A burning or prickling sensation that typically affects the hands, arms, legs, or feet but can also affect other parts of the body is known as paresthesia. The sensation, which occurs without warning and is typically painless, can be described as tingling, numbness, itching, or the sensation of the skin crawling.
Most people have, at some point in their lives, experienced temporary paresthesia, also known as the sensation of "pins and needles," when they have sat too long with their legs crossed or fallen asleep with an arm under their head. It occurs when a nerve is subjected to prolonged pressure. When the pressure is released, the sensation quickly passes. Chronic paresthesia is frequently a sign of a neurological condition or traumatic nerve damage that is underlying.
Numb Hands and Fingers
Damage, irritation, or compression of one of the nerves or a branch of one of the nerves in your arm and wrist can result in hand numbness. Numbness can also be caused by diseases that affect the peripheral nerves, like diabetes, but similar symptoms usually start in your feet first.
Mayo Clinic mentioned that numbness could be caused by brain or spinal cord issues, which are uncommon but can also result in arm or hand weakness or loss of function. Most of the time, numbness is not associated with conditions that could cause death, like strokes or tumors.
To determine what is causing your numbness, your doctor will need detailed information about your symptoms. Before the appropriate treatment can begin, the cause may need to be confirmed with several tests. The nerves carry out the transmission of messages to and from your brain in your body. Numbness can occur when the nerves are compressed, damaged, or irritated.
Finger numbness is known to be caused by the following conditions:
The condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when one of the main nerves in your hand that transmits sensation is compressed or blocked. It can be caused by repetitive motions like using hand tools or typing on a keyboard.
Thumb, index, and middle finger numbness is typically the result of carpal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, you might feel pain and tingling. Typically, symptoms are worse at night.
Radiculopathy of the cervical region When a nerve that exits your neck becomes inflamed or compressed, you have cervical radiculopathy. Due to this condition, your hands may become clumsy, numb, or tingly. A pinched nerve is another name for it.
Diabetes can cause nerve damage in the hands and feet, a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. According to estimates from research, up to 50% of diabetes may develop this condition.
Numbness typically affects the legs and feet first, but it can also affect the hands and arms. Diabetes-related neuropathy can also result in weakness and pain in these areas.
In Raynaud's disease, the small arteries in your fingers become tense. The arteries narrow and tighten when they spasm. If the nerves in your fingers don't get enough blood, this can affect your circulation and cause numbness.
Cold temperatures and emotional distress can trigger these spasms. During an episode, which typically lasts about 20 minutes, affected fingers may appear pale or bluish.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and causes swelling, tenderness, and pain. Additionally, this condition may result in tingling, numbness, and burning in the hands. Most of the time, both sides of the body are impacted.
Ulnar nerve entrapment vs. Carpal tunnel syndrome: Ulnar nerve entrapment vs. Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the ulnar nerve on the side of the little finger in the arm. Pinky and ring finger numbness is typically the result, or you might sometimes feel an aching pain on the inside of your elbow.
Medication and Treatment
According to Healthline, inflammation-relieving over-the-counter (OTC) medications may be suggested by your doctor. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen are one example.
Putting on a brace or splint is another option. This can assist you in maintaining a stable position for your elbow or wrist, thereby reducing nerve compression. Check out our picks for braces for carpal tunnel online.
When you are at home, resting your hand and wrist can help reduce inflammation. Ice can be applied to the affected area as well. Your doctor may recommend steroid injections to reduce inflammation if other treatments are unsuccessful.
Some treatments require surgery. Nerves can be removed, repaired, or stopped from pressing on the nerve by surgery. Some types of finger numbness have been linked to injuries from overuse. Repetitive motions that can irritate or harm the nerves and result in numbness can cause overuse injuries.
Good posture and form are essential for avoiding injuries when working with a tool, keyboard, or other devices that can cause repetitive motion injuries. Take a 30- to 60-minute break from your activity to stretch your muscles to relieve tension. Purchasing devices that are supportive or ergonomic, such as a keyboard wrist rest or brace
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