What diseases may cause numbness in the hand?
Aug 20, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Hand numbness is not necessarily caused by diseases alone. In general, hand numbness may result from improper posture compressing nerves, cold stimulation, carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical spondylosis, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, or other causes. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, one should maintain proper sitting and sleeping postures and avoid prolonged pressure on the limbs.
Hand numbness is not necessarily caused entirely by diseases. Generally, hand numbness may result from improper posture compressing nerves, cold stimulation, carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical spondylosis, or peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a正规 hospital. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Improper Posture Compressing Nerves
Maintaining the same posture for a prolonged period, such as bending the elbow while sitting for long durations, may compress the ulnar nerve, thereby affecting blood supply and signal transmission to the hand nerves and causing numbness. Adjusting posture timely, moving the arms, and performing actions such as clenching fists and stretching fingers can promote blood circulation and alleviate symptoms.
2. Cold Stimulation
When the hands are exposed to cold stimulation, blood vessels constrict, blood circulation slows down, and insufficient blood supply to nerve endings may cause numbness. Keeping hands warm, soaking hands in warm water, or rubbing both hands together can improve hand blood circulation and reduce the sensation of numbness.
3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Increased pressure within the carpal tunnel can compress the median nerve, leading to numbness in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Reducing excessive wrist movement and using medications such as mecobalamin tablets, vitamin B1 tablets, and ibuprofen sustained-release capsules under a doctor's guidance can help relieve symptoms. Severe cases may require surgical treatment.
Compression of nerve roots caused by cervical disc herniation may lead to arm and hand numbness. Avoid prolonged head-down postures; traction and physical therapy may help improve symptoms. Additionally, medications such as celecoxib capsules, Jingfukang granules, and mecobalamin injections may be used under a doctor's guidance to reduce nerve compression and inflammation.
5. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Poor long-term blood sugar control may damage peripheral nerves, causing symmetric numbness in the hands. Strict blood sugar control is necessary, along with medications such as metformin hydrochloride tablets, insulin injections, and epalrestat tablets under a doctor's guidance. Supplementing with B-complex vitamins can also support nerve health.
In daily life, maintaining correct sitting and sleeping postures to avoid prolonged limb compression, staying warm to prevent cold exposure, appropriately exercising hands and neck to strengthen muscles, and undergoing regular medical checkups to detect and treat underlying conditions promptly are recommended.
