Numbness of the extremities is a common symptom in many diseases. This condition is characteristic of persons leading a sedentary lifestyle. Often numbness occurs during sleep, in this case, most often we are talking about a pinched nerve and, as a result, impaired blood circulation. If you move the limb, then everything passes. But if this happens on a regular basis, then it is better to undergo an examination and exclude the presence of any disease.
Nature of pain
According to the nature of pain during numbness of the left hand, we can assume the presence of a number of diseases. If these are short-term pains that are relieved with a light massage and restoration of limb mobility, then most likely you should not worry. If we are talking about short-term but regular numbness, then it is better to consult a doctor, especially if the pain is constantly disturbing.
There is a high probability that there are problems with the central nervous system, heart or other chronic diseases. If the left hand is completely numb, then this is an occasion to call an ambulance crew.
Categories
Conventionally, all causes of numbness of the left hand can be divided into three categories:
- Household, that is, arising against the background of inactivity or when sleeping or sitting in an uncomfortable position. These are the safest reasons that do not require medical intervention.
- Medical, that is, paresthesia is a symptom of another disease.
- Injury, that is, the condition occurs against the background of an injury to a limb.
Household reasons
Circulatory disorders in the limbs can also occur with:
- Excessive pressure on the muscles. It can be tight clothes or too heavy a burden.
- Bad posture in a dream. Paresthesia is longer in time, therefore, not only the muscles of the hands suffer from circulatory disorders.
- Occupational diseases. The likelihood of tingling and numbness of the left hand or right is high among pianists, needlewomen and programmers, that is, persons whose activity is associated with overstrain of tendons and muscle tissue.
- Prolonged retention of arms above the head. In this case, the heart muscle simply cannot provide normal circulation to the limbs.
Medical reasons
No matter how hard it is to admit, but in most cases, the causes of numbness of the left hand are precisely pathological changes in the body:
- Avitaminosis. Such a temporary condition of the body can also be the cause of paresthesia. Vitaminosis can be determined by the deterioration of the condition of hair and nails, stomach problems and a decrease in immunity are possible. Numbness can be observed not only in the left hand, but also in other limbs.
- Atherosclerosis. Due to the appearance of cholesterol plaques, normal blood circulation is disturbed. If the problem occurs in the elbow or shoulder zones, then, accordingly, the hand goes numb. Over time, the natural color of the limb is lost, working capacity decreases, up to complete atrophy. Atherosclerosis is characterized not only by numbness, a feeling of goosebumps may appear, fingers, as a rule, are constantly cold.
- Osteochondrosis. With the advanced form of the disease, nerve channels are drawn into the process, which partially or completely block the work of the limbs. The lower cervical region is responsible for the work of the left hand. Numbness begins with the thumb. The condition is accompanied by dizziness, increased blood pressure and blurred eyes.
- Hernia of the intervertebral disc. Unlike osteochondrosis, pressure on the nerve canals is made by a hernia. The disease is often accompanied by severe pain in the lumbar region, a neglected condition can lead to a complete loss of motor function.
- Diabetic neuropathy. In the absence of proper treatment and non-monitoring of the level of sugar, the development of nerve degeneration is possible.
- Carpal tunnel problems. This syndrome is characteristic of office workers. The hands are constantly in an uncomfortable position, as a result, tendons and the median nerve swell . Often tingling is attached to elective paresthesia.
- Raynaud's disease. This pathology is associated with a malfunction of small vessels. They are responsible for the blood supply to the limbs. Paresthesia in this case manifests itself periodically, maybe on both hands, or maybe only on one. Kidney disease. Against the background of the chronic form of pathology, there is an accumulation of nitrogen compounds, other harmful substances in the blood, which leads to a gradual decrease in the sensitivity of nerves.
Preinfarction condition
Perhaps this cause of numbness of the left hand can be called the most dangerous. As a rule, everything starts with the little finger and ring finger. There are pains in the region of the heart, extending to the left hand. Dizziness, anxiety, up to panic, are observed.
In the presence of such symptoms, you should immediately contact a medical institution. Timely assistance provided gives hope for the prevention of heart attack.
Injuries
As a result of injury, numbness of the left hand very often appears. However, it is not necessary that the left arm is injured. Paresthesia can occur against a damaged spine, neck, or shoulder joint.
In such cases, in addition to numbness, acute pain in the arm, cyanosis of the limb can be observed.
Fingers of the left hand
Violation of the sensitivity of the fingers on the left hand can speak of some diseases, most often problems with the musculoskeletal system, and problems with the heart and blood vessels.
Pointing. If paresthesia is observed on this finger, then this is an occasion to check the level of sugar in the blood, maybe diabetes is already developing.
