Tingling in the hands is not a pathology, but a symptom , and it is so common to the point that everyone in the course of life has felt it over and over again.
The fact that this annoying manifestation is so common indicates that, in most cases, it is not a symptom to worry about but simply the consequence of a compression of the nerves and blood vessels.
Tingling in the hands and fingers is paresthesia , which is an alteration in the sensitivity of an area of ​​the body that manifests itself as numbness , a sensation of itching and reduced sensitivity and soreness.
A small distinction can then be made on the possible causes based on the affected hands :
- Right hand : in most cases the tingling is due to a prolonged incorrect position (typical is the case of those who work for a long time using a non-ergonomic mouse for the computer), to the assumption of an incorrect posture and to neck pain;
- Left hand : for the left hand the same causes as for the right are taken into consideration and to these is added the possibility that heart disease is at the origin of the tingling.
This small distinction is based on pure statistical criteria, it certainly does not constitute an element of diagnosis, but simply an address for orienting diagnostic tests.
As mentioned in most cases, this sensation manifests itself as an isolated episode, of short duration and which can be resolved as soon as the triggering cause (mostly a compression due to incorrect postures) is gone: typical is the case of tingling in the hands at night. .
Sometimes, however, if the phenomenon occurs frequently and without mechanical triggering causes it can be the symptom of a more serious pathology, mainly at a neurological or cardiological level, even if, as we will see later, the pathological causesthey are very heterogeneous.
When to see a doctor
If the tingling sensation in the hands is sporadic and transient, there is no reason to be alarmed. If, on the other hand, the sensation persists for a long time, is associated with changes in the temperature of the hands or occurs frequently without apparent causes, then it will be necessary to speak to your doctor and be directed to appropriate specialist visits.
Let’s get right into the heart of the problem and deepen all the causes that hide behind such a frequent disorder.
What are the most common causes of tingling in the hands
There are non-pathological causes, the most common and which have no repercussions on the general state of health, and pathological causes , rare but varied.
The diagnosis , therefore, is not a simple and immediate matter and may require in-depth checks based on diagnostic suspicions collected during the medical history and physical examination.
Let’s see in detail what are the main causes of tingling hands .
Non-pathological causes
The sensation of tingling and numbness in the handsthey are mainly due to phenomena of compression of nerves and blood vessels when assuming incorrect positions or when excessive physical effort has been made by lifting weights.
It is very common to have the sensation of a “dead hand” (sore and cold) upon waking, because during the night one can easily assume positions that compress the blood vessels, not allowing normal blood flow.
Often the tingling is a consequence of hand fatigue , as in the example cited of using a mouse for the computer depending on whether you are right-handed or left-handed. In this case, the tingling usually extends to the arm and shoulder as well .
Tingling in the hands is common in women during pregnancy, this is because hormonal fluctuations cause water retention and this compresses the vessels and nerves. Especially the medial nerve. In the event of pregnancy, tingling occurs in all four limbs.
Stress, anxiety and neck pain lead to postures in which the muscles of the shoulder and arms are compressed, therefore the muscles are in a prolonged state of tension, and this, as in the cases seen up to this point. , causes greater pressure on the nerves and vessels with the relative sensation of numbness.
Finally, it is also worth mentioning that some classes of drugswhich antibiotics and anesthetics lead to limited paresthesia over time.
We now pass to an overview of the pathological causes .
- Neurological: these include a wide range of pathologies affecting the peripheral nervous system, associated with specific symptoms. If the tingling is localized to the first three fingers of the hand (thumb, index, middle finger) and is accompanied by less force, it is possible that it is carpal tunnel syndrome , due to compression of the median nerve which is part of the brachial plexus. If, on the other hand, the sensation is limited to the fourth and fifth fingers of the hand (ring and little fingers) then the hypothesis supports an inflammation of the ulnar nerve , also part of the brachial plexus .multiple sclerosis must also be included, a disease that leads to the progressive destruction of the myelin sheath that lines the nerves that allows for correct transmission of the nerve impulse. When the myelin sheath is damaged there is a transmission defect that leads to fatigue and paraesthesia. Paresthesias are a very common symptom among multiple sclerosis sufferers, so it is recommended not to underestimate the problem if it persists;
- Cervical : as previously mentioned, cervical pains can also be responsible for the tingling sensation in the fingers , due to compression phenomena on the already clarified vessels;
- Cardiological: Sudden and persistent tingling in the left hand which also radiates to the left leg and which is associated with nausea and vomiting can be symptomatic of a heart attack. In this case, we invite you to request medical intervention as quickly as possible;
- Circulatory: in these cases the tingling is likely to be attributed to the decrease in the caliber of an artery that radiates from the arm to the hand or to a lowering of blood pressure which leads to a lower flow of blood to the tissues. And then the Rayanaud phenomenon is characteristic, which leads to vasoconstriction in case of cold-hot temperature changes. The fingers take on a typical pale or bluish color due to the reduced blood flow that reaches them;
- Thyroid: tingling in the hands is also found in the case of a disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in which there is reduced function of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and paresthesias in the hands and feet;
- Diabetes: neurological repercussions that lead to paraesthesia in both hands and feet are frequent.
Let’s now analyze what are the main therapies we have available for the treatment of tingling in the hands .
What therapies exist
The therapies must be adapted to the clinical condition of the patient, the cause of the paresthesias and the coexistence of any other pathologies. Therefore, your prescription must be entrusted and managed exclusively by a doctor after having carried out all the necessary analyzes.
He is wary of looking for possible treatments or medications on the internet and of contacting your doctor in case of frequent paraesthesia and accompanying other symptoms.
Usually the treatments are pharmacological and act on the pathology triggering the symptom, while the symptom itself is successfully treated with cortisone anti-inflammatory drugs.
As regards, however, tingling caused by fatigue or carpal tunnel, we proceed to an adequate physiotherapy or the use of a brace and, in the case of carpal tunnel syndrome, a surgical intervention to remove the problem is evaluated. .
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