Numbness and pain in the hands and fingers is most often caused by injury or pressure to a peripheral nerve that runs from the arm to the hand. The pressure on the nerve can cause pain signals or a loss of blood supply to the hand that results in the numbness. Numbness and pain can be symptoms of a minor condition or a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The median nerve is a nerve that runs from the forearm into the hand and controls sensations of the palm and fingers as well as muscle impulses that control movement in the fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when increased pressure is placed on the nerve as a result of inflammation of nearby tendons. Increased pressure and inflammation can occur a result of genetics, injury to the wrist, repetitive motions and arthritis. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include pain, numbness and weakness in the hand and fingers, according to MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health. Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually treated with a combination of medications and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be required to cut the median nerve and relieve symptoms.
Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's disease is a condition in which small arteries spontaneously narrow, resulting in decreased blood circulation to the affected areas. The most commonly affected areas include the hands, fingers, toes and tip of the nose. The cause of Raynaud's disease is unknown, but blood vessel constriction usually occurs in extremely cold temperatures or during times of increased stress. Symptoms of Raynaud's disease include cold fingers and toes, skin color changes and numbness, tingling and pain in the hands, fingers and toes, according to the MayoClinic.com. A combination of different medications is usually an effective treatment for Raynaud's disease. In severe cases, nerve surgery may be required.
Stroke
A stroke occurs as a result of a lack of blood flow to the brain or the bursting of a blood vessel in the brain, which causes blood to spill over the brain. When these situations occur, brain cells cannot receive oxygen and they die. A stroke usually occurs as a result of chronic high blood pressure, blood clots, heart problems and diabetes. Symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body that is often felt in the arm, hands and fingers, sudden confusion, trouble speaking, vision problems, trouble walking, dizziness and severe headache, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Medications are often used to treat physical problems associated with a stroke, such as high blood pressure. Physical and occupational therapy are also used to regain normal brain and body functions.
