Numbness or tingling in your hands is a common problem that affects many people. In most cases, it is not a serious condition; however, it can be a sign of an underlying medical problem. The following are some of the reasons why your hands may be numb:.
1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common cause of hand numbness that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, is compressed or pinched.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness, tingling, weakness and pain in the affected hand and can be worse at night.
2. Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that affects the way your body regulates blood sugar. It can cause nerve damage or peripheral neuropathy, which can lead to numbness in the hands and feet.
In severe cases, it can lead to muscle weakness and even paralysis if not treated promptly.
3. Poor Circulation
Poor circulation can be a cause of hand numbness, especially if you have Reynaud’s phenomenon, a condition that causes the blood vessels in your fingers and toes to constrict when exposed to cold or stress.
The reduced blood flow can lead to numbness, tingling, and even pain in your hands and feet.
4. Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve, also known as a compressed nerve, occurs when too much pressure is placed on the nerve due to an injury, repetitive motion or a chronic illness.
The common symptoms of pinched nerve include numbness, tingling, weakness and pain in the affected area, which can radiate to other parts of the body.
5. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system. It can cause damage to the myelin sheath, which covers and protects the nerve fibers.
The damage to the myelin sheath can result in numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands, feet and other parts of the body.
6. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones needed by your body.
The common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, depression, and in some cases, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
7. Vitamin Deficiency
Vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiencies can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and feet. These vitamins are essential for proper nerve functioning, and a deficiency in these vitamins can lead to neuropathy, a type of nerve damage.
8. Raynaud’s Disease
Raynaud’s disease is a condition that causes the blood vessels in the fingers and toes to narrow when exposed to cold or stress. The narrowing of the blood vessels can lead to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet.
9. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition that occurs when the blood vessels and nerves in your neck and shoulder are compressed or pinched due to injury, poor posture, or repetitive motion.
Common symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands.
10. Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a condition that affects the cervical spine in your neck. It is caused by wear and tear of the bones, cartilage, and discs in your spine.
The common symptoms of cervical spondylosis include neck pain, stiffness, numbness, and weakness in the hands.