What Causes Hand Numbness?

We use our hands every day, so the slightest numbness or tingling can make even the simplest of tasks much harder.

Knowing what is causing hand numbness is the first step in getting relief – and possibly preventing complications or permanent nerve damage.

A numb feeling in the hands?

We have all woken up with a numb hand or arm. That tingling feeling, also called ‘pins and needles’, happens when we have slept on our arm for a long period of time. But this type of hand numbness often disappears quickly.

But hand numbness can be a symptom of an underlying condition, ranging from mild and short-term to more serious, and knowing the causes is important.

Why are my hands feeling numb?

Hand numbness, or paresthesia, can be caused by different things in different people. Often, hand numbness is caused by a compressed nerve or carpal tunnel, but there are a number of other conditions that can cause it:

• A herniated disk
• Nerve damage in the hands, arms or neck
• Nerve pressure caused by a tumor
• Ulnar nerve compression.There are a number of diseases that can also cause hand numbness, including:
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Herpes infection
• Lyme disease
• Migraine
• Multiple sclerosis
• Shingles
• Stroke
• Raynaud’s disease
• Underactive thyroid
• Vasculitis.

Certain medications can also cause hand numbness.

Should I be concerned about hand numbness?

If your hand numbness goes away quickly, then it is probably caused by something harmless, like putting pressure on the nerves connected to the hand.

If you regularly experience hand numbness though, and it is affecting everyday life, you should see your doctor as it may be a sign of something more serious.

Your doctor will discuss your symptoms with you, ask about your medical history, and may order some tests such as ultrasound, MRI, X-ray, nerve tests, or blood tests.

How is hand numbness treated?

Treatment will depend on what is causing the numbness. If you are taking medication that is causing it, then your doctor may change the type of drug you are taking.

You can treat mild hand numbness at home, by resting hands after repetitive tasks, doing wrist exercises, using hot or cold compresses, and wearing a splint. If the numbness persists, always see your doctor.

If you are diagnosed with carpal tunnel, then a specialist will advise a combination of non-surgical treatments to help, such as wearing a wrist brace, doing wrist exercises, taking regular break over the counter pain medication. Sometimes, surgery may be needed.

A note from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

If hand numbness happens once in a while, it’s probably nothing to worry about. If it happens regularly and is accompanied by other symptoms, speak to your doctor.

If hand numbness comes on suddenly, and is accompanied by a severe headache, dizziness, confusion, and slurred speech, seek urgent medical attention.