Numbness in Hands: What to Do

Numbness in the hands is a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions. While it is often not a serious problem, it can be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition. If you are experiencing numbness in your hands, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Causes

There are many possible causes of numbness in the hands, including:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: This is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in your wrist, becomes compressed.
• Ulnar nerve entrapment: This is a condition that occurs when the ulnar nerve, which runs through the ulnar groove in your elbow, becomes compressed.
• Radial nerve entrapment: This is a condition that occurs when the radial nerve, which runs through the radial groove in your elbow, becomes compressed.
• Peripheral neuropathy: This is a condition that occurs when the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves that connect your spinal cord to your arms and legs, become damaged.
• Stroke: This is a condition that occurs when the blood supply to your brain is interrupted.
• Multiple sclerosis: This is a condition that occurs when the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, which is the protective covering that surrounds your nerves.
• Guillain-Barré syndrome: This is a condition that occurs when the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves.
• Diabetes: This is a condition that occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin, which is a hormone that helps your body use glucose for energy.

Symptoms

The symptoms of numbness in the hands can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

• A feeling of pins and needles
• A burning or tingling sensation
• Weakness in the hands
• Difficulty gripping objects
• Difficulty writing
• Difficulty buttoning clothes

Diagnosis

Your doctor will likely diagnose the cause of your numbness in the hands based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may also order some tests, such as:

• Electromyography (EMG): This test measures the electrical activity in your muscles.
• Nerve conduction study: This test measures the speed at which electrical signals travel through your nerves.
• Imaging tests: These tests, such as X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans, can help your doctor visualize your nerves and surrounding structures.

Treatment

The treatment for numbness in the hands will depend on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:

• Rest: Resting your hands can help to reduce inflammation and pressure on your nerves.
• Ice: Applying ice to your hands can help to reduce inflammation.
• Heat: Applying heat to your hands can help to improve blood flow and reduce pain.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen your muscles and improve your range of motion.
• Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help you to learn how to perform daily activities without putting strain on your hands.
• Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, or improve nerve function.
• Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on your nerves.

Prevention

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent numbness in the hands, including:

• Take breaks from repetitive hand movements.
• Stretch your hands and wrists regularly.
• Use ergonomic tools and equipment.
• Avoid smoking.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.

When to See a Doctor

It is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing numbness in your hands. Numbness can be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition, such as a stroke or multiple sclerosis.

Stories

Story 1

A man went to the doctor because he was experiencing numbness in his hands. The doctor diagnosed him with carpal tunnel syndrome and recommended that he wear a wrist brace. The man followed the doctor's orders and his numbness gradually went away.

What we learn: Numbness in the hands can be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a common condition that can be treated with a wrist brace.

Story 2

A woman went to the doctor because she was experiencing numbness in her hands and feet. The doctor diagnosed her with Guillain-Barré syndrome, which is a rare condition that can lead to paralysis. The woman was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which is a medication that helps to suppress the immune system. The woman's symptoms gradually improved and she eventually made a full recovery.

What we learn: Numbness in the hands and feet can be a sign of Guillain-Barré syndrome, which is a rare but serious condition that can lead to paralysis.

Story 3

A man went to the doctor because he was experiencing numbness in his hands and arms. The doctor diagnosed him with a stroke. The man was treated with medication to dissolve the blood clot that was causing the stroke. The man's symptoms gradually improved and he eventually made a full recovery.

What we learn: Numbness in the hands and arms can be a sign of a stroke, which is a medical emergency.

Why Numbness in Hands Is Important

Numbness in hands can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. It can also be a symptom of a stroke, which is a medical emergency. If you are experiencing numbness in hands, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Benefits of Treating Numbness in Hands

Treating numbness in hands can relieve pain and improve function. Treating numbness in hands can also help prevent further damage to nerves and prevent complications.

Pros and Cons of Treating Numbness in Hands

Pros:

• Relieve pain
• Improve function
• Prevent further damage to nerves
• Prevent complications

Cons:

• Treatment may not be effective
• Treatment may be expensive
• Treatment may have side effects

FAQs

What are the most common causes of numbness in hands?

The most common causes of numbness in hands are carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve entrapment, radial nerve entrapment, peripheral neuropathy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and diabetes.

What are the symptoms of numbness in hands?

The symptoms of numbness in hands can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include a feeling of pins and needles, a burning or tingling sensation, weakness in the hands, difficulty gripping objects, difficulty writing, and difficulty buttoning clothes.

How is numbness in hands diagnosed?

Your doctor will likely diagnose the cause of your numbness in hands based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may also order some tests, such as an electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction study, or imaging tests.

How is numbness in hands treated?

The treatment for numbness in hands will depend on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include rest, ice, heat, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medication, or surgery.

What are the complications of numbness in hands?

Numbness in hands can lead to complications such as muscle weakness, difficulty performing daily activities, and permanent nerve damage.

How can I prevent numbness in hands?

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent numbness in hands, including taking breaks from repetitive hand movements, stretching your hands and wrists regularly, using ergonomic tools and equipment, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling your blood sugar if you have diabetes.

Call to Action

If you are experiencing numbness in your hands, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Numbness in hands can be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition, such as a stroke or multiple sclerosis.