17824 Numbness In Hands

Overview

Numbness in your hands means you lose some or all feeling in your fingers, palm, or whole hand. It often feels like 'pins and needles', like your hand has 'gone to sleep', or like you are wearing an invisible glove. It happens when the nerves that carry feeling from your hand to your brain are squeezed, irritated, or damaged, or when the blood supply to the nerves is reduced. Numbness itself is a symptom, not a disease, so the first job is usually to find out what is causing it.

Yes. Numbness and tingling in the hands is one of the most common reasons people visit their doctor or pharmacist. Many of us have felt our hand 'go to sleep' after resting on it, and that kind usually settles within minutes once you move around.

Anyone can get numb hands, at any age. It is more common in people who use their hands a lot for work or hobbies, in people with diabetes, thyroid problems, or low vitamin B12, and during pregnancy. It also becomes more common as we get older, partly because of arthritis and wear on the joints and nerves.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Tingling or 'pins and needles' in the fingers, palm, or thumb side of the hand
• A feeling that your hand has 'gone to sleep' or feels wooden
• Reduced sense of touch, so you may not notice hot, cold, or sharp things
• Burning, buzzing, or shooting feelings in the hand
• Clumsiness, such as dropping things, fumbling buttons, or struggling with small tasks
• Weak grip or a feeling that your hand is not obeying you
• Symptoms that are worse at night or when you first wake up
• Symptoms that get better if you shake your hand or hang it down
• Skin that looks pale, blue, or feels unusually cold in the fingers

Symptoms in children

• Children often find it hard to describe numbness and may just say their hand 'feels funny' or 'buzzy'
• They may become clumsy, drop things, or avoid drawing and handwriting
• Numb hands in children are uncommon and are often caused by pressure, a minor injury, or holding a device for a long time
• Some children get tingling in the hands and around the mouth when they breathe too fast, for example during worry or a panic episode
• Any numbness that keeps coming back, or comes with weakness, should be checked by a doctor

Symptoms in older adults

• Numbness is more common with age and is often linked to arthritis, diabetes, or neck wear and tear
• Symptoms at night that wake you up can point to carpal tunnel syndrome
• Some medicines can cause or worsen numbness, so a medicines review with your doctor or pharmacist is useful
• Older adults may also have poorer balance, so numb feet or hands increase the risk of falls
• Sudden numbness on one side of the body is an emergency at any age, including in later life

Causes

Main causes

• Pressure on a nerve from resting or leaning on your hand or arm, which usually settles quickly
• Carpal tunnel syndrome, where a nerve is squeezed as it passes through the wrist
• A pinched nerve in the neck, which can send numbness down into the hand
• Nerve damage from diabetes, sometimes called diabetic neuropathy
• Low vitamin B12, which can affect the nerves over time
• An underactive or overactive thyroid gland
• Nerve damage linked to heavy or long-term alcohol use
• Side effects of some prescribed medicines
• Raynaud's, where fingers turn white or blue in the cold and then tingle
• Arthritis, old injuries, and scar tissue pressing on nerves
• Fluid retention during pregnancy, which can press on nerves
• Kidney disease, liver disease, and some infections
• Rarely, conditions affecting the brain or spinal cord, such as multiple sclerosis

Risk factors

• Work or hobbies that involve repeated hand and wrist movements or gripping
• Using vibrating tools regularly
• Diabetes or prediabetes
• Thyroid disease
• A diet low in vitamin B12, or a vegan diet without supplementation advice
• Heavy or long-term alcohol use
• Smoking
• Being overweight
• Pregnancy
• Arthritis, previous hand or wrist injuries, or neck problems
• A family history of nerve problems or carpal tunnel syndrome
• Taking medicines that can affect nerves

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Numbness that comes on suddenly, especially in one hand or one side of the body
• Numbness with new weakness, clumsiness, or trouble speaking
• Numbness with a rash, fever, or feeling very unwell
• Numbness that is spreading quickly or getting worse by the hour
• Numbness after an injury to the hand, wrist, neck, or head
• A hand that is cold, pale, or blue and very painful

Book a routine appointment if:

• Numbness that keeps coming back or has lasted more than a few days
• Numbness that wakes you at night or disturbs your sleep
• Numbness that is affecting your grip, handwriting, or daily tasks
• Numbness in both hands, or numbness in your feet as well
• Numbness along with thirst, passing more urine, or weight change
• You have diabetes, thyroid problems, or a history of heavy alcohol use and notice numbness
• You have started a new medicine and developed numbness

Diagnosis

Your doctor will start by asking about the numbness: when it started, which fingers are affected, whether it happens at night, and what makes it better or worse. They will also ask about your health, your work, your medicines, and your family history. Then they will examine your hands, arms, neck, and shoulders, checking your grip, feeling, reflexes, and blood flow. Often this is enough to point to the likely cause. If not, simple tests can help.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests for blood sugar, vitamin B12, thyroid, kidney, and liver function
• A nerve conduction study, which measures how well signals travel along your nerves
• An electromyogram (EMG), a test that checks how well your muscles and nerves are working together
• Ultrasound or X-ray of the wrist or neck
• An MRI scan in some cases, to look more closely at the neck or nerves
• A referral to a specialist, such as a nerve doctor (neurologist) or hand specialist, if the cause is unclear

What to expect at your appointment

Most people need only a conversation, an examination, and a blood test. Tests such as nerve studies are painless apart from small pinpricks, and you can usually go home the same day. Results may take a week or two. Your doctor should explain what they found and what it means, so ask questions if anything is unclear.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. The aim is to take pressure off the nerves, treat any underlying condition, and help you keep using your hands comfortably. Many people improve with simple measures such as changing how they use their hands, wearing a wrist support at night, and physiotherapy. If a health condition such as diabetes or a vitamin deficiency is behind the numbness, managing that condition is the main treatment.

