Tingling in the fingers may result from a variety of causes and conditions. This numbness may affect just a slight portion of one finger or your entire hand, while the degree of numbness may range from slightly annoying to disabling. While some types of numbness resolve on their own, others may require medical tests and treatments. Determining the cause of numbness in your fingers can help you and your doctor determine the best method of reducing or alleviating this uncomfortable sensation.
Sensation
Numbness in your fingers may begin as a slight loss of sensation. Other symptoms, such as pain, tingling and weakness may accompany the numbness. The symptoms may start suddenly or begin very gradually, worsening over time.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A common cause of finger numbness, carpal tunnel syndrome involves the median nerve in your wrist. Repetitive movements can cause swelling in ligaments and tendons, compressing this nerve. The swelling can create feelings of numbness along the thumb and first three fingers. People most likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome include individuals who work in assembly lines, as well as those who use computers or play musical instruments. Certain injuries and diseases may also cause this syndrome.
Other Causes
In addition to carpal tunnel syndrome, other conditions can create the feeling of numbness in the fingers. These causes include bone fractures, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis and stroke. Additional symptoms may point to one of these other causes. Obtain medical help immediately for numbness that occurs suddenly, involves your entire arm, or includes severe head pain, weakness and dizziness.
Diagnosis
Your doctor may need to perform certain tests to determine the cause of your numb fingers. In addition to questioning you about your work habits and hobbies that may require repetitive movements, he may take x-rays of your wrist, perform nerve conduction velocity and electromyography. These tests will allow him to determine the health of your nerves and view the inner portions of your wrists and fingers.
Treatments
Treatments for your numb fingers depend on the condition responsible for this symptom. In cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor may advise you to alter your position when performing certain movements. He may also recommend wearing a splint and using hot or cold compresses to relieve the pressure. Finger numbness caused by other conditions, such as arthritis or obesity, often require treating the disease to minimize the sensation of numbness.
