Numbness in the hands causes, symptoms, risk factors

Numbness of the fingers is a complete or partial loss of sensation in the entire hand or individual fingers, which can be on one or both hands. The correct name is hypoesthesia. This symptom occurs in many neurological disorders, but also occurs in healthy people.

Each peripheral nerve has a motor and a sensory part. Irritation or damage to sensory fibers of any nature - mechanical, tumor, inflammatory, autoimmune - causes a disorder in the form of numbness, burning, tingling.

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In a healthy person, numbness in the fingers of the hand – most often the right one – occurs due to constant overload of the hand muscles. This happens to pianists, hairdressers, programmers, and sometimes to massage therapists and cosmetologists. Sometimes the hands go numb during sleep, when a person lies on his side for a long time with his hand placed under his body. In all these cases, numbness is caused by a temporary disruption of blood flow in the arm due to mechanical compression of blood vessels and nerve trunks. Numbness is often accompanied by a burning sensation or a crawling sensation, but all this quickly passes after the limb returns to its normal physiological position.

Provoking factors

A completely healthy person rarely experiences numbness; they may indicate a hidden pathology in the form of:

• consequences of injuries;
• various diseases of the spinal column;
• joint inflammation;
• degenerative or destructive diseases of the cartilage and ligaments of the hand;
• nervous and mental disorders;
• persistent decrease in blood pressure;
• diseases of the endocrine glands.

There are currently no clear scales that determine the severity of hand numbness. If the unpleasant sensations bother you from time to time and go away after simple movements or rubbing, then you hardly need to worry. However, in case of frequent repetition of numbness, when it happens several times a week or the discomfort increases, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible, as this may be the beginning of the disease.

Why do my hands go numb?

If your arms and legs go numb on one side, then most likely the cause is a stroke, transient ischemic attack, brain tumor or multiple sclerosis.

With a stroke, there are other symptoms: facial asymmetry, speech impairment, numbness of the limbs, muscle weakness. If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should immediately call an ambulance.

In a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain for several minutes. This happens if the lumen is too narrow due to cholesterol plaques (atherosclerosis). Attacks occur regularly and are manifested by numbness of the arm, leg and/or face (mainly on one side), weakness, dizziness, double vision, and slow speech. The symptom complex depends on which vessel is affected.

Statistically, a third of people with a TIA will have a stroke, so such patients should definitely see a doctor to reduce their risks.

With multiple sclerosis, numbness of the face, limbs, and individual parts of the body is often the first symptom. Numbness can vary in strength, but sometimes it makes it significantly difficult to move an arm, leg, etc. There are no medications that can help cope with this condition. Despite the fact that the symptom may go away on its own, you should definitely seek help from a specialist as soon as possible.

Diseases in which numbness of the hands is a symptom

These are conditions such as:

• rheumatic diseases of the joints of the fingers;
• osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, which also causes coordination problems, headaches, and limited movement of some muscles of the shoulder girdle, which is caused by bone growths or osteophytes;
• vertical and horizontal protrusions (hernias) of the intervertebral disc;
• thrombosis of blood vessels of the hand or finger;
• multiple sclerosis, in which the myelin sheath of the nerve is destroyed and the central nervous system is affected;
• carpal tunnel syndrome or another type of tunnel syndrome, when a nerve is compressed in a bone or muscle-ligamentous tunnel;
• metabolic disorders caused by diabetes mellitus;
• anemia or anemia, when tissues lack oxygen;
• inflammation of the brachial nerve plexus;
• various inflammatory processes of hand tissues, aseptic or purulent;
• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, when at the onset of the disease some patients interpret increasing weakness in the arm as “numbness”
• disturbance of blood flow in the brain - in fairness, it must be said that in this case, movements, vision, speech are also most often impaired, but this is also one of the common reasons why the fingers suddenly go numb;
• Raynaud's syndrome, developing as a result of vibration or genetically determined, when numbness is accompanied by pallor, turning into cyanosis, and then into redness of the skin of the hand
• alcohol intoxication, in which the hands become numb like “gloves”, which is caused by damage to the peripheral nerves;
• diphtheria, which, thanks to universal vaccination, occurs easily and in an erased form; one of the manifestations may be polyneuropathy.

Numbness of the fingers may be the reason for a clinical examination, which will eventually reveal the truth. Modern diagnostic equipment makes it possible to give a preliminary conclusion already during the first day of the examination, or at least significantly narrow the range of the diagnostic search.

Numbness of each finger has its own characteristics. Since the branches of three main nerves are responsible for the innervation of the skin of the hand.

My legs are going numb

If one lower limb or both goes numb, this may be a sign of cauda equina syndrome, herniated disc, or multiple sclerosis.

In cauda equina syndrome, all 18 nerves located in the lumbar spine are compressed. This may occur due to a hernia, inflammation, tumor, or stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal. The result is not only numbness in both legs, but also lower back pain, problems with urination, defecation, and erectile dysfunction.

