The 7 most frequent causes of numbness in the hands, which should never be ignored
It will certainly have happened to many of you to feel a tingling sensation in your hands, particularly in some of your fingers or extended towards the palm.
Tingling can happen at night, probably due to sleeping in an uncomfortable position for too long, but also at any time of the day.
Many of you will know that the tingling is due to a temporary alteration of the normal blood flow: but if it occurs often, then it is better to investigate the reasons behind this unpleasant sensation.
Here are 7 principal reasons why our hands often fall asleep.
NB: The advice we give you can NEVER replace the opinion of a doctor or the pharmacological treatments that a doctor can prescribe you for a specific pathology.
- 1. Carpal tunnel syndrome: This is a very common disorder in people who perform repetitive tasks with their hands (musicians, programmers, office workers, etc...). Over time the tendons can become inflamed causing numbness.
- 2. Venous thrombosis: This happens when a blot clot slows blood flow, preventing oxygen and other nutrients from reaching the peripheral limbs properly.
- 3. Anemia or diabetes: In situations where there is severe or prolonged anemia, or maladjusted insulin secretion (diabetes), circulatory problems occur (especially microcirculatory) which can cause tingling and numbness.
4. Stroke: This is the most dangerous cause of numbness in the hands. It is a premonitory symptom that should alarm you if it occurs in a severe form or in conjunction with other symptoms of a stroke (sudden confusion, facial asymmetry or drooping, difficulty in speaking or understanding what you hear).
5. Brachial plexus neuropathy: The brachial plexus is the area of the spinal cord that separates into the individual nerves of the arm. Lesions of various kinds in the plexus can lead to numbness and pain localized in the arm and/or shoulder.
6. Cervical osteochondrosis: It occurs following the compression of a nerve (a "pinched nerve"), which in turn causes numbness in the hands, difficulty in coordination, and headaches.
7. Multiple sclerosis: In rare cases tingling in the hands is associated with multiple sclerosis, a disease that sees the alteration of the transmission of nerve impulses.
Consequently, tingling in the hands, when it cannot be traced simply to an awkward position held for too long, needs to be investigated. Therefore, please talk to your healthcare professional to submit to the appropriate examinations.