Large. Most often, unpleasant sensations in this area indicate that there are problems in the intervertebral region, possibly in the neck or thoracic region. As a rule, numbness is accompanied by weakness in the hand.
Average. Problems with this finger most often indicate the development of osteochondrosis in the cervical spine, or rather, that the 7th vertebra is damaged. Numbness of this finger can speak of strong physical exertion or, conversely, of low mobility and improper nutrition.
Nameless. Problems on this finger may indicate developing dystrophy of the wrist nerve. Another problem is possible - compression of nerves in the elbow joint. Along with these causes, paresthesia on the ring finger may indicate problems with the heart and blood vessels.
Little finger. Most often, this is a "bell" that there is heart failure. Treatment of numbness of the little finger of the left hand requires a serious approach and examination. It is also necessary to pay attention to other symptoms characteristic of heart diseases, these can be jumps in blood pressure.
Simultaneous numbness of the legs and arms on the left side
Often there is simultaneous numbness of the left arm and leg. The reasons mainly lie in the area of problems with the nervous system, perhaps the vessels are affected or there are systemic pathologies.
The root cause of the simultaneous numbness of the arm and leg is a stroke or brain tumor. With a stroke, there is a violation of cerebral circulation, in parallel with paresthesia, there is a violation of motor activity in the entire left part of the body.
If paresthesia is observed in the area of the foot and fingers, then, most likely, there is an intervertebral hernia in the lumbar region. A characteristic symptom is another tingling sensation. Often, numbness of the leg occurs against the background of varicose veins or with thrombosis. Radiculoneuritis is characterized by numbness of the toes, possibly spinal tuberculosis or osteochondrosis. Malignant neoplasms in the spinal cord can also cause leg complications that begin with paresthesia.
Simultaneous numbness of the left arm and leg can occur against the background of a traumatic brain injury. Such a symptom may not appear immediately, and it is associated with the development of a hematoma, or indicates the onset of hemorrhage.
In persons suffering from migraines, headaches are often accompanied by numbness. The reason may be a nervous state, this is characteristic of overly emotional people. Treatment in this case involves the use of sedatives, and perhaps even a course of treatment by a psychotherapist will be enough.
Loss of sensation in the leg and arm can occur against the background of encephalitis, that is, an inflammatory process in the brain. Numbness is characteristic of patients with multiple sclerosis.
When to go to the doctor?
The logical question is, when should treatment for numbness of the left arm begin, at what point should I see a doctor? Of course, if the discomfort is caused by fatigue or overwork, then you should not worry. If the condition persists for a long time, worsens, and pain only intensifies, then you should immediately consult a doctor. If there is complete numbness of the hand that occurred spontaneously, then you should immediately go to a nearby medical facility.
Treatment
There are as many ways to treat numbness of the left hand as there are reasons for this ailment. In any case, the doctor will be forced to prescribe a series of examinations. As a rule, these are MRI, blood and urine tests, x-rays and ultrasound. Treatment begins only after an accurate diagnosis. Most likely, the course of treatment will consist of immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases, physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed. The main thing is not to neglect such an alarming symptom.
Regardless of the causes of numbness of the left hand, treatment involves a complete cessation of smoking. In the presence of such a problem, nicotine is the cause of spasm of blood vessels. For the same reason, you will have to give up alcohol and strong coffee, tea.
Folk remedies
To alleviate the condition in traditional medicine, there are several ways. You can make contrasting baths. It will take two containers, pour warm, almost hot water into one, and cold into the second. The left hand is alternately lowered into one, then into the other bath. The procedure should be repeated at least 5 times, then it is recommended to smear your hand with turpentine ointment and put on a mitt. Perform the procedure for 10 days.
You can use honey or camphor ointment to wrap. You should smear your hand and put on a glove for the night. You can also use marsh rosemary, which is filled with apple cider vinegar (1 to 3). Rub the hand with tincture for 1 week, 3 times a day.
Prevention
Regardless of the causes of numbness of the left hand, you should never forget about exercise and proper nutrition. It is necessary to minimize the use of foods with a high salt content, spicy foods. It is better to eat fruits and vegetables, greens. It must not be allowed to freeze; items made of natural materials should be worn. If you work in the office, you should definitely take breaks and stretch your limbs in order to prevent swelling.
In the presence of osteochondrosis, in addition to taking anti-inflammatory drugs, it is recommended to undergo a massage course. At home, you should do a warm-up, tilting the head to the sides to reduce the load on the cervical spine.
As a preventive measure, it is recommended to use sprouted grain, to consume more hot dishes. The diet should have more foods containing iron. Do not forget about physical activity, you can do light jogging or skiing.
If numbness occurs against the background of nervous strain, then you can do yoga and try to always be a cheerful person.