Often described as feeling like pins and needles pricking the skin, tingling and numbness in the fingers and hands is a common sensation. Tingling can be felt anywhere, but the U.S. Library of Medicine notes that the most common place to feel tingling and numbness is in the extremities, including the hands and fingers. There are many causes of tingling in the hands.
Nerve Pressure
Pressure on a nerve causes the tingling sensation in hands in fingers. The nerves may be in the arm or legs, back or neck. Sitting too long in the same position causes tingling in extremities. Other examples of nerve pressure include injury to the bones or vertebra near nerves, herniated disk, scar tissue on nerves or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). The Cleveland Clinic notes that tingling hands is a common symptom of CTS, a result of pressure on the nerve in the tunnel of the base of the palm.
Viral Infections
Certain viral infections cause tingling in the hands. According to the Neuropathy Association, many viruses cause nerve problems and tingling in the hands. Shingles--Herpes zoster--associated with chicken pox, Epstein Barr Syndrome, HIV, Lyme disease all cause tingling in the extremities including the hands.
Diabetes
Nerve problems in the hands develop from peripheral neuropathy. The National Diabetes Clearing House notes that diabetic neuropathies are nerve disorders and nerve damage caused by diabetes. Over time, some diabetics develop tingling and loss of feeling in the hands and other places in the body. Thirty percent of peripheral neuropathy is attributed to diabetes.
Other Causes of Tingling
Tingling in the hands is a common symptom of many disorders and illnesses. The University of Chicago's Center for Peripheral Neuropathy explains that sometimes the cause of tingling is unknown. This type of tingling is called idiopathic neuropathy. The Center also notes that other causes of tingling in the hands include certain medications, blood flow problems, frostbite, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, heredity and inflammation of the hands.
Warning
Occasional tingling is normal but a person should check with the doctor if tingling and pain in the hands is frequent or continuous. Other unusual symptoms include pain in the forearm or neck with tingling hands, frequent urination, rashes, dizziness or spasms in the muscle with tingling. A health care professional should evaluate any unusual or excessive symptoms of tingling hands.
