Finger numbness, or the loss of feeling or sensitivity in your fingers, can happen for several reasons. Let’s take a closer look.
If you’ve noticed partial or total loss of sensation in your fingers or numbness in your fingertips, it could be due to various causes. In some cases, the numbness might be harmless and resolve on its own. However, if the issue persists, it’s important to consult your doctor to identify the cause and determine the best course of action.
What Causes Numb Fingers?
Nerves in your body are responsible for transmitting messages to and from your brain, when these nerves are compressed, damaged or irritated it could cause numbness.
Several factors can lead to numbness in fingers or numb fingertips, ranging from temporary issues to more serious conditions. If you’re wondering how to get rid of numbness in your fingers, you should see a doctor to determine the cause of your numb fingers.
Some common causes include:
Pinched or Injured Nerves
Nerve compression or injury, often in your neck or shoulder area, can lead to a numb feeling in your fingers or could be the reason why the tips of your fingers are numb.
Diabetes
Nerve damage caused by diabetes can result in numb fingertips.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Inflammation and swelling from arthritis can press on nerves, causing numbness in fingers.
Alcohol Use
Chronic alcohol use can damage nerves, leading to fingers going numb.
Fibromyalgia
The main symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain that does not have a clear cause, but it can cause numb fingers among other symptoms.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon
This condition limits blood flow to your skin and can cause numbing of fingers when they're cold or when you're under stress.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
One of the main causes of fingers being numb is carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a condition where the median nerve that runs from your forearm to your hand becomes compressed around the narrow passageway at your wrist, which is called the carpal tunnel. To find out more information about carpal tunnel syndrome and its symptoms read our blog here.
Why Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Cause Numbness in Fingers?
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness in fingers because it compresses or irritates your median nerve that runs through the narrow passageway in your wrist and restricts blood flow.
What Factors Can Increase Your Risk of Numbness in Fingers Caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing symptoms, such as numb fingertips, caused by carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). These may include:
Repetitive motion
Tasks like typing, scrolling on your phone, or playing games can put strain on your wrist, leading to fingertip numbness, and could increase your risk of developing CTS over time.
Your job
Those with jobs that involve moving their hands repeatedly are at higher risk of developing CTS. These include office jobs where you type constantly or use a mouse that’s not positioned correctly, or working in construction or engineering where you use tools with your hands, especially those that vibrate.
Health
Certain medical issues and conditions can cause inflammation that affects the tendons around your wrist, such as arthritis or diabetes.
Hormones
Fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause can lead to fingers being numb due to nerve compression.
Previous injuries
Previous wrist injuries can increase the chances of developing fingertips becoming numb from CTS.
Genetics
A family history of carpal tunnel syndrome may mean you have a high chance of developing it.
How is Finger Numbness Diagnosed?
To diagnose your finger numbness, you will need to visit a doctor who will take your medical history and examine your fingers, hands and arms. They may recommend additional diagnostic tests such as:
- Electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve function
- X-Ray to check if any bones many have moved or slipped out of place
- MRI or ultrasound scan to see whether a nerve is being pinched
- Blood tests to help assess if you have conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Can Finger Numbness be Prevented?
Repetitive motions can irritate or damage nerves, increasing your risk at getting numb fingers or CTS. Some tips to avoid these movements include:
- Maintain good posture when using tools, electronic devices or typing on a keyboard
- Take regular breaks from work or activities
- Regularly stretch muscles that you use to reduce tension
How Can Finger Numbness be Treated?
If you're dealing with your fingertips getting numb from carpal tunnel syndrome, it’s important to seek treatment to avoid long-term damage. Here are some ways to relieve CTS symptoms and help prevent further numb feeling in fingers:
Wearing a Wrist Splint
A wrist splint can help keep your wrist straight and relieve pressure on the median nerve, preventing your fingers going numb. Wearing it at night for several weeks may help.
Painkillers
Over-the-counter pain relief can help you manage discomfort associated with numbness in fingers.
Hand Exercises
Specific hand exercises may help ease your CTS symptoms including reducing the numbing of fingertips by relieving pressure on the nerve.
Reduce Triggers
Trying to cut down on things that trigger CTS, such as excessive scrolling on your phone or typing can help reduce numb fingers.
It is important to remember to always seek out a specialist to help diagnose and provide the appropriate treatment for finger numbness.
Treatment for Finger Numbness at Ramsay Health Care
If you’re experiencing persistent numb fingertips or constantly wondering why your fingers are numb, you may have CTS, and you should seek a professional diagnosis and treatment plan. At Ramsay Health Care UK, we aim to offer you the best care at one of our local hospitals and have experienced orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists who are specialists in treating hand and wrist conditions. We can also help with the diagnosis of symptoms such as numb fingers with a range of diagnostic tests and options for onward referrals to specialists if necessary.
Contact us today to learn more about hand and wrist treatments, including carpal tunnel treatment options available at your nearest Ramsay hospital.