Numbness of the fingers is considered an abnormal sensation, which is often accompanied by tingling and can occur both in case of hypothermia, and is considered a sign of a serious, life-threatening condition. Often it is accompanied by a feeling of detachment and a decrease in the emotional background, which is considered a sign of depression.
Periodic bouts of tingling and numbness can occur in the presence of serious health problems, in particular, such as migraine attacks or neurosis. Also, a similar condition can occur during attacks of fear caused by an event that threatens life.
Main reasons
Among the most common causes of numbness in the fingers are the following:
- osteochondrosis;
- Raynaud's disease;
- thrombosis;
- polyneuropathy.
With prolonged work at the computer, people have carpal tunnel syndrome. In the case of the development of such a violation, severe swelling of the fingers is observed up to a painful condition.
In Raynaud's disease, blood circulation in small vessels is disturbed and numbness is observed. People with this disease are very often susceptible to various infections. In the cold, your fingers begin to freeze immediately, turn white. One of the most dangerous conditions is blockage of the vessels of the brain. Tingling and numbness of the fingers suggests that a stroke is possible. At the same time, a person experiences discomfort in only one hand, as well as a severe headache and increased pressure.
Many people experience loss of sensation and numbness of the toes. Among the main reasons for this may be not too comfortable shoes, lack of vitamins, the presence of intervertebral hernia. Numbness of the toes can be associated with problems such as:
- diabetes;
- atherosclerosis;
- squeezing nerves;
- spinal problems;
- neoplasms.
In case of often recurring discomfort, you should definitely contact your doctor for diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Cardiovascular disorders
Numbness of the fingers can be triggered by a violation of the flow of blood to a specific area. This is mainly observed in conditions such as:
- deep vein thrombosis;
- Buerger's disease;
- frostbite.
In addition, peripheral arterial diseases, in particular, such as vascular atherosclerosis, in which their constriction occurs, can be distinguished among the main provoking factors.
Neurological disorders
Numbness of the fingers as a result of nerve compression can be associated with diseases and disorders such as:
- brain tumors;
- alcoholism;
- encephalitis;
- heavy metal poisoning;
- multiple sclerosis;
- neuropathy;
- hypothyroidism.
Among the provoking factors, tumors or brain injuries, myelitis, stroke, as well as a lack of vitamins can also be distinguished.
Orthopedic disorders
Numbness of the fingers can also occur due to the presence of minor or dangerous orthopedic diseases that can lead to damage to nerve endings. These include such as:
- bone fracture;
- neck injury;
- damage to the carpal tunnel;
- hernia of the intervertebral disc;
- osteoporosis;
- pinched nerve.
Also among the main causes of discomfort should be noted degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc. All these conditions require special attention and complex treatment.
Other reasons
Numbness of the fingers is a sign of so many disorders, as well as various diseases. This symptom can be present both in the patient and in a completely healthy person.
Among one of the causes of finger numbness at night, one can distinguish an uncomfortable position of the body during sleep. The mechanism of loss of sensitivity and muscle control is associated with the squeezing of the main arteries that feed the soft tissues. Often, only the hand that experienced the greatest weight and insufficient blood flow is numb.
Sensory impairment in the extremities may occur due to the presence of diabetes. An increase in the concentration of glucose in the blood leads to the formation of certain toxic substances in the body. With long-term course of diabetes, they lead to metabolic disorders in nerve cells, in particular in the extremities.
Numbness of the fingers can occur due to alcoholism. This is one of the signs of peripheral nerve damage with alcohol and its decay products. With an excess of these substances in the blood, the glucose level decreases, and the work of nerve cells slows down a little. Initially, sensitivity disappears in the area of the hands and feet with a gradual progression.
With increasing pressure in some cases, quite unusual manifestations can be observed. Often, numbness of the fingers, pain in the lower back, and visual impairment are observed in people who have suffered a brain stroke. This is due to increased permeability of the walls of the vessels of the brain, resulting in swelling.
Numbness and tingling in the hands can occur in the event of chronic anemia. In addition, tachycardia, shortness of breath, deterioration of health during physical exertion can be attributed to such violations. The mechanism of the problem is associated with a lack of oxygen entering the nerve fibers.
The most common cause of simultaneous numbness in the arms and legs is stress. The reaction of the body to this rather dangerous factor can be completely different. In addition, similar symptoms can occur in case of intoxication of the body with various substances. In addition, there is a change in reflexes, clouding of the mind, vomiting.
Numbness during pregnancy
Numbness and tingling of the fingers during pregnancy can be physiological or pathological. Throughout the entire period of pregnancy, many changes occur in the woman’s body that help ensure the best conditions for the development of the fetus. One of them is the centralization of blood circulation, which is especially pronounced in pregnant women with anemia. As a result, the skin looks paler. In addition, the limbs begin to numb sharply when cooled, and their intensity is usually the same in both hands.
