Numbness in Fingers: Common Causes and When to See a Doctor

What Causes Numbness in Fingers?

Numbness in your fingers happens when something interferes with the nerves that send feeling signals from your hand to your brain. This can occur because of pressure on the nerve, reduced blood flow, or damage to the nerve itself.

The sensation might affect just one finger, several fingers, or your entire hand. It can feel like tingling, “pins and needles,” or a complete loss of feeling. Depending on the cause, numbness might come and go or be constant.

Common Causes of Finger Numbness

Many conditions can lead to numbness in your fingers. Some causes are temporary and harmless, while others may require medical treatment. Understanding these common causes can help you identify what might be happening with your hands and when it’s time to see a specialist.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most frequent causes of finger numbness. It happens when the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passage in your wrist called the carpal tunnel, gets compressed.

This condition typically causes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. The symptoms often get worse at night or after activities that involve repeated wrist movements like typing or using tools.

People who work at computers, use vibrating hand tools, or perform repetitive hand motions are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome involves pressure on a nerve, but this time it’s the ulnar nerve at your elbow. This nerve controls feeling in your pinky and ring fingers.

Numbness from cubital tunnel syndrome usually affects the ring finger and pinky, and you might notice it more when your elbow is bent for long periods, such as when sleeping or talking on the phone.

Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in the Neck)

Sometimes the problem isn’t in your hand or wrist at all, but in your neck. A pinched nerve in your cervical spine (neck) can cause numbness that travels down your arm into your fingers.

This often comes with neck pain, shoulder pain, or weakness in your arm. The numbness pattern depends on which nerve in your neck is being compressed.

Poor Circulation

Reduced blood flow to your hands can cause temporary numbness. This might happen when you sleep in an awkward position that puts pressure on your arm, or from conditions that affect blood vessels.

If your fingers turn white or blue along with the numbness, especially in cold weather, you might have Raynaud’s phenomenon, a condition where blood vessels in your fingers narrow too much.

Diabetes

People with diabetes can develop nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy. High blood sugar levels over time can harm the nerves throughout your body, often starting with the feet and hands.

Diabetic nerve damage usually causes numbness in both hands and affects multiple fingers. If you have diabetes and notice new numbness in your fingers, it’s important to mention this to your doctor.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Your nerves need certain vitamins to function properly. A lack of vitamin B12, in particular, can lead to nerve problems that cause numbness and tingling in your hands and feet.

Repetitive Strain

Activities that involve the same hand movements over and over, such as typing, playing video games, or using hand tools, can irritate nerves and cause temporary numbness.

Taking regular breaks and stretching your hands and wrists can help prevent this type of numbness.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

This less common condition happens when blood vessels or nerves between your collarbone and first rib get compressed. It can cause numbness in your fingers along with pain in your shoulder and neck.

Symptoms That May Accompany Finger Numbness

Numbness in your fingers rarely happens alone. Other symptoms often appear alongside the numbness, and these additional signs can provide important clues about what’s causing the problem. Paying attention to these accompanying symptoms can help your doctor figure out what’s causing your numbness and develop the right treatment plan.

• Tingling or a “pins and needles” sensation
• Weakness in your hand or grip
• Pain in your hand, wrist, arm, or shoulder
• Difficulty picking up small objects
• Dropping things more often than usual
• Changes in skin color or temperature in your fingers
• Burning sensations in your hand

Paying attention to these accompanying symptoms can help your doctor figure out what’s causing your numbness.

How Is Finger Numbness Diagnosed?

Getting the right diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Your doctor will use several methods to identify the root cause of your finger numbness. At Motion Orthopaedics, diagnosing the cause of finger numbness starts with understanding your symptoms and medical history.

Your orthopedic specialist will:

1. Ask detailed questions about when the numbness occurs, which fingers are affected, and what activities make it better or worse.
2. Examine your hands, wrists, arms, neck, and shoulders to check for areas of tenderness or reduced range of motion.
3. Test your sensation, strength, and reflexes to identify nerve problems.
4. Order diagnostic tests if needed, such as nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), X-rays, or MRI scans to pinpoint the exact cause.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward finding the right treatment and preventing the problem from getting worse.

