Hand Numbness?

Why Is Your Arm or Hand Numb?

If your hand gets numb, the cause could range from many things which might include a pinched nerve or carpal tunnel syndrome. No matter the reason, treatments can give you relief as well as get to the root of the problem.

Posture or sleeping on your arm is the most common reason for getting a numb hand or arm is sitting or sleeping in the same position for a long time. That can put pressure on your nerves and cut off circulation which causes your hand and arm to feel asleep. This will resolve with motion and time when the pressure is off of the area.

The carpal tunnel is the passageway formed by connective tissue in the forearm as it travels into the space over the small bones on the palm-side of your wrist. Tendons and your median nerve go through it.

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when inflammation or a narrowing of your carpal tunnel puts pressure on a nerve inside. Repetitive motion, exposure to vibration and genetics play a role in development of this condition. Problems often start gradually. You may feel numbness in your thumb and the three fingers next to it. It can be painful, too. Your hand might feel weak and you might drop things.

If you think you have carpal tunnel syndrome, take breaks during activities. Avoid activities that make your symptoms worse.

See a doctor if these symptoms don't go away and they interrupt your daily activities. Symptoms can also be worse at night. The doctor might recommend a splint, medicine, or surgery. 

If your cartilage, muscles, or tendons put too much pressure on a nerve, it may cause the nerve to become pinched. This can cause numbness. An injury or overuse can cause a pinched nerve. Sometimes it's due to health problems like arthritis or caused by conditions which cause swelling in the region of nerves. Carpal tunnel is a form of pinched nerve – but nerves can be pinched in front of the elbow, to the side of the elbow or in the neck and cervical spine.

If a pinched nerve occurs you may develop a sharp aching or burning pain or "pins and needles" or muscle weakness . If symptoms persist see your physician.

Migrainescan start with an “aura” which can affect vision or cause numbness in an arm or both arms and can actually mimic a stroke. Changes in vision, blind spots, muscle weakness or speaking difficulties can be caused by migraines. If numbness is caused by an aura it should be followed by your typical headache. If this does not occur – please seek medical attention immediately.

Diabetes causes gradual damage to nerves and can cause a neuropathy or a condition where nerves are affected.  This typically follows a glove pattern where hands (and in fact feet) become symmetrically numb.  Tingling, burning, sensitivity and weakness can all occur similarly to carpal tunnel syndrome.  Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur in the presence of diabetes.

Neurologicalconditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatologic diseases, medications (such as chemotherapy for cancer) can all cause numbness.

Stroke and Heart attacks can also cause arm weakness or numbness and should always be considered if symptoms come on suddenly in the appropriate situation. If this is the case call 911.