Numbness in the fingers or other areas of the hand may signal a serious medical condition. Decreased feeling within the fingers affects an individual's ability to perform daily tasks. Additional symptoms might include numbness spreading to other areas of the hand and "pins and needles" or burning sensations. Individuals experiencing lack of sensation and chronic numbness in the fingers should seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis. According to MayoClinic.com, emergency medical treatment is suggested if finger numbness begins to radiate to other areas such as the arm, especially if this symptom is accompanied by paralysis and confusion, as these may be signs of a stroke.
Broken Finger
A fractured or broken finger causes numbness as well as tenderness, swelling and the inability to move the finger. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a fractured finger may lead to numbness and other serious complications if proper treatment is not received. A finger fracture typically takes six to 10 weeks to heal. Treatment includes the application of a splint to properly align the fractured finger. During this time, numbness should subside as the finger heals.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a medical condition associated with numbness of the finger. The carpal tunnel is a small, tube-like structure that runs along the inside of the wrist. The tube is responsible for protecting and holding the main nerve of the hand and associated tendons. Pressure exerted on the nerve produces symptoms such as tingling and finger numbness, typically linked with carpal tunnel syndrome. According to MayoClinic.com, numbness associated with carpal tunnel syndrome is often felt in the middle fingers, index and thumb fingers. The pinkie finger is rarely affected. Finger numbness is commonly felt after sleeping, driving and holding a book or newspaper. Additional symptoms include general weakness in the hands and radiating pain within the fingers.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Nerve damage, a condition also known as diabetic neuropathy, causes numbing and tingling within the fingers and other extremities of the body. This condition occurs when blood vessels attach to nerves in the hands of a person with diabetes. As a result, blood vessels are damaged and blood sugar levels escalate. The American Diabetes Association reports that nearly half of diabetic patients suffer from nerve damage in the hands and other parts of the body. In addition to finger numbness, additional symptoms of neuropathy include hot or cold sensations within the hands. Managing blood glucose levels is important to prevent neuropathy, reports the American Diabetes Association.
