Hand numbness is a common issue, often resulting from awkward sleeping positions or prolonged pressure on the elbows. This temporary loss of sensation in the fingers, hand, or arm usually resolves on its own within minutes and may be accompanied by tingling or a “pins and needles” feeling. While it’s usually not a cause for concern, it’s crucial to pay attention if the numbness is accompanied by additional symptoms or starts affecting your daily life. Persistent or worsening numbness can signal underlying issues that may need medical attention.
A range of medical conditions can damage the nerves responsible for hand sensation, with carpal tunnel syndrome being a common example. To effectively address your hand numbness and regain your comfort, it’s essential to identify the root cause. Act now by scheduling a consultation at FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute with our expert orthopedic specialists in hand, elbow, and wrist care.
Common Causes of Numbness in Hands: What You Need to Know
As previously noted, identifying the causes of hand numbness is essential for effective management and treatment. Here are some of the most common reasons you might experience numbness in your hands:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This common condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist, becomes compressed. It commonly results in numbness and tingling in the fingers and hand.
- Cubital tunnel syndrome: Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, this condition involves compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, leading to numbness and tingling in the hand.
- Sleeping Posture: Your sleeping position can place pressure on your hands, leading to numbness when you wake up. This temporary reduction in blood flow can result in a sensation of numbness or tingling, often referred to as “pins and needles.”
- Ganglion Cyst: These noncancerous lumps, which form along the joints or tendons in the wrists or hands, can exert pressure on nearby nerves. This pressure can lead to numbness or tingling in the hands.
- Trauma to the Hand or Arm: Severe injury to the hand or arm can damage or sever the nerves responsible for detecting sensation. This type of trauma can lead to significant numbness or loss of feeling in the affected area.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Damage to the peripheral nerves, commonly resulting from diabetes, can lead to numbness in the hands and feet.
How FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute Can Help Alleviate Your Hand Numbness: Expert Solutions and Care
At FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute in Fremont, we recognize that hand numbness can be both confusing and uncomfortable. This unsettling sensation, often described as “pins and needles,” may indicate underlying issues, particularly if it’s persistent, worsening, recurring, or accompanied by weakness or pain. While hand numbness can be common, it can also signal more serious conditions. If you’re concerned about this sensation, it’s crucial to seek medical advice to rule out any serious underlying health problems.
If you’re in the Fremont area and dealing with troublesome hand numbness, don’t wait for it to get worse. Take control of your health by scheduling a consultation at FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute. Our expert team is dedicated to diagnosing the root cause of your symptoms and creating a personalized treatment plan just for you. If necessary, we’ll connect you with a specialist for advanced care. Give us a call at (510) 480-3700 or fill out the contact information today.