A short-term and rarely occurring sensation that the hands are numb does not always indicate the presence of a disease. In such cases, the condition, as a rule, is the result of compression of blood vessels and nerve bundles, which causes a violation of blood supply. Often hands grow numb and from carrying heavy bags, prolonged work with limbs raised up, improper sitting posture, tight clothing. The release of the tightened area helps to restore blood circulation and eliminate an unpleasant symptom.
Why are my arms and legs numb?
Regular appearance of discomfort in the limbs may indicate the presence of a serious ailment. The most common diseases in which the hands go numb include lowering blood sugar, hormones of the genital and thyroid glands, as well as an insufficient amount of B-vitamins and disorders of mineral metabolism. To determine the exact cause, a medical examination is necessary.
A decrease in blood sugar content can be triggered by diabetes mellitus, diseases of the digestive tract with insufficient absorption, pancreatitis. A thyroid disease (hypothyroidism) causes a decrease in the amount of thyroxine. A decrease in the level of sex hormones always accompanies the period of menopause, gynecological diseases in women and urological ailments in men. Inadequate absorption, severe illness, or malnutrition causes a lack of minerals and vitamins.
Second place after metabolic causes is occupied by diseases of the musculoskeletal system. As a rule, in such cases, the hands become numb due to pinching of blood vessels and nerves. A very common cervical osteochondrosis or hernia of the intervertebral discs provokes pinched nerve fibers. When joint changes are detected, ligamentous apparatus disorders are also observed, which leads to the development of pain in the shoulders, neck, arms and numbness. As practice shows, pinching occurs on the one hand.
Less commonly, the cause of numb hands, especially at night , is vascular disease. So, a sensation can be triggered by a disorder in the blood supply to the limbs. The main factors negatively affecting the terminal blood vessels in the hands are nervous strain and cold. Numbness of the fingers also occurs with poleuropathy (damage to small nerve fibers). Sensations that occur more often at night indicate, as a rule, heart disease.
To restore blood supply in many cases, just shake your hands, squeeze several times, unclench your fists. In addition, a warm-up for the fingers will help ease the condition.
As preventive measures to prevent metabolic disorders, it is advisable to take vitamin and mineral complexes. Physical activity will help prevent circulatory disorders and maintain joint mobility. It should be noted that regular morning exercise is very beneficial for the state of the body as a whole. However, exercise should not be replaced by work. Since during the morning exercise all muscle groups are involved. While at work, as a rule, movements are stereotyped.
In the absence of serious health problems with the periodic occurrence of numbness in the limbs, it is recommended to review the mode of rest and exercise. In addition, emotional stress should be excluded. To maintain the overall tone of the body, it is advisable to attend a massage course. In some cases, the doctor may recommend nicotinic acid injections. It helps restore blood supply in small-caliber vessels.