What causes numbness in the fingers?
Generally, finger numbness may be related to improper posture, cold exposure, tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, and other causes. It is recommended to visit a hospital to determine the exact cause and follow medical advice for treatment. The analysis is as follows:
1. Improper posture: Maintaining the same posture for a prolonged period, such as extended computer use, mobile phone usage, or driving, may compress the hand nerves and cause finger numbness. In such cases, finger numbness typically improves after changing posture.
2. Cold exposure: In cold environments, exposure to cold may cause peripheral blood vessels to constrict, slowing blood circulation and resulting in finger numbness. Keep your hands warm and avoid prolonged exposure of the fingers to cold environments.
3. Tenosynovitis: Tenosynovitis is a chronic aseptic inflammation of the tendon sheath caused by mechanical friction. Patients may experience symptoms such as finger numbness, pain, and restricted movement. It is recommended that patients visit a formal medical institution for physical therapies such as acupuncture and massage.
4. Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel is commonly seen in cases of excessive wrist use or anatomical abnormalities, leading to numbness in the fingers, especially the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Carpal tunnel syndrome may be accompanied by wrist pain, finger tingling, or worsening symptoms at night. Under a physician's guidance, patients may use medications such as muscle-relaxing and blood circulation-promoting capsules, blood circulation-promoting and pain-relieving plasters, or sustained-release capsules of diclofenac sodium to aid recovery.
5. Diabetes: Long-term hyperglycemia can damage blood vessel walls and nerve fibers, particularly the peripheral nervous system, causing slowed nerve conduction and sensory abnormalities, which manifest as finger numbness. Diabetes may also be accompanied by symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and blurred vision. Promptly follow medical advice to use medications such as metformin hydrochloride tablets, repaglinide tablets, or glipizide tablets for treatment.
In daily life, patients can perform hand stretching exercises to promote blood circulation and nerve function.