Numbness or Tingling in Hands: Could It Be a Serious Health Issue?

Numbness in your hands is also called paresthesia. It is often caused by a problem with the veins, in which blood does not circulate properly. The problem of numbness in the hands can be mild and temporary. It can occur in one hand or both hands. Sometimes it can also be a sign of a serious medical condition.

Numbness in the hands symptoms:

If numbness or tingling in the hands persists for a long time, you should consult a doctor immediately, as it could be a sign of a serious medical condition.

If you have any of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately:

Gradual numbness or tingling of other parts of the body.
Paralysis
Delusions.
Dizziness.
Difficulty speaking.
Loss of bowel or bladder control.

Causes of Hand Numbness:

Hand numbness is usually caused by damage, irritation, or pressure on the nerves in the arms and hands. There are some diseases (such as diabetes) that affect the peripheral nerves. However, people with diabetes usually experience the symptoms in their feet first.

In some cases, this problem can also be caused by problems in your brain or spinal cord. However, in such cases, there may be weakness or loss of function in the hand. If there is only numbness, it is usually not life-threatening.

There are other reasons why hand numbness can occur that can also be life-threatening…

Heart attack:

If a person is having a heart attack, they or those around them should seek emergency medical attention immediately. If there is no blood flow to the heart, there may be numbness or tingling in one or both arms along with chest pain.

Stroke:

A stroke can occur when there is insufficient blood flow to the brain. This often occurs when a blood clot or an artery in the brain bursts, causing bleeding.

Vasculitis:

Vasculitis can occur when the immune system attacks itself and causes inflammation of the blood vessels.

Raynaud's Disease:

Raynaud is a condition in which parts of the body (especially the hands and fingers) feel numb and cold under certain circumstances.

Fibromyalgia:

This condition affects nerve function and causes chronic pain, which can lead to numbness and tingling.

Spinal cord injury:

A spinal cord injury can cause numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Spinal cord injuries are often caused by falls, motor vehicle accidents, head injuries, and many other causes.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome:

This condition is caused by excessive pressure on the ‘ulnar nerve’.

Cervical Spondylosis:

Cervical spondylosis is also known as osteoarthritis of the neck. This condition occurs when the neck joints or discs are affected.

Vitamin or Mineral Deficiency:

Vitamin B-12 is needed to keep the nerves healthy. Its deficiency can cause numbness in both hands and feet. Apart from this, potassium and magnesium deficiencies can also cause restlessness.

Diabetes:

Diabetes is a condition in which the blood sugar level becomes abnormal. In this, the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly.

Amyloidosis:

In amyloidosis, abnormal proteins build up in healthy tissues, which can impair the function of the affected area. It affects a person's nervous system, kidneys, liver, heart, and digestive system.

Lyme disease:

It is a disease caused by the bite of an insect. The insect transmits a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi to the human body during its bite. It is an infectious condition that affects the nervous system.

Alcohol-related neuropathy:

Drinking alcohol in small amounts is not harmful, but drinking too much can damage the nerves and surrounding tissues. People who drink alcohol sometimes experience numbness in their hands and feet.