When your fingertips become numb, it's usually of little concern. Any temporary pinching of the nerves in the arm can cause a similar reaction. However if you experience redness and numbness in your fingertips chronically or for a long period of time, you may have a deeper problem than just an occasional pinched nerve. Ensure that your fingertip redness isn't the sign of a more serious condition before you brush off the symptoms as mild.
Pinched Nerve
When you sit in an unnatural position, rest your arms on something or bend your arms in a certain way, you could experience a "pins and needles" sensation that can make your fingertips feel numb. In this case, you only need to adjust your position so the nerve is no longer pinched and the tingling feeling subsides.
Frostbite
Spending too much time in the cold could cause your body to become hypothermic. MedlinePlus notes that hands, feet and ears prove more likely to be affected by frostbite. When you experience frostbite, your fingers become numb and may even look waxy and white. When you attempt to warm your fingers, they may turn bright red and become painful. It's a good sign that you've only experienced early frostbite. If your fingers become purple or blue and feel numb, you may be experiencing late frostbite and need immediate medical attention.
Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
If you've sustained an injury around the elbow, collarbone or forearm, you may have sustained some serious and permanent damage to the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve is the one commonly known as the "funny bone." You've likely experienced the fleeting sensation of hitting your funny bone, but ulnar nerve entrapment refers to a more permanent sensation due to a damaged nerve. It can make your fingertips feel numb, tingly and even painful, notes the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Raynaud's Phenomenon
Raynaud's Phenomenon tends to affect those who work in colder climates with heavy machinery. The vibration of the machinery combined with frigid temperatures causes numb, red and purple fingertips. Any piece of machinery that vibrates while you operate it for more than five minutes puts you at risk for Raynaud's Phenomenon, warns the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
When you repeat the same nerve-pinching motions again and again, you put yourself at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, says the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes the nerves in the wrists, otherwise known as the carpal tunnel, to become pinched, rendering your fingertips numb. Typing on a computer too often, fluid retention and even carpal tunnel predisposition can all leave you with numb fingertips. Diuretics and anti inflammatory medications can help the symptoms so you're more comfortable.
