Everything You Need to Know About Numbness in Hands

Numbness in Hands (NIH) can be understood as a lack of sensation or feeling in the hands, which can stem from various causes. If left unaddressed, it can lead to potential problems with loss of grip strength and fine motor skills. In some cases, the numbness may be temporary and may go away without intervention. However, certain cases may necessitate medical attention. For instance, your hands may go numb as a result of multiple sclerosis, a serious autoimmune disorder. The costs of dealing with such a critical disease are huge, emotionally as well as financially. Opting for health insurance online can help in such scenarios by providing much-needed financial support.* Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under health insurance policy. As important as it is to buy a health insurance plan, it is equally vital to be aware of any medical issues you face. With that in mind, let’s take a detailed look at the symptoms, causes and potential treatments of NIH.

Causes of Tingling in Hands

Numbness or tingling in the hands can be brought about by various elements, all of which bring about different complexities with other health conditions. For instance, one of the causes of numbness in hands is nerve compression in carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve is pinched at the wrist. While this causes paresthesia, medically described as tingling in the hands, there are several reasons beyond what most of us know. Other factors for knowing what causes numbness in hands include:

1. Peripheral Neuropathy: Diabetes affects nerves, causing a tingling and numb sensation in the hands and feet.
2. Autoimmune Diseases: In diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, there is inflammation and damage to the peripheral nerves.
3. Neurological Disorders: Such diseases include multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease where the transmission of nerves will be affected, and it causes numbness in some parts of the body.
4. Alcohol Use Disorder: The neurological damage from alcohol can cause nerve damage, which can lead to a tingling sensation in the hands.
5. Exposure to Chemical Toxins: These include heavy metals like lead and mercury, whose chemical compositions interfere with nerve function.
6. Infections: Some viral or bacterial infections can affect the nerves, leading to temporary or permanent issues with sensation leading to conditions that cause tingling in hands and feet.

Symptoms of Numbness in Hands

Even though the term is self-explanatory, there may be other symptoms you might experience alongside, such as:

1. Sensations of tingling and burning
2. Weakness or heaviness in your hands
3. Trouble coordinating or with fine motor skills
4. Difficulty holding onto objects/gripping objects
5. Pain/discomfort in hands or wrists

As mentioned earlier, these can be a sign of multiple causes. Let’s look at them now.

Why Your Hands May Be Going Numb

You may be experiencing NIH for a variety of reasons, some of which can include:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Pressure on the median nerve in the wrist (usually due to repetitive activities) can lead to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.

Raynaud's Disease

This condition narrows blood vessels in the hands and feet, causing reduced blood flow, which can further lead to numbness, paleness, and pain.

Peripheral neuropathy

Damage to nerves in the peripheral nervous system can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and feet.

Diabetes

Long-term high blood sugar due to diabetes can lead to numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Hypothyroidism

When the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, it can lead to numbness, weakness and tingling in the hands.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

This vitamin is crucial for nerve health, and a deficiency can result in nerve damage, resulting in numbness of hands or other parts.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when there is an interruption to the blood supply to the brain. Even though NIH is not a sign of emergency, it may be a symptom of a stroke in some cases.

Multiple sclerosis

As mentioned earlier, multiple sclerosis can lead to NIH. It causes damage to the nerve fibres due to which one may experience numbness in various body parts.

Lupus

An autoimmune disease like lupus can cause nerve damage and weakness in the hands, along with joint pain, rashes, headaches, and fatigue, among others.

Lifestyle factors

Repetitive motions, poor posture, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to numbness by causing circulation problems and nerve damage. Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Keto Diet

Treatments for Numbness in Hands

Here are some solutions for when your hands go numb, depending on the severity of the underlying cause:

Conventional measures 

Certain measures such as rest, stretching exercises, and physical therapy can relieve numbness symptoms by reducing the pressure on nerves and encouraging blood flow to the affected area.

Medications

Pain relievers, anti-convulsant drugs, muscle relaxants, and antidepressants may be recommended to alleviate symptoms. These should be taken strictly under prescription by a medical practitioner.

Surgery

It may not be the first course of treatment, but surgery may be needed in severe cases. Some surgeries may be relatively low risk, such as carpal tunnel surgery.

Alternative modes of treatment

Given the diverse causes of hand numbness, alternative treatments, such as heating pads, ultrasound therapy, massage therapy, immobilization through wearing a brace, Botox injections, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and so on, may help.

Home Remedies for Temporary Numbness

Temporary numbness of hands often responds to simple home remedies. Gentle stretching and flexing exercises improve circulation and relieve pressure on nerves. Other numbness in hands treatments are:

1. Warm Compress

Apply a warm compress or soak hands in warm water to loosen muscles and get the blood flowing, which could help alleviate numbness.

