Hand paresthesia, characterized by tingling or numbness, can be caused by compression of the positional nerve or serious medical conditions such as diabetes-related nerve damage, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, or herniated discs. Treatment options include massaging the hand, vitamin B6, blood tests, physical exams, MRI scans, hand splints, paraffin wax treatments, exercises, and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. If symptoms persist, further medical tests and evaluations are necessary.
Hand paresthesia refers to the common condition that causes the hand to tingle with a “pins and needles” sensation. Also, a person experiencing hand paresthesia may complain that their hand feels as if it has fallen asleep. Although most of the time, hand paresthesia is a benign condition caused by compression of the positional nerve, when it becomes a regular occurrence, it can indicate the presence of a more serious medical condition.
Sometimes hand paresthesia can be related to diabetes-related nerve damage. This is known as diabetic neuropathy and not only produces paresthesias in the hands but can also cause paresthesias in the feet. In addition, not only is there tingling of the skin and numbness, but severe pain can also occur. Other conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, or herniated discs, can also cause paresthesias in the hands, as well as paresthesias in the legs and feet.
Occasionally, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause tingling in the hands. Vitamin B6 is sometimes prescribed for carpal tunnel syndrome because it can help reduce numbness and restore normal function. When hand paresthesia is simply caused by overuse or the hand “falling asleep,” massaging the hand and opening and closing the fingers can usually resolve the condition.
When diabetes or other medical conditions are thought to be the cause of the paresthesia, the underlying condition must first be treated before the paresthesia can resolve. To rule out a medical reason for hand paresthesia, your doctor may recommend blood tests, a physical exam, and even an MRI scan. If no medical condition is found and symptoms persist, hand splints and paraffin wax treatments may be effective in relieving symptoms and restoring sensation in the hands.
The doctor may also recommend a variety of exercises to improve circulation, or may refer the patient to a physical therapist. Also, a nutritionist may be recommended because some types of numbness and tingling in the extremities may be related to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables could improve symptoms.
When prolonged paresthesias of the hand remain, the individual should not assume that the cause is benign in nature. The health care provider should be notified so that he can pursue further medical tests and evaluations. It is likely that an organic cause will not be found, but all possibilities must be explored. In addition, the patient should inform the doctor if numbness or numbness is present in his family, or if he has a hobo or job that requires him to use his hands repetitively.
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