Tingling or numbness of the hands and fingers is a common occurrence that
you may experience every once in a while. It can be caused by pressure
on the nerves or blood vessels to the hand. For example, if you sleep
on your side with your hand in an awkward angle, you may experience pins
and needles when you wake up. In this situation, your hand “fell
asleep” because of the pressure on the nerves and the restricted
blood flow. The tingling sensation may last a few seconds or a few minutes,
but it usually goes away on its own without any further problems.
While numbness and tingling can be benign and temporary, it may also be
a sign of a more serious underlying condition. In fact, in some cases,
it can be so severe and prolonged that it causes disability and hinders
the patient’s ability to do daily tasks. Numbness and tingling in
the hands can also put the patient at risk for injuries, because he or
she may not feel pain as well. If the numbness and tingling in your hand
persists for an extended period of time, and there is no clear cause,
then it is a good idea to see your doctor.
Understanding the Causes of Hand Numbness & Tingling
General numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers is known as paresthesia.
There are many possible causes for this condition. Depending on the situation,
your doctor may need to conduct a physical examination and run some other
tests to determine the nature and cause of the sensation. Blood tests,
nerve conduction tests, toxicology screenings, and electrolyte level and
thyroid functioning tests can be used to diagnose hand numbness and tingling.
Common causes of persistent numbness and tingling in the hands include:
- Diabetes
- Alcohol abuse
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Seizures
- Strokes
- Multiple sclerosis
If the numbness is classified as peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves
in the affected hands), then diabetes could be the cause. Alcohol abuse
can also cause peripheral neuropathy. In addition, carpal tunnel syndrome
or anything that puts pressure on the nerves in your hands and fingers
can cause prolonged numbness and a tingling sensation, as well as seizures,
strokes, and multiple sclerosis.
Treatments for Numbness & Tingling in the Hands
Treatment for hand numbness and tingling depends on the nature and cause
of the specific condition. Eating healthy, following a doctor-approved
exercise regimen, and avoiding or limiting your alcohol consumption can
provide natural remedies. If the numbness and tingling is caused by an
injury or carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery or physical therapy can help
reduce the amount of inflammation and pressure on the nerves in your hand.
Furthermore, hand numbness and tingling can be caused by vitamin deficiencies.
Thus, taking vitamin supplements in addition to a healthy and nutritious
diet could provide a solution to some patients. Doctors may prescribe
therapy and medication to patients suffering from certain diseases that
are causing hand numbness and tingling. Overall, treatment methods are
aimed at providing a remedy for the underlying issues that are causing
the numbness and tingling sensation, instead of just focusing on masking
it. Patients should speak with their doctors and provide any information
about health history and symptoms to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Call Atlanta Pain & Rehab (Southwest Atlanta) Today at (404) 620-4010
If you were injured in a car crash, work accident, or sports incident,
our Atlanta accident rehab services can help. We have successfully treated
hundreds of patients suffering from a variety of painful conditions. Our
chiropractic services, medical pain relief, and physical therapy options
can provide a solution to hand numbness and tingling, along with several
other injuries and illnesses. With our compassionate and knowledgeable
team, you can get the quality care and treatment you need.
Contact us
today to schedule a free consultation, or schedule your appointment online.