Numbers in Fingers: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

A lot of individuals experience numbness around fingers and, while many may regard it as simple pain which will heal itself, it is important to find the root cause as it may indicate an underlying long term condition. It may be due to a degenerating disorder or a restricted blood supply. No matter what the cause is, the person suffering from this condition should seek medical help right away in order to diagnose the cause of the numbness. If left untreated, numbness in fingers may affect the entire arm.

Although restricted blood flow or neuropathy are the most common triggering factors of numbness in fingers, mentioned below are other possible causes:

1.) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This is a condition where there is neuropathy or pressure at the median nerve which is the nerve located on the wrist. When this happens, the sensation felt by the fingers will be reduced, hence, causing numbness. It can also result to tingling and muscle damage.

2.) Frostbite

When a person is exposed in an environment that has a very low temperature like snowy areas, he or she can experience frostbite which results to the constriction of blood vessels. The constriction is severe to the point that the blood supply is disconnected to the peripherals. Numbness in fingers is the initial symptom of frostbite which can be followed by a burning sensation and pain that is caused by the lack of blood supply. If left untreated for a long time, the sensation will completely diminish. Very severe causes of frostbite can only be treated with amputation of the affected areas.

3.) Peripheral Vascular Disease

When there is an accumulation of plaque, it can invade the inner arterial wall which can be the cause of atherosclerosis, an example of a peripheral vascular disease. This disorder triggers restricted blood supply usually to the upper extremities which causes the numbness. Peripheral artery disease develops when the arteries are heavily or completely blocked.

4.) Diabetic neuropathy

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to nerve damage which is called diabetic neuropathy. This condition manifests numbness in fingers as well as tingling sensation. Some cases advance to foot pain, otherwise known as diabetic foot.

5.) Raynaud’s syndrome

This disease is again caused by a blood vessel constriction mainly on the fingers and toes. Its presence manifests whitening or blanching of the fingers and the person experiences numbness.

The treatment regarding numbness in fingers actually varies according to the underlying condition. For diabetics, it is important to decrease the consumption of foods that are high in sugar and cholesterol. Those suffering from neuropathies should seek a doctor to know the appropriate treatment required. Typically, they would suggest some regular exercises as well as physical therapy sessions. However if the severity of the numbness in fingers is very high, a surgical procedure may have to be implemented as a last resort.

Be reminded that numbness in fingers is just a symptom. This means that another condition is present in your body and it is vital to have a physician assess it right away. Although you may be able to tolerate it, taking it for granted can lead to other complications that may require risky and expensive treatments procedures while other advanced conditions can be irreversible.