What does fact checked mean?
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.
- MayoClinic.com: Raynaud's Disease
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Diabetic Neuropathies: The Nerve Damage of Diabetes
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.
Why Are My Fingers Going Numb?
Numbness, considered as an abnormal condition, can happen from a number of causes. Your fingers can become numb due to a lack of blood supply, spinal nerve pressure or damage, or a lack of certain vitamins and minerals, for example.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Expert Insight
Raynaud's disease, a blood vessel skin disorder, causes blood vessels to narrow, restricting blood flow and causing finger numbness 1. Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D. former chair of the Hypertension Division in the Department of Medicine at Mayo Clinic, states the cause results from cold temperature exposure as well as stress.
Effects
Tingling & Numbness in Hands & Fingers
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Necessary for healthy nerve cells, low vitamin B12 levels can cause numbness or tingling in your fingers and toes, including other symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 2. Increase your intake of animal protein and dairy or take vitamin B12 supplements with water, after eating.
Types
Diabetes, characterized by the inability of the body to produce insulin (Type 1) or the body's cells inability to recognize insulin, allowing glucose or sugar to build up in the blood (Type 2), can cause nerve damage slowly over several years. This can result in peripheral neuropathy--nerve damage causing numb fingers, toes, feet and hands.
Identification
What Causes Numbness in Fingers and Feet?
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When you have pressure on your median nerve, located in your wrist and supplying feeling to your fingers and hands, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. Treatment includes wearing a splint and changing work habits, such as using a different computer keyboard or mouse.
Warning
Seek emergency help if you have numb fingers and slurred speech; difficulty walking; vision changes; loss of consciousness; paralysis; have had a head, neck or back injury; or have lost control of your bowels or bladder.
Related Articles
References
- MayoClinic.com: Raynaud's Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
- Schreiber AK, Nones CF, Reis RC, Chichorro JG, Cunha JM. Diabetic neuropathic pain: Physiopathology and treatment. World J Diabetes. 2015;6(3):432-444. doi:10.4239/wjd.v6.i3.432
- Callaghan BC, Price RS, Feldman EL. Distal symmetric polyneuropathy: A review. JAMA. 2015;314(20):2172-2181. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.13611
- Frykberg RG, Zgonis T, Armstrong DG, et al. Diabetic foot disorders. A clinical practice guideline (2006 revision). J Foot Ankle Surg. 2006;45(5 Suppl):S1-S66. doi:10.1016/S1067-2516(07)60001-5
- American Heart Association. Peripheral Artery Disease and Diabetes. Updated January 31, 2016.
- Gupta N, Arora M, Sharma R, Arora KS. Peripheral and central nervous system involvement in recently diagnosed cases of hypothyroidism: An electrophysiological study. Ann Med Health Sci Res. 2016;6(5):261-266. doi:10.4103/amhsr.amhsr_39_16
- Hypothyroidism (Underactive). American Thyroid Association. Published 2017.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Your Guide to Anemia. 2012.
- Ekabe CJ, Kehbila J, Abanda MH, Kadia BM, Sama C-B, Monekosso GL. Vitamin B12 deficiency neuropathy; a rare diagnosis in young adults: A case report. BMC Res Notes. 2017;10(1):72. doi:10.1186/s13104-017-2393-3
- American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Foot Pain? You May Have Diabetes. Updated October 22, 2008.
- American Diabetes Association. Peripheral Neuropathy.
Writer Bio
Chyrene Pendleton has been a business owner and newsletter editor for more than seven years. She is a freelance writer with over 25 years experience and teaches a variety of topics, including alternative health, hair care and metaphysics. Pendleton is a certified television show producer, radio talk-show host and producer, and a computer programmer with a bachelor's degree in computer science.