Why Do We Feel Numbness In Hands?

 



Numbness in hands is not a cause for concern but it could be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome or a side effect of medications. Numbness could be due to several reasons which are discussed below. 


  •  Sign Of Stroke?

In case of a hand numbness it could indicate a stroke. Immediate medical treatment is required if sudden weakness or numbness is felt in arms, legs and specially if it is there on one side of the body. One feels trouble in speaking or understanding others, confusion is felt, face starts drooping down, signs of sudden trouble are seen in one or both the eyes, sudden dizziness as well as loss of balance is there or even severe sudden headaches are there. This requires an emergency and a good treatment at this time can save one's life. 


  • Deficiency of Vitamin Or Minerals
Vitamin B 12 is of utmost importance to keep the nerves healthy. Deficiency of such supplements can lead to numbness in hands and feet as well. Also, lack of potassium and magnesium deficiency can lead to numbness. Symptoms of Vitamin B 12 deficiency are discussed as follows-
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Jaundice
  • Trouble in walking or balancing
  • Difficulty in thinking straight
  • Hallucinations

  • Medications
 Nerve damage is a side effect of drugs that treats everything right from cancer to seizures. It can affect hands and feet. 

  • Antibiotics like Metranidazole (Flagyl), Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) and Fluoroquinolones (Cipro).
  • Anticancer drugs like Cistaplin and Vincristine. 
  • Antiseizure drugs like Phenytoin (Dilantin).
  • Heart or blood pressure drugs like Amiodarone (Nexterone) and Hydralazine (Apresoline).
Other symptoms include tingling, abnormal feelings in hands and weakness.

These medicines shall be prescribed under the guidance of the doctor and from the best online medical app in India to avoid any complications.

  • Slipped Cervical Disc

Discs are soft cushions which separate the bones of the spine. A tear in the disc lets the soft material in the disc lets the soft material squeeze out in the middle. This is known as slipped disc. The damaged discs puts the pressure and irritates the nerves of the spine. A slipped disc can also cause weakness in the arm or leg.

  • Raynad's disease

This disease occurs when the blood vessels narrows and prevents the blood from reaching to the hands and feet. The lack of blood makes the fingers and toes go numb, cold, pale and painful. 

  • Cubital Tunnel
The ulnar nerve runs form the neck till the hand on the pinkie side. The nerve becomes compressed and overstretched at the inner aspect of the elbow. Doctors consider it as Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. This happens to be the same area when one must have hit the funny bone. Syndrome causes symptoms like hand numbness, tingling, in the ring and pinkie finger. 

  • Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a type of arthritis which affects the discs in the neck. It is caused by wear and tear of the spinal bones. The damaged vertebrae presses the nearby nerves which causes numbness in the hands, arms and fingers.  People with cervical spondylosis may cause

  • weakness in the arms, hands, legs and feet.
  • headaches
  • popping noise when one moves the neck
  • loss of balance and coordination
  • muscle spasms in neck and shoulders
  • low control over bowels and bladder.

  • Epicondylitis
Lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow is caused by a repetitive motion. Thus repeated motion tends to damage the muscles and tendons in the forearm. It causes weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands specially in the pinkie and ring fingers. In case of significant swelling in this area causing dysfunction in the ulnar nerve.

  • Diabetes
People suffering from diabetes have a problem in moving sugar from the bloodstream to the cells. Thus, high blood sugar form a longer time can lead to nerve damage known as diabetic neuropathy. It has symptoms which include burning, pins and needles feeling, weakness, pain and loss of balance. 

  • Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks one's own organs and tissues like joints, heart, kidney and lungs. Pressure from inflammation damages the nerves that can lead to numbness and tingling in hands. Symptoms like rash on the face, fatigue, joint pain, sun sensitivity, headaches, confusion, vision problems can come up.

Outlook

Numbness in hands is thus not serious but if it comes with additional symptoms then an immediate call tot he doctor should be made. Otherwise it could lead to some serious health threatening diseases.


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