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A sudden onset of numbness and tingling sensation in the hands is an uncomfortable feeling, especially if it occurs at nighttime or while engaging in a normal daily routine. Although some cases may resolve on their own, frequent and chronic cases may mean that there is something wrong with the nerves. One such condition is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, where the fingers experience numbness or where the tingling worsens at nighttime.
With over 20 years of experience in orthopedics, Dr. Ahmed Shoaib has helped many patients understand what they might be suffering from with their symptoms of numbness and tingling in the hands.
The issue of chronic numbness in the hands should not be ignored, as it will lead to weakening, muscle wasting, and nerve pain due to irritated nerves. Hand numbness is a frequent problem and can be effectively treated after establishing the causes of the problem. This blog mentions the causes of numbness and tingling in the hands and their proper treatment.
Numbness is defined as a lack of sensation within the hand or its fingers. Some people describe this condition as though they have a hand that “fell asleep.” In contrast, tingling may appear to be a feeling of very small needles, prickling, burning, buzzing, or an electrical sensation. The term “pins and needles” is medically termed paresthesia.
These sensations can result from disruption of the sensory pathways between the fingers, hands, spine, and brain. They may affect one or both hands, specific fingers, or the entire hand, and can come and go or become more frequent over time. Understanding Carpal Tunnel vs. Arthritis can help distinguish between two conditions that may contribute to similar hand symptoms.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
One of the common factors that cause numbness and tingling in the hand is carpal tunnel syndrome. The compression of the median nerve causes this syndrome. The nerve goes through the carpal tunnel, which is a small passageway in the wrist. This condition is often associated with a gradual onset. It means that initially, the symptoms will be felt at night or during certain tasks involving movements of the wrist. Over time, the frequency of symptoms increases and affects normal activities like holding things or writing.
Ulnar Nerve Compression
The ulnar nerve runs through the elbow joint down into the hand. Compression or flexion of the elbow can affect the nerve. Whereas carpal tunnel syndrome usually affects the thumb-side fingers, irritation of the ulnar nerve is most likely to cause tingling and numbness of the little finger and the area where the ring finger connects to the hand.
Diabetes and Peripheral Nerve Problems
Diabetes may affect nerves in the feet, usually. However, sometimes the hands may also be affected. With the development of nerve damage, the patient might experience burning, tingling, decreased sensation, or increased sensitivity.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Nerves need certain micronutrients to construct and maintain their protective sheath. Vitamin B12 is necessary for proper metabolism and functioning of nerves. Deficiency may lead to gradual numbness in both feet and hands. Other vitamins include Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E, and these lead to toxic neuropathy.
Poor Position or Temporary Pressure
Numbness due to sleeping with the hand under the body, sitting with the hand under the body, and maintaining a particular position of the hand or elbow for a long time may cause temporary pressure on the nerves. Once the pressure is relieved, it restores the normal feeling.
Some questions an orthopedic surgeon can ask are: when the symptoms occurred, which fingers are involved, whether they occur at night or during the day, and whether some activities exacerbate the symptoms. For patients visiting the doctor with hand tingling, the process of nerve testing includes the following:
The physical examination could include assessment of the sensation, muscle strength, reflexes, and movement of the hand, wrist, arm, and neck. Clinical procedures such as Phalen’s Test (holding hands backwards with each other for one minute) and Tinel’s sign (slight tapping on the nerve to cause tingling) determine nerve entrapment.
Based on the possible causes identified, other diagnostic tests could be performed, including nerve conduction studies and EMG tests, which are useful for determining the functioning of the nerves and muscles. Imaging like X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI scans can be performed when the cause is believed to be structural. The focus is not on confirming that the hand is numb but on determining why there is abnormal functioning of the nerve.
From persistent hand tingling to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
Dr. Ahmed Shoaib brings 20+ years of orthopedic experience to help patients find the right treatment and regain comfortable hand function.
Night Splints
Use of a firm splint that keeps the wrist in a straight position when the patient sleeps is aimed at keeping the carpal tunnel wide open and thus preventing nerve compression during the night.
Physiotherapy
Special nerve gliding exercises will ensure smooth passage of the median and ulnar nerves through the tight anatomical structures without being snagged by inflamed tendons.
Addressing the Cause
In the case where the symptoms result from some underlying health conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, or any other diseases, management of that condition becomes an important aspect of treatment.
Activity Modification
If any activities or postures causing symptoms are found, modification may relieve the irritation caused. Regular breaks, avoidance of activities that cause wrist bending, adjustment of working techniques, and avoiding activities that cause symptoms are some of the solutions. For individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome, it is advisable to keep the wrists in a neutral position to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
Anti-Inflammation Treatment
Administration of a short course of NSAIDs or corticosteroids injected into the affected site will quickly help to minimize swelling of the compressed nerves. For example, when the condition is carpal tunnel syndrome, corticosteroid injection helps to relieve symptoms temporarily by reducing the inflammation of the nerve.
When the more conventional forms of treatment fail to relieve symptoms after several months, or the tests reveal damaged nerves, then the patient should go for surgery to prevent permanent damage. In cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, orthopedic surgeons may recommend carpal tunnel release surgery when other treatments do not provide sufficient relief. The procedure creates more space for the median nerve by cutting the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel.
Suffering from the constant state of numbness and tingling in the hands may cause a feeling of disconnection from everyday activities. It may be due to several conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome. But it is something that no one has to endure. The best way to treat such problems is by pinpointing the exact cause of the issue first. For this purpose, it would be wise for patients to have the condition diagnosed by an orthopedic specialist and treated accordingly.
Get expert care for numbness and tingling in hands at Ortho Center, where Dr. Ahmed Shoaib provides orthopedic evaluation and treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome and other hand and nerve conditions. Proper diagnosis, timely treatment, and medical guidance can help manage symptoms and support healthy hand function.
