According to Dr Chethana D, Consultant Rheumatologist, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru (India), hand numbness is a condition in which you feel pain, numbness, tingling and muscle weakness in the hand or fingers. This feeling can appear suddenly for a short period of time or last for a long time. Pain and numbness in the hand can be a symptom of a neurological, vascular, musculoskeletal or other medical condition.
Symptoms of hand numbness
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers, hands, or arms.
- Pain in the hand or wrist, which may radiate to the arm or shoulder.
- Muscle weakness, making it difficult to grasp objects.
- Feeling like being pricked by needles or feeling numb.
- Reduced mobility, feeling of loss of control in the hands.
Causes of hand numbness
Nerve compression: Nerves in the hand or wrist are compressed or damaged (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical disc herniation).
Trauma: A blow, broken bone, or other injury can affect the nerves or soft tissues in the hand.
Arthritis: Arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, can cause pain and numbness in the hands. Arthritis causes swelling and inflammation of the joints in the fingers and wrists, which can damage the nerves, leading to numbness.
Anemia: Circulation problems or anemia can also lead to numbness and coldness in the hands.
Neuropathy: Conditions such as diabetes or peripheral neuropathy can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness.
When to see a doctor?
“If you experience symptoms of persistent, worsening hand pain and numbness, complete loss of sensation, muscle weakness or difficulty moving your hand, you should see a doctor to find out the cause and get appropriate treatment,” says Dr. Chethana D.
