Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common cause of numbness in hands. This condition happens when the median nerve gets squeezed in your wrist. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, it affects about 3 to 6 percent of adults and causes tingling, pain, and numbness in your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.

Hand numbness can be scary when it happens to you. But understanding the causes can help you get the right treatment. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about why your hands go numb and what you can do about it.

Understanding Hand Numbness

What Causes Your Hands to Go Numb?

Hand numbness happens when nerves in your hand, wrist, or arm get damaged or pressed on. Think of your nerves like electrical wires that carry messages between your brain and your hands. When something blocks these messages, you feel numbness or tingling.

There are three main nerves in your hands:

• Median nerve – Controls your thumb, index, middle, and part of your ring finger
• Ulnar nerve – Controls your pinky and part of your ring finger
• Radial nerve – Controls the back of your hand and thumb

When Should You Worry About Numb Hands?

Most hand numbness is not dangerous. But you should see a doctor if you have:

• Numbness that doesn’t go away after a few days
• Weakness in your hands
• Trouble using your fingers
• Numbness that keeps coming back
• Pain along with the numbness

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: The Number One Cause

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most prevalent focal mononeuropathy, constituting 90% of all neuropathy cases. It happens when the median nerve gets squeezed as it passes through a narrow space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel.

The incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome is 1-3 cases per 1000 subjects per year; prevalence is approximately 50 cases per 1000 subjects in the general population, according to research published in Medscape. This makes it by far the most common reason for hand numbness.

Signs You Might Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The most common signs include:

• Numbness and tingling in your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers
• Pain that gets worse at night
• Weakness when gripping things
• Dropping objects without realizing it
• Burning or aching in your hand and wrist

Many people first notice symptoms when they wake up. The numbness might be worse after activities like typing, driving, or holding a phone.

Who Gets Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

CTS is more prevalent in females than males, with a 3:1 female-to-male ratio. You’re more likely to develop it if you:

• Are between 40 and 60 years old
• Do repetitive hand movements at work
• Have diabetes or thyroid problems
• Are pregnant
• Are overweight
• Have arthritis

How to Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

For mild cases, you can try:

• Wearing a wrist splint at night
• Taking breaks from repetitive activities
• Doing gentle hand exercises
• Using ice packs to reduce swelling

For more serious cases, your doctor might suggest:

• Steroid injections
• Physical therapy
• Surgery to release pressure on the nerve

Other Common Causes of Hand Numbness

Diabetes and Nerve Damage

About one-third to one-half of people with diabetes have peripheral neuropathy, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. High blood sugar can damage nerves over time, causing numbness that usually starts in the feet but can affect the hands too.

About 60% to 70% of all people with diabetes will eventually develop peripheral neuropathy, although not all suffer pain. The good news is that keeping blood sugar levels under control can prevent or slow this nerve damage, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Not getting enough vitamin B12 can damage your nerves and cause numbness in both hands and feet. A person is diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency if the amount of vitamin B12 in their blood is less than 150 per mL, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

This problem is more common in:

• Older adults (over 60)
• People who don’t eat meat
• Those who have had weight loss surgery
• People taking certain medications

Pinched Nerves in Your Neck

Sometimes the problem isn’t in your hand at all. Nerves that control your hands start in your neck. When these nerves get pinched, it can cause numbness that travels down your arm into your hand.

This often happens due to:

• Arthritis in the neck
• Herniated discs
• Bone spurs
• Poor posture

Other Nerve Problems

Cubital tunnel syndrome affects the ulnar nerve at your elbow. It causes numbness in your pinky and ring finger. You might notice it more when your elbow is bent.

Guyon’s canal syndrome also affects the ulnar nerve but closer to your wrist. It causes similar symptoms but might also make your grip weaker.

When Hand Numbness Might Be Serious

Heart Problems

Sometimes numbness in your left arm and hand can be a sign of a heart attack. A heart attack may cause tingling and numbness in one hand, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This usually comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating.

Stroke

Stroke symptoms occur suddenly and will only affect one arm. If you suddenly lose feeling in one hand along with face drooping, trouble speaking, or weakness on one side of your body, call 911 right away.

Autoimmune Conditions

Diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis can cause nerve damage that leads to hand numbness. These conditions need special treatment from a doctor.

How Doctors Figure Out What’s Wrong

Physical Exam

Your doctor will check:

• How well you can feel touch in different areas
• Your muscle strength
• Your reflexes
• Signs of muscle wasting

Special Tests

Nerve conduction studies check how fast signals travel through your nerves. Electromyography (EMG) tests how well your nerves control your muscles.

Blood tests can check for:

• Diabetes
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Thyroid problems
• Signs of infection or inflammation

Imaging Tests

Sometimes doctors need X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to look for:

• Bone problems
• Pinched nerves
• Tumors
• Other structural issues

Treatment Options That Work

At-Home Remedies

For mild numbness, try:

• Resting your hands and avoiding repetitive motions
• Gentle stretching exercises
• Wearing wrist splints
• Applying ice to reduce swelling
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers

Medical Treatments

Depending on the cause, doctors might recommend:

• Prescription medications for nerve pain
• Steroid injections
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy to learn new ways to use your hands

Surgery

Surgery is usually a last resort but might be needed for:

• Severe carpal tunnel syndrome
• Pinched nerves that don’t improve with other treatments
• Structural problems in the wrist or hand

Preventing Hand Numbness

At Work

• Take regular breaks from typing or repetitive tasks
• Keep your wrists straight when typing
• Use ergonomic keyboards and mouse pads
• Adjust your workstation to the right height

General Health

• Control blood sugar if you have diabetes
• Eat foods rich in B vitamins
• Exercise regularly to improve circulation
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Don’t smoke

Warning Signs to Watch For

See a doctor right away if you have:

• Sudden, severe numbness
• Numbness with chest pain or trouble breathing
• Weakness that makes it hard to move your hand
• Numbness that spreads up your arm
• Signs of infection in cuts or sores on numb areas

Living With Hand Numbness

Daily Life Tips

• Use larger grips on tools and utensils
• Wear protective gloves when doing household tasks
• Check your hands daily for cuts or injuries
• Use lukewarm water instead of hot to avoid burns

When to Follow Up

Regular check-ups are important if you have:

• Diabetes
• Ongoing numbness
• Conditions that affect your nerves

Your doctor can monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed.

The Role of Chiropractic and Massage Therapy

Professional care can help with hand numbness, especially when it’s caused by nerve problems in your neck or poor posture. Chiropractic care can help realign your spine and reduce pressure on nerves that affect your hands.

Massage therapy can improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension that might be pressing on nerves. Many people find relief when they combine these treatments with other approaches.

Final Thoughts

Hand numbness is usually caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects millions of people. While it can be concerning, most cases can be treated successfully with the right approach.

The key is to pay attention to your symptoms and get help early. Simple changes like taking breaks at work, wearing a wrist splint, or improving your posture can make a big difference.

Remember that some causes of hand numbness, like diabetes or vitamin deficiencies, need medical treatment. Don’t ignore numbness that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time.

If you’re dealing with hand numbness, consider getting a professional evaluation. Early treatment can prevent the problem from getting worse and help you get back to using your hands normally. Your health and comfort are worth taking seriously.

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of hand numbness.