Numb Fingers: Causes, Treatment & Help

Numb fingers are a symptom of damaged or underactive nerves. They belong to the group of sensitivity disorders and usually have their cause directly in the fingers. Treatment options are many.

What are numb fingers?

Numb fingers are fingers that feel as if they have fallen asleep. However, the typical tingling sensation does not occur. Numb fingers are fingers that feel as if they have fallen asleep. However, the typical tingling sensation does not occur. Affected persons feel less pain in the affected fingers and also perceive pressure only to a limited extent. The cause of this is damage to the ulnar nerve, which runs from the cervical spine through the elbow to the fingers. Because of the position of the nerve, pinching occurs quite quickly during some work or sports, which in turn triggers the numb fingers.

Causes

Numb fingers can have several causes. Often it is a consequence of the so-called polyneuropathies. This disease of the nervous system is triggered by diabetes mellitus, for example. Excessive alcohol consumption and poisoning also cause numb fingers. In addition, numb fingers can occur due to a constriction of the metacarpal nerve. This is known as carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes the typical numbness, but also a strong tingling sensation. The symptoms can occur throughout the entire forearm. The so-called ulnar tunnel syndrome also results in the problems mentioned. It also results from a bottleneck in the nerve pathways. The severity of the numb fingers can vary greatly. Another cause can be muscle tension. Especially in the area of the cervical spine such tensions often occur, which cause numb fingers. The symptoms are intensified by a lack of vitamin B12, since this vitamin is essential for the formation of a protective sheath around the nerve. Lastly, numb fingers are also caused by injuries between the hand and the cervical spine. Especially during sports, unnatural movements can cause a nerve to become pinched, triggering numb fingers. Prolonged resting on the elbow also interferes with blood flow and can pinch a nerve in some circumstances.

Diseases with this symptom

  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Polyneuropathy
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Vitamin deficiency
  • Ulnar groove syndrome
  • Circulatory disorders

Diagnosis and course

The diagnosis of numb fingers can be made by the affected person. However, a specialist in neurology must be consulted to determine the underlying causes. This specialist will perform a nerve conduction measurement to narrow down the affected area. A computer tomography may also be necessary, however, the symptoms can usually be assigned to a cause completely without physical examinations by taking a medical history. Numb fingers develop from a slight numbness to the complete lack of sensation in the fingers. This usually occurs within a few days, but usually disappears. If the cause, such as an inflamed nerve, is not treated, paralysis of the fingers can occur in the worst case.

Complications

Numb fingers may indicate looming complications after trauma to the arm or hand. Fractures or deep cuts in this area very often also damage a nerve, complicating treatment of the injury. Many people consider propping on the elbow a harmless habit. Often, this impairs blood flow to the fingers, causing numbness in the limbs. This process is harmless in and of itself. However, frequent propping up of the elbows can lead to complications such as nerve injury in the ulnar region. Signs of such complications include severe, persistent tingling as well as worsening pain in the fingers. The aggravation of a polyneuropathy, i.e. a secondary disease of the nervous system, can also be heralded by numb fingers. This is especially true after heavy alcohol consumption. In this case, numb fingers indicate alcohol intoxication. Progressive muscle tension in the area of the cervical spine, which has already led to wear and tear of the cervical vertebrae, are also complications that become noticeable through a feeling of numbness in the fingers.Furthermore, vitamin B12 deficiency that is not detected and corrected in time can lead to complications associated with numbness in the limbs.

When should you see a doctor?

Numb fingers can develop quickly when the affected person adopts a certain posture. This can pinch important nerves and tendons, causing temporary numbness in the fingers. Of course, there is no need to see a doctor in this case, as no consequential damage can occur. However, anyone who suffers from permanent or frequent numbness in the fingers should have this condition examined by a doctor. Under certain circumstances, this symptom may hide a serious underlying disease that requires professional treatment. Anyone who forgoes a visit to the doctor at this point is taking a very high risk. If a circulatory disorder is hidden behind the numb fingers, even permanent damage can remain. In such a case, the fingers are supplied with too little blood, resulting in the aforementioned numbness. Affected persons can recognize this clinical picture by a bluish discoloration of the fingertips. At the latest when this symptom occurs, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. If not treated, individual fingers may even die. Therefore, the following applies: Anyone who suffers permanently from numb fingers should not put off a visit to the doctor. Only timely treatment can prevent serious complications.

