About this topic
Hand numbness is a loss of feeling in your hands and fingers. You may not feel anything over your palm, back of the hand, or fingers. Blood vessels bring blood to all parts of your body. Sometimes, blood flow is blocked. You may also have damage to the nerves in your hands or wrists. These things may cause your hand to be numb. ‚
Hand numbness is not a disease but a sign of some other health problem. You may have numbness in one hand or both. The problem may last for a little while or it may last forever. ‚
What are the causes?
- Nerve damage or pressure on the nerves
- Poor blood supply to your hands
- Lack of blood supply to your hands
- Injury to the hand, arm, or fingers including broken bones
- Some other health problem like injury to the spine or spinal nerves
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Very cold temperature or frostbite
- Keeping your arms and hands in the same position for a long period of time
- Wearing an arm or hand cast that is too tight
- Sleeping with your hands placed under your head or pillow
- Use of certain drugs like those used to treat alcoholism and cancer
- Lack of vitamin B12
- Exposure to harmful substances like toxins and radiation therapy
What are the main signs?
- Burning or itching feeling
- Cold hands and fingers
- Pins and needles sensation
- Pain in your hand or arm
- Increased numbness
- Neck pain
- Muscle spasm or twitching
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will ask about your history and do an exam. Your doctor will check your hand. The doctor will look for things that may be pressing on your nerves, the spinal cord, or other parts of your body. You may need to have tests like: ‚
- X-rays
- Angiogram
- Ultrasound
- CT and MRI scan
- Electromyelogram (EMG)
- Lumbar puncture
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your treatments will depend on what is causing your hand numbness. You may need physical therapy or drugs to help your signs. In rare cases, surgery may be needed. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
You may have other health problems which are causing your hand numbness. These may also need to be treated. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Treat numbness
- Help relieve burning feeling
- Prevent blood clots from forming
Will there be any other care needed?
- Sleep on your back. Avoid sleeping with your hand placed under your head or pillow.
- Do not keep your hands or arms in the same position for a long period of time. This can help avoid putting too much pressure on your hands.
- Be careful with hot surfaces like stoves and ovens. You may not feel anything with your numb hand. Be sure to cover your numb hand before you use hot machines or devices. You may burn your hand without knowing it.
- Take extra care in cold weather. You may not feel anything with your numb hand or arm. Be sure to cover your hand before you go outside to avoid frostbite.
Where can I learn more?
American Society for Surgery of the Hand ‚
http://www.assh.org/PUBLIC/HANDCONDITIONS/Pages/Numbness.aspx ‚
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/pins_and_needles?open ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