Numbness in Hands: Here’s What It Means

Numbness in hands can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. It can interfere with daily activities and affect your quality of life. Numbness can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from simple overuse of the hands to more serious conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathy.

In this blog, we will explore the causes of numbness in both hands and the treatments available to alleviate the symptoms.

What Causes Numbness in Hands?

Numbness in hands refers to the loss of sensation or feeling in one or both hands. It can range from mild tingling or prickling to complete loss of sensation. It can occur at any age and can affect anyone.  Numbness in the hands is a common condition that can be caused by various factors. Here are 5 common hand numbness causes:

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Compression of the median nerve at the wrist causes this condition.
• Repetitive motions, holding the wrist in the same position for extended periods, and wrist injuries are common causes.
• Symptoms include numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers as well as weakness in the hand.
• Treatment may include rest, splinting, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve.

2. Pinched Nerve

• This occurs when a nerve is compressed by surrounding tissues such as muscles or tendons.
• This can happen in the neck, shoulder, or elbow.
• Common causes include injuries such as a fall or repetitive stress injury.
• Some common symptoms are numbness, tingling, and weakness.
• Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, medication to reduce inflammation and pain, and surgery in severe cases.

3. Peripheral Neuropathy

• This condition is caused by damage to the peripheral nerves that connect the spinal cord to the rest of the body.
• Common causes include diabetes, alcohol abuse, exposure to toxins, and certain medications.
• Numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet are common symptoms.
• Treatment may include medication to manage symptoms such as pain and numbness as well as lifestyle changes that include maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine.

4. Raynaud’s Disease

• This is a condition that causes blood vessels in the hands and feet to narrow (artery spasms), reducing blood flow to the affected areas.
• It can be triggered by exposure to cold or stress.
• Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pain in the affected area.
• Treatment may include avoiding triggers, such as cold and stress, and medication to improve blood flow to the affected areas.

5. Vitamin Deficiencies

• Certain vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin B12, can damage the nerves in the hands and feet, leading to numbness.
• Other symptoms of vitamin deficiencies may include fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
• Treatment may include dietary changes and supplements to correct the deficiency.

Treatment for Numbness in Hands

The numbness in hands treatment varies depending on the underlying cause. Treatment may include rest, splinting, physical therapy, medication, and in severe cases, surgery. Let’s have a look at these numbness treatments in detail. 

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Rest: 

Avoid activities that aggravate the symptoms and take frequent breaks.

• Splinting: 

Wearing a wrist splint at night can help keep the wrist in a neutral position and relieve pressure on the median nerve.

• Physical Therapy:

 Exercises to stretch and strengthen the wrist and hand can help alleviate symptoms.

• Medication: 

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to reduce pain and inflammation.

• Surgery: 

Surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the median nerve if the case is severe. 

2. Pinched Nerve

• Rest: 

Avoid activities that aggravate the symptoms and take frequent breaks.

• Physical Therapy: 

Exercises to stretch and strengthen the affected area can help alleviate symptoms.

• Medication: 

Pain relievers can help reduce pain and inflammation.

• Corticosteroid Injection: 

Injections of corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and relieve pressure thereby reducing symptoms.

• Surgery: 

In severe cases, to relieve pressure on the affected nerve, surgery is performed. 

3. Peripheral Neuropathy

• Medication: 

Medications such as gabapentin or pregabalin can help alleviate symptoms of pain, numbness, and tingling.

• Lifestyle Changes: 

Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding toxins such as alcohol and tobacco can help manage symptoms.

• Physical Therapy: 

Exercises to improve strength and coordination may help alleviate symptoms.

• Topical Treatments: 

Creams or patches containing lidocaine or capsaicin may help alleviate pain.

4. Raynaud’s Disease

• Avoiding Triggers: 

Avoid exposure to cold temperatures and stress, which can trigger symptoms.

• Medication: 

Medications such as calcium channel blockers can help improve blood flow to the affected areas.

• Keeping Hands Warm: 

Wearing gloves or using hand warmers can help keep the hands warm and alleviate symptoms.

5. Vitamin Deficiencies

• Vitamin Supplements:

Taking supplements of the deficient vitamin can help alleviate symptoms. 

• Dietary Changes: 

Eating a diet rich in the deficient vitamin, such as incorporating more meat, dairy, and eggs for vitamin B12 deficiency, can help manage symptoms of numbness and tingling in hands.

Conclusion

Numbness in the hands is a common complaint and can be caused by a variety of factors. It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience numbness in the hands to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Treatment may include rest, splinting, physical therapy, medication, and in severe cases, surgery. 

By understanding the causes and treatments available, you can take steps to alleviate the symptoms and prevent further complications. Don’t let hand pain and numbness interfere with your daily activities – talk to your healthcare provider to get the help you need.