What Are The Causes Of Numb Hands?

Dull hands are a common and uncomfortable sensation. The affected part becomes stiff or inflexible and you may feel needles and tingling. What are the causes of numb hands?

This symptom is a reason to go to the doctor. Its origin is very varied and therefore it can be difficult to establish a correct diagnosis. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about numb hands and what is the most common cause of this phenomenon.

What happens when your hands are numb?

The numb hands, as I explained, represent a change in sensitivity in this part of the body, which can no longer move. The sense of touch is affected and it is difficult for you to move your fingers.

Sometimes, in addition to needles, you may have a burning or tingling sensation. Depending on the cause of the numbness, it can only be located on the fingers, one hand or both.

One of the causes of numb hands can be low temperature, which is quite common and usually without long-term consequences. However, according to a study conducted in Sweden, the most common pathology is carpal tunnel syndrome. This research explains that 1 in 5 people who experience this symptom is affected by carpal tunnel syndrome.

What are the causes of numb hands?

Dull hands can be caused by several factors. A systematic pathology that occurs in the upper limbs or a nerve injury (for example, by compression or damage) can lead to numb hands.

There may also be a problem with the brain or bone marrow, as both organs coordinate sensations and mobility. These lesions are usually severe and show obvious or disabling symptoms.

Metabolic or infectious diseases, as well as certain medical treatments, can lead to numb hands. In the following sections of this article, we will explain in detail what are the main causes of numb hands.

Any pathology that affects the nervous system, especially in the hands, can cause numbness (for example, Guillain-Baré syndrome, a disorder in which the immune system attacks nerve cells). According to a study published in the Postgraduate Journal of the Vla Chair of Medicine, numb hands are one of the first symptoms of nervous system problems.

Cervical spondylosis is also a cause of numb hands, because it involves the wear of the vertebral discs, from where the nerves that go to the extremities begin their journey.

In this category, we find carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve is compressed. This is a nerve that runs from the forearm to the fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, numbness, cramps and stings.

Other syndromes and injuries can lead to numbness of the hands. For example, ulnar tunnel syndrome leads to compression of another nerve. The same happens when the brachial plexus is damaged after an accident.

The end of the nerve is tight or compressed. The brain misinterprets messages coming from compressed neurons and sends signals of tingling, pain and even paralysis to the hands.

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bite of certain ticks. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, if you do not treat yourself in time, you will end up with numb hands.

Another infectious pathology that can cause numbness of the hands is syphilis. Similar to the previous disease, if the treatment is delayed, the nervous system suffers as the disease progresses.

Many disorders can lead to nerve damage. The result is loss of mobility and sensitivity. Diabetes is one of the main culprits. It produces diabetic neuropathy which, according to the University of California, is directly related to numbness of the hands.

Alcohol consumption, amyloidosis and multiple sclerosis are also chronic processes that affect the upper limbs. Although cancer is not the most common cause of numbness in the hands, chemotherapy treatment uses a combination of pharmaceuticals that can cause side effects.

Anecdotal evidence blames the lymph nodes. These are cysts that frequently appear on the joints, such as the wrist. If they grow too much or press on a nearby nerve, they lead to numbness.

Vasculitis restricts blood flow to the palm and fingers. Vasculitis causes inflammation of the walls of the arteries, which subsequently reduce the ability to carry blood. Therefore, less oxygen reaches the tissues, which causes damage.

When should I go to the doctor?

If you notice numbness in your hands, you should see a doctor. He will perform a complete physical examination and complementary tests to reach a diagnosis.

As we have seen together, the causes of numb hands are varied and there may not be a clear resolution at first. It may take several approaches to clarify which disorder is affecting you. But don’t worry, most causes have a solution.