Some pregnant women develop carpal tunnel syndrome, which may be due to fluid retention in the body. As the fetus develops, water accumulates, the tissues swell, including in the wrist area. In addition, there is a squeezing of the median nerve.
The most pronounced signs of tunnel syndrome in the morning, since the accumulation of fluid in the body occurs at night. Basically, this condition disappears on its own after delivery.
It is important to note that such manifestations are characteristic only for the initial stage of pregnancy. After some time, increased production of blood cells occurs. In addition, the occurrence of numbness can develop as a result of a certain disease. The diagnosis of these pathologies does not differ from the standards, however, treatment implies the impossibility of using certain medications, as they are contraindicated in pregnancy.
Numbness in children
There are many reasons why children may experience numbness in different parts of the body. Lack of vitamins and minerals, malnutrition can lead to numbness in the limbs. This is mainly due to a lack of B vitamins.
Various sports injuries can also lead to numbness. That is why parents should pay special attention to the complaints of the child for numbness of the limbs, which can last for several minutes. This may be a sign of damage to the tendons, ligaments or bone fractures. Often in childhood, anxiety should cause numbness of the face and lips.
Main symptoms
Numbness in the extremities is often associated with painful sensations or may be additionally accompanied by other sensory disturbances, such as tingling and burning sensations. In strokes, a violation of motor activity and speech can also be observed.
Depending on the provoking factor, numbness can disappear very quickly or is observed for a long time. In any case, if a similar problem is observed frequently or discomfort continues for several minutes, then you should definitely seek qualified medical help. Among the main symptoms that can provoke numbness, it is necessary to highlight such as:
- burning sensation;
- Anxiety
- numbness and tingling while walking;
- pain in the lumbar region;
- frequent urination
- muscle spasms;
- rashes;
- increased sensitivity to touch.
Some of these signs may indicate the presence of serious pathological conditions. This must be taken into account by the doctor when conducting medical manipulations.
Diagnostics
If finger numbness is observed, what to do in this case can only be determined by the attending doctor. With complaints, you need to contact a neurologist or traumatologist. To determine for what reason the numbness occurred, you need to contact a doctor for a diagnosis, which includes:
- roentgenography;
- tomography;
- ultrasound diagnostics;
- dopplerography;
- electroencephalography;
- electrocardiography;
- laboratory tests of blood and urine.
After diagnosing and determining the causes of numbness, the patient is sent for treatment to an appropriate specialist. After this, complex therapy is prescribed, which is aimed at eliminating the underlying disease that provoked discomfort.
Treatment features
Violation of tactile sensations is only a sign of a certain disease, which is why the treatment of finger numbness is aimed at eliminating the underlying disease, which provoked a deterioration in well-being. If the reason lies in heart problems, then a cardiologist needs to be monitored, as numbness can be a sign of a stroke or heart attack. In this case, urgent medical care and hospitalization are required.
In the presence of polyneuropathy, you need to contact a neurologist. After a comprehensive diagnosis, the doctor prescribes treatment. The complex includes the use of medications, physiotherapy, as well as manual therapy.
Physiotherapeutic Techniques
With the occurrence of various diseases, drug therapy is aimed at eliminating puffiness, pain, as well as normalizing blood circulation. An important role in the treatment is played by exercises for numbness of the fingers, as well as physiotherapy. They help restore affected tissue.
In particular, electrophoresis with medications can be prescribed, which helps to eliminate pain and inflammation in the soft tissues and joints with arthrosis and arthritis. Magnetotherapy sessions, laser and ultrasound exposure, and amplipulse can also be useful.
Massage and gymnastics will help restore the sensitivity of the fingers. There are many different exercises that guarantee a very good result. It is enough to perform only a few simple exercises, consisting of squeezing and unclenching hands.
Folk remedies
The treatment of finger numbness with folk remedies is widely used, which help to eliminate discomfort and improve well-being. To enhance blood circulation in the limbs, rubbing the oil-pepper mixture is prescribed. It is prepared from 50 grams of ground black pepper mixed with 0.5 liters of vegetable oil, then everything is boiled for half an hour.
Also, warm pumpkin porridge should be applied to the entire limb. After this, the compress must be wrapped with polyethylene, and on top with a warm scarf.
Eliminate inflammation will help tincture on vodka sabelnik, nettle and wormwood, taken in a ratio of 1: 2: 2. 200 grams of plant material should be insisted on a liter of vodka for 20 days in a dark place. The medicine should be used as a grind. Before using traditional medicine, you should consult a doctor.
Prophylaxis
To prevent the occurrence of numbness, certain preventive measures must be followed. With prolonged work at the computer, as well as maintaining a sedentary lifestyle, it is imperative to periodically perform simple exercises.
It is important to monitor your well-being and in case of illness, be sure to consult a doctor for treatment. In addition, it is not advisable to allow hypothermia, excessive physical exertion and injury should be avoided.