Radiculitis associated with a hernia occurs due to the fact that the nucleus pulposus, which is located in the intervertebral disc, breaks out and compresses nearby nerve endings. With a hernia, not only numbness occurs, but also back pain and weakness in the limbs. Symptoms usually go away within 6–8 weeks. If this does not happen, the doctor may prescribe more aggressive treatment, including surgery.

With sciatica, most often only one leg goes numb. Sciatica, or lumbosacral radiculitis, is compression of the sciatic nerve, which also causes pain in the lower back. The cause of sciatica can be a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome (compression of the sciatic and gluteal nerves by the piriformis muscle), bone fractures and pelvic injuries, tumors. Usually, along with numbness, a person feels aching pain, tingling or burning. Treatment depends on the cause of sciatica.

What can you think about when different fingers are numb?

All fingers on the hand are innervated differently, and by the characteristics of unpleasant sensations one can indirectly judge what caused the disease.

The first or thumb on the palmar surface is innervated by the median nerve, most often irritation is caused by compression or compression. People who constantly load this finger suffer - watchmakers, pianists, jewelers.

In some cases, the cause is a benign tumor that mechanically compresses the nerve. This may be a neurofibroma arising from supporting or glial nerve cells, or a hemangioma, the source of which was capillaries.

People who constantly carry heavy bags or grip handlebars excessively may develop stenotic transverse ligamentosis. This is a condition in which the ligaments lose their natural elasticity, become stiff and stop stretching. The result is the so-called carpal tunnel syndrome with damage to the median nerve.

The index finger and thumb on the dorsal surface are innervated by the radial nerve. Impaired sensitivity in them may be a manifestation of inflammation of the epicondyles of the humerus or epicondylitis, or compression of the radial nerve in the area of ​​the humerus.

You should consult a doctor if numbness lasts longer than 5 - 10 minutes, does not go away after kneading and straightening the hand, and repeats several times during the week.

The middle finger of the hand is partly innervated by the median and partly by the ulnar and radial nerves - its numbness is accompanied by a feeling of “twisting” of the entire palm, similar to calf cramps. Sensory disturbances also appear in this finger when carpal tunnel syndrome occurs, when the transverse ligament presses the nerve too much against the bones of the wrist. Loss of sensitivity is noticeable more often at night, it becomes difficult to hold objects, and shaking the hand stops the discomfort. It seems to a person that the brush has become heavier and thicker. Sometimes swelling does occur.

Often, numbness of the finger occurs in people who are constantly exposed to hypothermia, when they develop inflammation of the inner wall of blood vessels or endarteritis.

The fourth and fifth or ring and little fingers are innervated by the ulnar nerve. The habit of constantly leaning on the elbow, as well as working with trays and daily overload of the wrist contribute to the damage. In men, numbness of these fingers may be the first sign of contracture due to degeneration of the aponeurosis or tendon plate of the palm. Unpleasant sensations in these fingers cannot be ignored, since if the ulnar nerve is damaged, contracture or immobility can form in the joints of the fingers.

Fingertips - it is most difficult to determine why the tips become numb, since the number of reasons is large. This is a violation of the blood supply in the cervical spine, caused by the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque, iron deficiency, the onset of diabetes mellitus, and inflammation of the pancreas. This is inflammation and degeneration of the finger joints, Raynaud's syndrome, venous insufficiency and thrombophlebitis that complicates it. These are chronic stresses and acute traumatic experiences that happen in the life of every person. These are arterial hypertension or vascular hypotension, chronic poisoning, harmful working conditions.

Symptoms

Numbness usually occurs due to poor circulation in a particular area or nerve damage. Sensory disturbances (numbness) can also be the result of infection, inflammation, trauma and other pathological processes. In most cases, numbness is due to non-life-threatening illnesses, but it can also be a sign of a stroke or tumor.

Numbness in the extremities is often associated with pain or may be accompanied by other sensory disturbances such as burning or tingling. Strokes also cause motor and speech disorders. Depending on the cause, numbness may disappear quickly, for example, numbness in the arm , which occurs when a person sleeps with their head on their arm, disappears after a few movements of the arm. Chronic numbness in a leg or arm over a long period of time usually indicates some level of nerve damage, such as due to diabetes or multiple sclerosis. Chronic numbness in the fingers may be due to a pinched nerve, as is the case with carpal tunnel syndrome. In any case, numbness that lasts more than a few minutes merits attention and medical attention. And if a person experiences numbness in the groin area and impaired bladder and bowel function, or there are signs of paralysis, confusion, speech impairment, then in such cases it is necessary to seek emergency medical help.

Symptoms that may accompany numbness:

• Anxiety
• Burning feeling
• Frequent urination
• Increased numbness or tingling while walking
• Itching
• Lower back pain
• Muscle spasms
• Pain in the neck
• Pain in other parts of the body
• Pins and needles sensation
• Rash
• Increased sensitivity to touch

A number of symptoms accompanying numbness may be a sign of serious conditions and this must be taken into account by the doctor, since emergency medical care and necessary medical procedures are often required.