Treatment and therapy

Depending on the underlying causes of numb fingers, different treatment methods are used. In the case of a pinched nerve, surgical intervention is often necessary. During such surgery, the nerve is freed and moved forward if the groove is too narrow. Numb fingers that are merely caused by the hand “going to sleep” usually resolve on their own. Simple movements are enough to solve the problem. If the symptom occurs more frequently, a doctor must be consulted. He or she can then determine whether a vitamin B12 deficiency is present and prescribe appropriate preparations. Acute symptoms are also treated in some cases with a weekly vitamin B12 injection. If the numb fingers are due to a serious injury to the nerves, comprehensive physiotherapy is considered in addition to surgical interventions. This is especially necessary if the numb fingers are accompanied by paralysis.

Outlook and prognosis

If a numb feeling in the fingers occurs regularly in everyday life and the disturbances also occur at night, medical help should be sought. Depending on the symptom, this may hide a serious disease that can only be found out and adequately treated by a doctor. The doctor will then make sure, for example, that the sensory disturbance that occurs is not a harbinger of a stroke. If necessary, the right measures can be initiated immediately. If affected persons ignore the symptom of numb fingers, permanent damage to the entire nervous system as well as to the muscles and vessels can be the result. As a result, the sensory disturbance can only be partially restored at great medical expense. With timely treatment as well as targeted therapeutic measures, the symptom can be largely eliminated. If chronic diseases such as diabetes or rheumatism are excluded, the cause of numb fingers is often a disturbance of the nerves. A nerve conduction examination and CT scan can be used to find out the degree of damage. A blood test provides information on whether a vitamin deficiency is present. In women, hormonal fluctuations can cause the accompanying symptom of numb fingers. If manual and drug treatments do not provide relief, surgery is targeted to correct the numbness and restore fine motor function to the fingers.

Prevention

Numb fingers can be effectively prevented. It already helps to pay attention to one’s posture at work, at home or during sports, and especially to take the strain off the elbows. The cervical spine should also be relieved regularly. Massages also promote blood circulation and thus prevent numb fingers. Of course, the above-mentioned vitamin B12 intake is also essential for healthy fingers without numbness.Vegans in particular should pay attention to a balanced diet, as vitamin B12 is mainly found in eggs, meat and milk. In addition, it is important to recognize numb fingers as early as possible and to eliminate the causes. If you act quickly, you can completely eliminate the symptoms. If, on the other hand, you wait too long, the affected nerves may die and the numb fingers will remain forever. Athletes in particular can prevent nerves from becoming inflamed by warming up extensively. Those who work a lot at the PC should also make sure that their hands are in as natural a position as possible and that the joints do not bend too much. Appropriate supports can be used to prevent numb fingers.

What you can do yourself

There are a number of effective home remedies and measures that help with numb fingers. In most cases, it is already sufficient to gently move the limbs that have fallen asleep in a circular motion or to massage them lightly. Even light stimulation stimulates blood flow to the fingers and quickly relieves numbness without pain. Circular massages of the palm with olive oil or coconut oil have proved particularly effective. Acute help is also promised by physical activity. Sports and exercise dissolve fascia adhesions in the muscles and nerves, and promote blood circulation in the numbed connective tissue. In case of slight tingling sensations in the fingers, light gymnastics, Pilates or yoga exercises are usually sufficient. Accompanying numbness can be relieved by warm applications such as cherry pit cushions or compresses. Other home remedies are the anti-inflammatory turmeric, garlic or cinnamon. Pigeon fingers can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle with sufficient exercise and a whole-food diet. Nuts, bananas, and dark green leafy vegetables are just a few of the foods that have a positive effect on nerve function. If numb fingers persist despite everything or occur unusually often, it is recommended to talk to your family doctor.