Why Are My Hands Numb?

There can be many different causes for numb hands. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which is a condition involving a pinched nerve in the wrist, is one of the most common reasons. Typically, with this condition, you’ll feel numbness or tingling in thumb, index, middle and ring fingers.

Here are five other reasons your hands may be numb:

1. Compression Neuropathy: This means there is pressure on a nerve, which can happen from an injury or other medical condition. In addition to numbness, it can cause weak or twitchy muscles. The location of the compressed nerve can vary, resulting in a variety of different symptoms. Learn more.
2. Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition can commonly occur in people with diabetes, alcoholics, older individuals or individuals who were poisoned from metals or industrial compounds. It typically causes constant numbness in a general area.
3. Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder that causes pain all over the body. People with this condition can be more likely than others to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which in turn may cause numb hands.
4. Myofascial Pain Syndrome: This condition can be similar to Fibromyalgia. While the symptoms of pain are typically in the neck and shoulder, it can also cause numb hands and forearms.
5. Medications: Cancer treatment drugs are an example of medication that can cause numbness and tingling in the hands.

If you’re experiencing numbness in the hands, visit a hand specialist as soon as possible. The earlier you can determine the cause of the problem, the higher your chances of successful treatment. Your hand surgeon may run some tests, including x-rays, MRI or nerve tests, to determine what may be causing your numbness. There’s a chance that your surgeon may refer you to another specialist such as a neurologist, rheumatologist or pain management specialist.

To find a hand surgeon near you, visit www.findahandsurgeon.com, a tool from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.