Numb hands can be a common and unpleasant sensation. The affected part of the body becomes stiff or can not bend and you may feel that your pins and needles are piercing.
It is often a reason to visit the doctor. The problem is that its origins are very diverse and, hence, Achieving a correct diagnosis can be difficult. in this article, We will explain everything you need to know about hand numbness and what is the most common cause.
What happens to numb hands;
The numb hands, as we explained, have to do with a change in sensitivity and movement in this part of the body. The sense of touch is distorted and it is not easy to move your fingers.
In many cases you may feel a burning or tingling sensation. Depending on the cause of the numbness, can only be found on the fingers, in one hand or in both.
One reason for numb hands may be the cold, which is quite common and usually has no lasting consequences. However, according to a study conducted in Sweden, the most common pathology is carpal tunnel syndrome. This research explains that 1 in 5 people who experience this symptom are likely to be affected by this syndrome.
Causes of numb hands
Numb hands can be caused by many different reasons. A systemic pathology that occurs in the upper extremities or nerve injury (for example from compression or damage), can lead to such a feeling.
However, there may also be a change in the brain or bone marrow, as both are organs that coordinate emotion and mobility. Having said that, these injuries are usually more severe and present with obvious or disabling symptoms.
Metabolic or infectious diseases, as well as some medical treatments, can lead to this situation. In the following sections of this article, we will explain in detail what are the main causes of this problem.
Pathologies of the brain and nervous system
Any pathology that affects the nervous system and, particularly, damages the area associated with the hands, may cause numbness. For example, Guillain-Baré syndrome. It is a disorder in which the immune system attacks nerve cells.
According to a study published in Postgraduate Journal of the Vla Chair of Medicine, Numbness of the hands is one of the diagnostic symptoms. Cervical spondylosis is also associated with this.
Damage caused by injury or overuse
In this category, we find carpal tunnel syndrome as the main cause. This is where the intermediate nerve is compressed, a nerve going from the forearm to the fingers. This causes pain in the wrist, numbness, cramps etc..
Although it is the main cause, some other syndromes and injuries also lead to this feeling. For example, the cubic tunnel syndrome. A different nerve is compressed here. The same thing happens when the arm grid is damaged after an accident.
The final mechanism ends in a common path that is tightened or compressed. The brain misinterprets signals from compressed neurons and sends signals for tingling, pain, even paralysis of the hands.
Infectious diseases that cause numbness in the hands
Lyme disease is an infection caused by ticks. According with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if not treated in time, you are likely to experience numbness.
Another infectious pathology that can cause this symptom is syphilis. Similar to the previous disease, if you delay your treatment, damages the nervous system as it develops.
Chronic disorders
Many disorders can lead to nerve damage. The result of such disorders will be that the movement of the limbs changes. Diabetes is one of the most important and common problems. Produces diabetic neuropathy that, according to the University of California, is directly related to numbness of the hands.
Alcohol consumption, Amyloidosis and multiple sclerosis are also chronic processes that affect the upper extremities. Although cancer is not the most common disease that causes it, Chemotherapy uses a combination of medicines that can cause side effects.
Other possible causes for numb hands
Another possibility is the ganglia of the wrist. These are cysts that often appear on the joints, as in the wrist. If they grow too big or push on a nearby nerve, lead to numbness.
From the other side, vasculitis restricts blood flow to the palm of the hand and fingers. Vasculitis causes inflammation of the arterial walls which then reduces their ability. This, therefore, means less oxygen reaches the tissues, which causes damage.
When to see a doctor;
If you notice numbness in your hands, you must see a doctor. They should be able to perform a physical examination and complete the tests to arrive at a diagnosis.
as we saw, the causes vary and are possible, at the beginning, there is no clear solution. Many different approaches may be needed to determine which disorder is affecting you. But do not worry, most causes have a solution.
Source: meygeia.gr