Treatment Options for Numbness in Fingers

Treatment for finger numbness depends on what’s causing it. The good news is that many causes can be managed effectively with conservative treatments. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific condition and helps restore normal feeling and function to your hands.

Rest and Activity Modification

If your numbness comes from repetitive movements or overuse, taking breaks and changing how you do certain activities can help. Your doctor might recommend:

• Adjusting your workstation to maintain better wrist and arm positions
• Taking frequent breaks during repetitive tasks
• Avoiding activities that trigger symptoms until the irritation subsides

Splinting or Bracing

Wearing a wrist splint, especially at night, can keep your wrist in a neutral position and reduce pressure on nerves. This is often recommended for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can teach you exercises to improve nerve mobility, strengthen supporting muscles, and correct movement patterns that contribute to nerve compression.

Therapy might include stretches, strengthening exercises, and techniques to improve your posture.

Medications

Depending on the cause, your doctor might recommend:

• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling around nerves
• Vitamin B12 supplements if deficiency is the problem
• Medications to manage blood sugar if you have diabetes

Corticosteroid Injections

For conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome with significant inflammation, a cortisone injection near the affected nerve can provide relief and reduce swelling.

Surgical Treatment

When conservative treatments don’t help or if nerve compression is severe, surgery might be necessary. Common procedures include:

• Carpal tunnel release to relieve pressure on the median nerve
• Cubital tunnel release for ulnar nerve compression
• Cervical spine surgery for severe nerve compression in the neck

Surgery is typically reserved for cases where nerve damage is progressing or when other treatments haven’t provided adequate relief.

When to See a Doctor for Finger Numbness

Knowing when to seek medical help is important for protecting your nerve health. While occasional, temporary numbness isn’t usually cause for concern, certain situations require professional evaluation. Early intervention can prevent permanent damage and lead to better outcomes.

You should seek medical attention if:

• The numbness lasts for more than a few days
• It’s getting worse over time
• You’re experiencing weakness in your hand or arm
• You’re dropping things or having trouble with fine motor tasks
• The numbness started after an injury
• You have numbness in both hands
• You’re experiencing other concerning symptoms like severe pain, changes in skin color, or difficulty moving your fingers

Seek immediate medical care if you have sudden numbness along with:

• Confusion or trouble speaking
• Severe headache
• Vision changes
• Weakness on one side of your body
• Difficulty walking or loss of balance

These could be signs of a stroke or other serious medical emergency.

Prevention Tips

Taking steps to protect your nerve health can reduce your risk of developing finger numbness. While you can’t prevent all causes of finger numbness, many cases related to overuse and poor positioning can be avoided with simple lifestyle changes. Making these adjustments part of your daily routine can keep your hands healthy and functioning well.

• Maintain good posture while working, especially at a computer
• Take regular breaks during repetitive activities to rest your hands and wrists
• Keep your wrists in a neutral position during activities
• Stay active and maintain a healthy weight
• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes carefully
• Avoid sleeping with your wrists bent
• Strengthen the muscles in your hands, wrists, and forearms
• Address early symptoms before they become severe

Living with Finger Numbness

Numbness in your fingers doesn’t have to keep you from doing the things you love. With the right diagnosis and treatment, most people can find relief and return to their normal activities. Whether your symptoms are mild or more severe, the specialists at Motion Orthopaedics can help identify the cause and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Early intervention is key to preventing permanent nerve damage and maintaining full hand function. Don’t ignore persistent numbness; addressing it early gives you the best chance for a full recovery.

Get Relief from Finger Numbness

Don’t let numbness in your fingers slow you down. Whether you’re dealing with occasional tingling or constant numbness that’s affecting your daily activities, Motion Orthopaedics is here to help.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward regaining full feeling and function in your hands.