What causes hand numbness?

Sep 03, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Fan Cungang
Introduction
Hand numbness is mainly caused by improper posture, cold environments, diabetes, cervical spondylosis, and Raynaud's phenomenon. Avoid maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods, such as working with your head down or using a mobile phone for extended durations; instead, take timely breaks and move around to relax the hand joints and muscles. Under a doctor's guidance, perform hand joint exercises such as finger bending and clenching fists to improve blood circulation in the hands and alleviate symptoms of hand numbness.

Generally, hand numbness is mainly caused by improper posture, cold environments, cervical spondylosis, diabetes, and Raynaud's phenomenon. If discomfort occurs, please seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Improper Posture

Maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods—such as extended use of computers or mobile phones—can compress nerves in the hand, leading to numbness. It is important to regularly change positions, perform hand stretching exercises, use supportive wrist pads, and wear wrist braces when necessary.

2. Cold Environment

In low temperatures, the body reduces blood flow to the extremities to maintain core temperature, which may result in hand numbness. Emphasize warmth preservation by wearing gloves and avoiding prolonged exposure to cold environments.

3. Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is caused by poor lifestyle habits, prolonged sitting, and lack of movement. Herniated intervertebral discs or bone spurs in the cervical spine may compress nerve roots, causing the aforementioned symptoms, possibly accompanied by neck pain and shoulder discomfort. Under guidance from a healthcare professional, medications such as dibazol tablets, flunarizine hydrochloride, and Jingkang capsules may be used for treatment.

4. Diabetes

Diabetes is primarily caused by factors such as unhealthy diet and obesity. In diabetic patients, high blood glucose levels can damage the peripheral nervous system, particularly nerves in the hands, resulting in sensory abnormalities and numbness. Symptoms may also include swelling, redness, and tingling. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as Xiaotangling capsules, Shenling Baizhu powder, or Shenling Jiangtang capsules for treatment.

5. Raynaud's Phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition characterized by spasms in the small arteries due to dysfunction of the microvascular system. Blood vessels overreact to cold or emotional stress, reducing blood supply and causing numbness in the fingertips. Symptoms may also include color changes in fingers and tingling sensations. Under a doctor’s recommendation, medications such as nifedipine tablets, diltiazem hydrochloride injection, or prazosin hydrochloride tablets may be used for treatment.

Avoid maintaining the same posture for long periods, such as working with a lowered head or using mobile phones for extended durations. Take timely breaks and engage in physical activity to relax hand joints and muscles.

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