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.
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.
Tingling & Numbness in Hands & Fingers
When you have numbness or tingling in your hands and fingers, you have loss sensation due to a medical issue. It is possible to have other symptoms accompany numbness and tingling, including pain, burning or weakness. Numbness and tingling in hands and fingers in certain situations can be a sign of a life-threatening condition.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Causes
In most cases, numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers is caused by a compressed nerve. The compressed nerve can block sensations felt in the arm, hand and fingers. If the nerve is irritated, it can also cause a person to feel numbness in the extremities.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will likely have you go through several tests if you continuously complain of hand and finger numbness. The physician may perform a neurological exam to determine your level of sensitivity in the area. X-rays may be ordered if an injury is the suspected cause of the condition. Electromiography is a test used to determine any signs of nerve damage. Blood tests are also likely to be ordered.
Medical Conditions
Some potential causes of numbness and tingling in hands and fingers include:
- alcoholism
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- diabetes
- lyme disease
- stroke
- syphilis
- peripheral neuropathy
- HIV
- Raynaud’s disease
- spinal cord injuries
Because there are many causes of numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers, a doctor will need to evaluate any other symptoms to determine why you are experiencing this symptom.
Considerations
In some cases, less serious reasons can cause a person to experience numbness and tingling in the arms and fingers. For example, heavy handbags and pocketbooks can put pressure on the nerves of the arm and cause compression. Also, if you have your hands above your head for an extended amount of time, it could cause tingling because you are not getting enough blood to the area. Exposure to cold weather can also cause this condition, since the arteries can narrow during this time and limit blood supply to the area.
Warning
You should proceed to the emergency room if you have certain symptoms along with the numbness and tingling. These symptoms include the numbness coming on suddenly or extending up the entire arm. Confusion, severe headache and paralysis are other symptoms that can occur with hand numbness and tingling that are considered a medical emergency.
Consoling doctor When you have numbness or tingling in your hands and fingers, you have loss sensation due to a medical issue. Consoling doctor When you have numbness or tingling in your hands and fingers, you have loss sensation due to a medical issue. Confusion, severe headache and paralysis are other symptoms that can occur with hand numbness and tingling that are considered a medical emergency.
- Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images