What causes numbness in the fingers of the left hand?

Mar 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
Prolonged maintenance of the same posture during sleep, such as compressing the left hand under the body, or continuously holding specific hand positions while working, may obstruct hand blood circulation and lead to finger numbness. It is recommended to adjust posture timely and move the wrists and fingers to promote blood circulation, which usually results in rapid relief of the numbness. Exposure of the hands to cold environments can cause vasoconstriction and reduced blood supply, potentially leading to finger numbness.

  Left hand finger numbness may be caused by prolonged pressure, cold exposure, cervical spondylosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and other conditions, and can be managed according to the specific situation. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow medical advice for treatment.

  1. Prolonged pressure: Keeping the same posture for a long time during sleep, with the left hand compressed under the body, or maintaining a specific hand posture for extended periods during work, may impede hand circulation and cause finger numbness. It is recommended to adjust posture promptly, move the wrists and fingers, and promote blood circulation; the numbness usually relieves quickly.

  2. Cold exposure: Exposure of the hands to cold environments causes vasoconstriction and reduced blood supply, which may lead to finger numbness. The hands should be warmed promptly, for example, by soaking in warm water or rubbing the hands together to promote circulation. Hand protection, such as wearing gloves, is important in cold weather to prevent frostbite.

  3. Cervical spondylosis: Long-term cervical strain or bone spurs may narrow the cervical intervertebral space, compressing the nerves that innervate the left hand fingers, causing numbness, often accompanied by neck pain and stiffness. Patients may use medications such as mecobalamin tablets, Jingfukang granules, and diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets under a doctor's guidance to alleviate discomfort.

  4. Carpal tunnel syndrome: Wrist strain, trauma, or other factors may cause this condition, increasing pressure within the carpal tunnel and compressing the median nerve, potentially causing left hand finger numbness along with hand weakness and waking up at night due to numbness. It is recommended to use medications such as vitamin B1 tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, and prednisone tablets under medical guidance to improve symptoms.

  5. Peripheral neuropathy: This condition may be caused by infection, toxicity, metabolic disorders, or other factors, leading to damage of peripheral nerves, which may result in left hand finger numbness, sensory abnormalities, and muscle weakness. Follow medical instructions to use medications such as vitamin B12 tablets, dibazol tablets, and mecobalamin capsules to promote recovery.

  In daily life, it is recommended to change postures during work or daily activities, regularly stretch the arms and wrists, and perform hand-relaxation exercises. Using ergonomically designed office equipment, such as mice and keyboards, can reduce hand strain.

  References:

  [1] Han Jialuo, Li Hongyi, Yang Lang, et al. Efficacy of a protective device-assisted wrist tunnel release instrument under arthroscopy in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome [J]. Journal of Practical Orthopedics, 2025, 31(02):159-162.

  [2] Guo Changjiang. Observation of the efficacy of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction as an adjunct in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy [J]. Journal of Practical Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2024, 40(05):961-963.