What causes numbness in the fingers and how to deal with it?

Generally, finger numbness may be caused by prolonged compression, fatigue, Raynaud's phenomenon, atherosclerosis, diabetic neuropathy, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Prolonged Compression: For example, sleeping on one's arm or having fingers compressed under body weight for a long time can impair blood circulation and cause finger numbness. Adjusting posture and avoiding prolonged pressure on the fingers can help. If numbness has already occurred, gently moving the fingers to promote blood circulation usually alleviates the condition quickly.

2. Fatigue: Prolonged fine manual work, such as typing or playing musical instruments, can cause temporary finger numbness due to muscle fatigue in the fingers. It is recommended to stop the finger-related activity and allow the fingers sufficient rest. Appropriate finger massage, gently squeezing from the fingertips toward the palm, can relax the muscles and help relieve the numbness.

3. Raynaud's Phenomenon: When exposed to cold or during emotional excitement, small arteries in the fingers may spasm, causing fingers to turn pale, purple, and feel numb. This condition is more common in women. Keeping warm and avoiding exposure to cold environments are important, along with emotional regulation to avoid excessive excitement.

4. Atherosclerosis: Factors such as heredity and lack of exercise may lead to atherosclerosis, which affects blood supply to the fingers and causes numbness. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as weakness and coldness in the upper limbs. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as aspirin enteric-coated tablets, atorvastatin calcium tablets, and nitroglycerin tablets may be used for treatment, along with lifestyle improvements such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and controlling body weight.

5. Diabetic Neuropathy: In patients with long-term diabetes, poor blood sugar control may lead to nerve damage, causing finger numbness. It may also be accompanied by neuropathic symptoms in other areas, such as numbness in the lower limbs. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as orlistat capsules, acarbose capsules, and glimepiride tablets may be used to control blood sugar levels and delay the progression of complications.

If finger numbness persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness, pain, or swelling, it is advisable to visit the hospital regularly for relevant examinations to identify the cause promptly and develop a more precise treatment plan.