What are the causes of numbness and pain in the ring finger?

Generally, possible causes of numbness and pain in the ring finger may include cold exposure, overexertion, Raynaud's phenomenon, carpal tunnel syndrome, and cervical spondylosis. Symptomatic treatment usually involves general care and medication. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended for appropriate treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Cold Exposure

If the weather is cold and the ring finger is exposed to cold air for a prolonged period, local blood circulation may be affected, leading to numbness and pain. It is recommended to keep the hands warm, avoid chilling, dress appropriately according to weather changes, and wear gloves when going outdoors.

2. Overexertion

Frequent hand-related work can cause the hand muscles and nerves to remain in a tense state for long periods, resulting in poor local blood circulation, nerve terminal damage, and a sensation of numbness and pain. Symptoms may be accompanied by hand muscle fatigue and soreness. Applying a warm towel compress locally can help improve blood circulation and gradually relieve symptoms.

3. Raynaud's Phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon is a vascular reactive disorder. When exposed to cold or emotional stress, the blood vessels in the fingers spasm, causing circulatory impairment and oxygen deprivation in the fingers, which leads to numbness and pain. The finger color may change from pale to bluish-purple and then to red, accompanied by coldness or a pricking sensation. It is recommended to use medications such as nitroglycerin patches, amlodipine tablets, and prazosin hydrochloride tablets under a physician's guidance.

4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs due to compression of the median nerve in the wrist area, commonly caused by repeated wrist bending or excessive force. When the median nerve is compressed, the fingers' sensory and motor functions are affected, causing numbness and pain, which may be accompanied by weakness, reduced grip strength, and muscle atrophy in the hand. It is recommended to use medications such as glatiramer acetate injection, dimethyl fumarate enteric-coated capsules, and teriflunomide tablets under medical supervision to alleviate symptoms.

5. Cervical Spondylosis

Chronic strain and degeneration of the cervical spine may lead to cervical spondylosis. In such cases, herniated cervical discs or bone spurs may compress cervical nerve roots, affecting sensory and motor functions in the fingers, causing numbness and pain. Symptoms may also include neck pain, shoulder soreness, and arm weakness. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as aceclofenac tablets, Jingfukang granules, and mecobalamin tablets to relieve symptoms.

It is recommended to focus on keeping the hands warm in daily life and wear gloves during winter to prevent further aggravation of symptoms due to cold exposure.