2. Massage

Apply warm coconut oil, mustard oil, etc. on your hands and massage them gently. This will stimulate the nerves and the general muscles and relieve you of numb sensations.

3. Hydration and Diet

Drinking plenty of fluids will ensure keeping your body properly hydrated. A diet rich in vitamins, especially B vitamins, should be maintained for the proper health of nerves and to avoid deficiencies that might cause numbness sometimes. Also Read: How to Effectively Manage Diabetes with the Right Diet

When to See a Doctor

If the numbness of the hands is recurrent or accompanied by pain, weakness, or coordination difficulties, it should be addressed at a medical consultation. An immediate doctor's visit is recommended if the numbness develops suddenly or after an injury because it could be an indicator of serious conditions such as stroke or nerve damage. For persistent or worsening symptoms, diagnosis and management should be done to prevent long-term complications. Health insurance for senior citizens can play a crucial role in covering these consultations and treatments, ensuring that the elderly get the care they need without financial strain.

Preventing Numbness in Hands

Preventing numbness in the hands is primarily about proactive measures to protect nerve health and ensure proper hand function. Here's how you can effectively reduce the risk of experiencing hand numbness and address how to cure numbness in hands at the same time.

1. Follow ergonomic practices at work or home and when you do repetitive tasks, since this is one of the top reasons for numbness in hands. Ensure proper ergonomic keyboards when typing. Support your wrists by using cushions, and ensure your seat is centred in a position that allows you to sit as straight as possible.
2. Taking breaks and stretching in the middle of long periods of repetition reduces the stress on the nerves and muscles; it helps in proper circulation and loosens hands, wrists, and arms.
3. Nutrients play an important role in nerve health. Ensure you eat enough of the following B vitamins, particularly B12 and B6, which are essential for nerve integrity and function.
4. Blood circulation is improved with regular exercise, which can be beneficial to the nerves. Exercises like yoga and other stretches can specifically improve the flow of blood to the extremities.

Diagnosis of Numbness in Hands and Feet

Diagnosing numbness in hands and feet involves a combination of physical examinations, patient history, and diagnostic tests. Here’s how medical professionals proceed:

1. Blood Tests: These are crucial to check for underlying conditions that can cause numbness, such as diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, and thyroid disorders.
2. Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies: EMG tests measure the electrical activity present in your muscles and nerve conduction studies measure how fast and effectively nerves can send electrical signals. These tests help pinpoint damage or dysfunction in nerves and muscles.
3. Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs can be used to look for physical blockages or abnormalities in the bones and tissues that might be pressing on nerves.
4. Specialist Referral: Depending on the findings, a referral to a neurologist or a rheumatologist might be necessary for further specialised assessments.

Importance of Health Insurance for All-Round Protection 

From the above points, one can say that even small issues, such as hands going numb, can be an indicator of serious, underlying health problems. It takes a good amount of time and finances to treat serious diseases. Hence, one should take preventive measures, such as buying health insurance online. The right health insurance plan covers hospitalisation as well as road ambulance charges, day-care procedures, organ donor expenses, convalescence benefits, and so on.* One should also renew health insurance on time to continue enjoying its benefits over the long run. Sometimes, people hesitate to buy health insurance due to the costs involved in the process. However, health insurance is a vital part of financial planning, and one should look at it as an investment.* Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under health insurance policy. You can also plan as per your budget by getting an estimate of the premium using the health insurance calculator.

FAQs

Is there a cure for numbness in the hand?

Numbness in the hand may be treated by addressing its cause, such as nerve compression or underlying conditions. Physical therapy, medication, or surgery might help depending on the diagnosis.

What can I do at home to treat numbness in the hand?

Some natural treatments you can administer at home include exercises to enhance circulation in your limbs, hot compresses applied behind the neck and on your hands to relax stiffness and ease pain, as well as abstain from movements and positions that might worsen your condition.

Is numbness a serious problem?

Persistent numbness is very rarely serious but always a good idea to check with a medical professional to diagnose the root of the problem.

When should I be worried about numbness?

Be concerned if there is pain or weakness that comes with the numbness that happens with no apparent cause.

Are there any home remedies for temporary numbness?

Yes, massaging the affected area, ensuring proper ergonomics, and applying heat may help relieve temporary numbness.

How can numbness in hands be prevented?

Avoid numbness by managing risk factors, using ergonomic tools and equipment, and taking regular breaks from repetitive activities. *Standard T&C apply. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.