disappears after a run, this could be the cause.
- During a long run, your body directs blood to the large muscles in your legs.
Raynaud's Disease
Tingling & Numbness in Hands & Fingers
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Raynaud's disease can cause your arteries to narrow and thicken, limiting blood flow and producing tingling in affected areas. The area may also appear pale as blood flow is limited. Cold temperatures, as well as stress, can trigger the onset of symptoms. Smoking and repetitive trauma can aggravate the condition.
- Raynaud's disease can cause your arteries to narrow and thicken, limiting blood flow and producing tingling in affected areas.
- The area may also appear pale as blood flow is limited.
Anemia
Iron deficiency, or anemia, can contribute to tingling in the fingers of runners and other athletes. Take an iron supplement if your diet does not include enough iron under federal guidelines. Other dietary supplements that may help enhance blood flow through the body and prevent finger numbness include fish oil and evening primrose oil.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Causes of Finger Numbness
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Carpal tunnel syndrome, or pressure on the median nerve in your wrist, may cause tingling in your fingers. These pinched nerves occur when too much pressure is placed on the surrounding tissue. Surgery is sometimes needed, but more often rest alleviates the problem. Check with your doctor if the condition persists.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, or pressure on the median nerve in your wrist, may cause tingling in your fingers.
- Check with your doctor if the condition persists.
Herniated Disc
A spinal condition such as a cervical herniated disc can cause pain in your arm and tingling in your fingers 3. This condition, which results from a bulging disc in your spine, usually affects people between ages 30 and 50. If the tingling in your fingers is accompanied by pain in your arm or muscle weakness, you may have a herniated disc. Prescribed medication can often control the symptoms. Make an appointment with your doctor to determine the cause.
- A spinal condition such as a cervical herniated disc can cause pain in your arm and tingling in your fingers 3.
- If the tingling in your fingers is accompanied by pain in your arm or muscle weakness, you may have a herniated disc.
Related Articles
References
- Beginner Triathlete; "Member Case Study: Numbness in Fingers after Running"; Anne Boyd; March 2006
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet
- Spine-Health; "Cervical Herniated Disc Symptoms and Treatment Options"; Richard Staehler; June 2002
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Herniated disc.
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Herniated disk in the lower back. Updated June 2018.
- Battié MC, Videman T, Kaprio J et al. The Twin Spine Study: Contributions to a changing view of disc degeneration. Spine J 2009;9(1):47-59. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2008.11.011
- Amin RM, Andrade NS, Neuman BJ. Lumbar disc herniation. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2017;10(4):507-16. doi: 10.1007/s12178-017-9441-4
- Shin JS, Lee J, Lee YJ, et al. Long-term course of alternative and integrative therapy for lumbar disc herniation and risk factors for surgery: A prospective observational 5-year follow-up study. Spine. 2016;41(16):E955-63. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000001494
- Schoenfeld AJ, Weiner BK. Treatment of lumbar disc herniation: Evidence-based practice. Int J Gen Med. 2010;3:209-14.
Writer Bio
Jen Morel has worked in the newspaper industry since 2007. An experienced backpacker, she is a contributor to "AMC Outdoors" and other hiking/environmental magazines. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in cognitive science and philosophy.