These are the following symptoms:

• Lethargy or momentary loss of consciousness
• Labored breathing
• Difficulty walking
• Dizziness
• Loss of control over voluntary urination or bowel movements
• Visual impairment
• Numbness in the head, neck, back
• Paralysis
• Speech disorders (dysarthria)
• Weakness

Diagnostics

Conducted individually, the search begins with excluding the most dangerous conditions. According to indications, the following studies may be prescribed:

• Electroneuromyography (ENMG of the upper extremities)
• duplex scanning of arteries and veins of the upper extremities
• X-ray of the cervical spine
• Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine, brain, joints
• blood chemistry;

A specific list of diagnostic procedures is determined by the attending physician based on clinical examination data. Sometimes a diagnostic search leads to the discovery of diseases that a person did not even suspect about.

How to determine the true cause?

Initially, a patient with numbness of the finger is examined by a neurologist and, based on the clinical picture, determines the necessary list of examinations.

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The Clinic of Professor Kinzersky has an extensive diagnostic base in all possible areas to quickly and accurately determine a patient’s diagnosis.
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The gold standard for most carpal tunnel syndromes is electromyography (EMG). Based on the results of the study, the doctor determines how much the function of a particular nerve is reduced.

Ultrasound of peripheral nerves is used to assess structural changes in nerves .

elastometry technology on the AIXPLORER V6 ultrasound device made it possible to measure the pressure in the tunnel area (it is significantly increased compared to the norm) and control it during treatment.

Expert advice

If your hand begins to go numb, you should pay attention to your lifestyle and habits. Try to move as much as possible, climb the stairs on foot, without an elevator.

Be sure to do exercises in the morning. You can increase physical activity in other ways, for example, through dancing.

Provide your body with the microelements, vitamins and minerals necessary for its proper functioning. Eat more fruits and vegetables, and periodically take special multivitamin complexes.

Try to always remain calm, no matter the situation. By stopping worrying and getting nervous over trifles, you will soon feel better.

Physiological causes of numbness

Numbness occurs with prolonged immobility. Whatever position we are in, some vessels become pinched, and we risk that the nerve endings, which do not receive proper nutrition, will lose sensitivity. Our body must move, changing the areas that have been subjected to compression, and then we will not be in danger of numbness. This usually happens during the day. But during deep sleep, we can lie in the same position for quite a long time without changing posture. And then, when we wake up, we notice that we have rested some part of our body, for example, a hand placed under our head.

Numbness is caused by exposure to cold. When in contact with cold air, the skin loses sensitivity. Local blood circulation is disrupted, and we cease to feel the nerve endings. If this situation lasts longer, frostbite is possible, but in most cases it is enough to rub the area of ​​skin that has lost sensitivity or return to warmth, blood circulation will be restored and the numbness will go away.

If numbness occurs without an obvious connection with a specific situation, then it probably has a pathological cause.

How to treat?

For numbness of the hands, there is a universal drug treatment (venotonics, B vitamins, vascular drugs), but in most cases it is not very effective.

The most effective is local (local) treatment:

• shock wave therapy - stimulates blood flow in the area of ​​nerve compression;
• injection of an anti-inflammatory drug (Diprospan, Flosteron) into the area of ​​nerve compression;
• electromyostimulation - with the development of muscle weakness.

All these types of treatment are actively used in the Clinic.

In rare cases, when the course is prolonged and conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical treatment is used.

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Advantages of treatment at the Professor Kinzersky Clinic

• Specialized care: we are one of the few clinics in the country that specializes in this problem, offering a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment program.
• Application in diagnostics of electromyography: this is a complex diagnostic technique that requires highly specialized education for a neurologist.
• Application of ultrasound of peripheral nerves in diagnostics: we are the first clinic in the Chelyabinsk region that performs these techniques; such a study can only be obtained at CITO (Central Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics) in Moscow)
• Highly qualified doctors : three of our doctors studied at the specialized world congress on ultrasound of peripheral nerves IPSNI (International Society of Peripheral Neurophysiological Imaging)
• Unique capabilities of ultrasound navigation in treatment: Ultrasound navigation allows you to deliver anti-inflammatory drugs to the site of nerve compression as accurately as possible.

The course of treatment can be completed at a convenient time, without interruption from work.

The article was checked by Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Alexander Yuryevich Kinzersky

Treatment methods

In modern medicine, there are several effective methods for treating numbness in the fingers of the left hand.

• Drug therapy. This method involves the use of products selected by a specialist, in the form of ointments, preparations and creams. Which can relieve inflammation, swelling and pain.
• Therapeutic massage and manual therapy.
• Using ultrasound or laser. This will help restore damaged tissue and lost sensitivity.
• Special exercises and health-improving physical education. This will help improve blood circulation and the general condition of the body.