Hand numbness is a common condition that can be caused by various factors. It can be an occasional nuisance or a chronic problem that requires medical attention. In most cases, hand numbness is not a serious condition and can be treated easily.

Here are some of the common causes of hand numbness.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand through a narrow passageway in the wrist, gets compressed.

The compression of the nerve can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects people who perform repetitive hand movements, such as typing, sewing, and playing musical instruments.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that results from damage to the nerves that carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. The damage to the nerves can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet.

Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by a variety of factors, such as diabetes, chemotherapy, and infections.

Blood Flow Restriction

Restricted blood flow to the hands can cause numbness and tingling. This can occur when the blood vessels in the hands become constricted due to cold weather, smoking, or other factors.

In severe cases, blood flow restriction can cause Raynaud’s disease, a condition in which the fingertips turn white or blue when exposed to cold temperatures or stress.

Herniated Discs

A herniated disc occurs when the cushion-like discs between the vertebrae in the spine rupture or bulge. This can put pressure on the nerves in the spine, which can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and fingers.

Herniated discs can be caused by wear and tear, aging, and trauma.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints in the body, including those in the hands. Arthritis can cause the joints in the hands to become inflamed, which can compress the nerves and cause numbness and tingling.

Arthritis can be caused by wear and tear, aging, and autoimmune disorders.

Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are small lumps that form on the tendons or joints in the hands and wrists. These cysts can cause pressure on the nerves and blood vessels, which can cause numbness and tingling.

Ganglion cysts can be caused by repetitive hand movements and trauma.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a condition that occurs when the tendons in the hands become inflamed. Inflammation of the tendons can cause pressure on the nerves, which can cause numbness and tingling. Tendonitis can be caused by repetitive hand movements and trauma.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women may experience hand numbness due to the swelling that occurs in the hands and fingers. The swelling can put pressure on the nerves, which can cause numbness and tingling in the hands.

In most cases, hand numbness during pregnancy is temporary and goes away after delivery.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the central nervous system. MS can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and other parts of the body.

MS is caused by an immune system attack on the myelin sheath, which covers the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.

Raynaud’s Disease

Raynaud’s disease is a condition that causes the blood vessels in the fingers and toes to constrict in response to cold temperatures or stress. This can cause the fingers and toes to turn white or blue and become numb or tingly.

Raynaud’s disease can be caused by autoimmune disorders, medications, and other factors.