Duration | Numbness in the finger

Duration

The duration of numbness can vary greatly. Most of the time, numbness in the finger is temporary and of short duration. However, the complaints can remain permanent if the underlying diseases are not treated promptly and adequately. This applies to almost all causes of multiple sclerosis, from a slipped disc in the cervical spine to carpal tunnel syndrome. Only in the case of injuries, if the nerve has not been completely severed, one has a good spontaneous healing tendency.

Prognosis

Since numbness in the finger can have many different causes, it is very difficult to make generally valid statements about the prognosis. Like the treatment, the prognosis depends on the cause. Multiple sclerosis, for example, is a chronic disease.

A cure is not possible. However, its course can be delayed by medication. The prognosis for carpal tunnel syndrome is significantly better. If one does not wait too long before the operation, the symptoms disappear completely after the operation.

Numbness in the finger during pregnancy

During pregnancy there is increased fluid retention in the arms and legs. The wrists can also be affected. This often leads to the median nerve in the carpal tunnel being constricted.

Pregnant women then complain of numbness in the thumb, index and middle finger as well as tingling pain. These complaints occur mainly towards the end of pregnancy and are favored by a strong weight gain. In most cases, however, the symptoms are not so bad that surgery would be necessary.

Numbness in the finger after sleep

Feelings of numbness in the finger after sleeping are not uncommon. It often happens that the nerve is damaged by pressure at some point during the night sleep. This is usually caused by an uncomfortable sleeping position.

After getting up, the nerve is immediately relieved of pressure, so the numbness usually disappears by itself after a short time. Numbness after sleeping is therefore nothing unusual. Should they persist or occur more frequently, it is nevertheless advisable to consult a doctor.