Self-care at home

• Take regular short breaks from repetitive tasks and stretch your hands and wrists gently
• Set up your desk, mouse, and tools so your wrists stay straight and relaxed
• Avoid resting your wrists on hard edges for long periods
• Try a wrist support at night if your symptoms wake you, and ask your pharmacist which type suits you
• Keep your hands warm, as cold can make tingling worse
• Shake your hands gently or hang them down for a moment when symptoms flare
• Avoid tight watch straps, bracelets, or sleeves that press on the wrist
• Check your medicines with your pharmacist to see if any could be contributing
• If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar within the range your care team advises
• Limit alcohol and consider stopping smoking, as both affect nerve health

Medical treatments

Your doctor will first treat any condition that may be causing the numbness, such as diabetes, thyroid problems, or low vitamin levels. Physiotherapy and hand therapy can help with strength, stretching, and daily techniques. Wrist splints, braces, and advice on activity are often used for nerve pressure at the wrist. Some people are offered an injection into the affected area to reduce swelling around a nerve. If pain is troublesome, your doctor or pharmacist can discuss suitable pain relief options for you, including treatments specifically for nerve pain. Surgery is considered only when other options have not worked.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not usually the first step. It may be suggested if a nerve is clearly being squeezed, symptoms are getting worse, and other treatments have not helped. The most common operation is a small release at the wrist to take pressure off the nerve. Most people recover well, but recovery takes time and you will be given advice on caring for your hand afterwards. Your specialist will explain the benefits and risks before you decide.

Living with this condition

Numb hands can make ordinary tasks fiddly, from doing up buttons to holding a hot cup. Slow down a little and use your eyes to check things your fingers might not feel properly, especially with heat, sharp objects, and hot water. Adapt tools with larger handles, use jar openers, and keep things within easy reach. Tell family, friends, and colleagues so they can help when needed, and pace tasks that strain your hands.

Lifestyle tips

• Build gentle hand and wrist stretches into your day, especially before and after repetitive tasks
• Take breaks every 20 to 30 minutes when using a keyboard, phone, or tools
• Keep your hands warm with gloves in cold weather
• Stay active, as movement helps blood flow and nerve health
• Eat a balanced diet with enough vitamin B12, and ask your doctor about supplements if you follow a vegan diet
• Limit alcohol and avoid smoking
• Protect your hands at work with suitable gloves and supports
• Aim for regular sleep, as tiredness makes tingling and pain feel worse

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet helps your nerves. Include sources of vitamin B12 such as meat, fish, eggs, and fortified foods, or ask your doctor about supplements if you do not eat animal products. Whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and healthy fats support general nerve and blood vessel health. Regular activity such as walking, swimming, or cycling improves circulation. Gentle hand exercises, like opening and closing your fist slowly and stretching your fingers, can ease stiffness. Avoid very vigorous gripping exercises if they make symptoms worse.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Long-term numbness or pain can be frustrating and tiring, and it is common to feel anxious or low about it. Sleep can suffer, which makes everything feel harder. Talk to your doctor if your mood or sleep is affected, because support is available and treating these things often helps the numbness feel more manageable. If you ever feel overwhelmed or unsafe, please contact your local crisis support service or emergency services straight away, or speak to a trusted person who can help you get support.

Prevention

Not all causes can be prevented, but many can be reduced. Looking after your general health, protecting your hands at work, and taking breaks from repetitive tasks all help. If you have a condition such as diabetes or thyroid disease, keeping it well controlled lowers the chance of nerve problems. Getting symptoms checked early can stop some nerve problems from becoming long-lasting.

Vaccines

Vaccines do not prevent numbness in the hands. However, some infections can affect the nerves, and keeping up to date with the routine vaccinations your doctor recommends is part of looking after your general health.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening programme for hand numbness. Your doctor may suggest checks for diabetes, thyroid problems, or vitamin B12 levels if you have risk factors or ongoing symptoms, as finding these early makes them easier to manage.

Complications

If left untreated

• Long-lasting nerve damage, which can become permanent if the cause is not treated
• Reduced feeling that makes you more likely to burn or cut your hands without noticing
• Weak grip and muscle wasting in the hand over time
• Problems with sleep, work, driving, and everyday tasks
• Loss of independence in daily activities for some people
• Increased risk of falls if numbness affects your balance or your feet as well

Long-term outlook

The outlook is good for most people. Many cases of numb hands are temporary or improve once the cause is found and addressed, and simple measures such as activity changes, splints, and physiotherapy help a lot. Some people need more time or further treatment, and a small number need surgery. Seeing your doctor early gives you the best chance of a good result, and there is plenty of support available along the way.

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