Numbness in the hands is a critical and uncomfortable symptoms that can scare anyone. Nonetheless, one has no reason to worry in some cases, when numbness can occur, like side effects of medications.
Without any fatal complications, these conditions can be easily treated. Nonetheless, there are also chronic diseases that can cause the hands to go numb and this requires immediate attention. The list below informs you of some conditions that can cause numbness of the hand.
1. Stroke
Numbness of the hand could be a symptom of a medical emergency in some cases. This can be said of a situation where a person develops a stroke. This can manifest as the weakness or numbness of one side of the body. People who build stroke may find it difficult to control their arms fully.
Since this is a fatal condition, you need to be aware of the signs associated with it. The earlier a person recognises this condition, the lower the risk of having a stroke or sudden disability, not to mention brain damage, among other side effects.
2. Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel can be another reason for this unpleasant feeling. This condition can manifest when one of the main nerves in the hand is squeezed or compressed. Other signs of this condition may include tingling, pain, burning sensation and weakness. In the early phase, the symptoms can be managed with simple measures, but it would often require surgery when it’s too late.
3. Lyme disease
One can easily contact Lyme disease from an infected tick. Report from the CDC has it that there are about 30,000 cases of tick infection around the US. Its common symptoms usually range from a rash to fever. Early stages of Lyme can be treated. However, numbness of the hand can be a clear indication of untreated Lyme. By this time, the condition has gotten worst, and it can result in more severe problems affecting the nervous system and the heart if one isn’t careful.
4. Thoracic outlet syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome is generally caused by the compression of blood vessels or nerves just between the collarbone and the first rib. It could be linked with trauma caused by carrying heavy objects over some time. This condition is prevalent in women, and they usually develop numbness in their fingers or arms, weak grip, pain in the neck, shoulders and hands. Medical doctors advise quick treatment to avoid surgery.
5. Raynaud’s disease
You might be familiar with the feeling of frozen nose or fingers to the point where you can’t feel them if you stay in colder regions of the world. One can only compare the paleness to a death cap while this can be referred to as the effect of cold sensitivity, for others, its a condition known as Raynaud’s disorder.
This condition is typically triggered by stress or cold temperatures. The person’s fingers or toes usually turns white when under an attach from Raynaud’s disorder. Then after, the affected areas turn blue, numb, and cold. This often happens due to the limited circulation of blood. If not treated immediately can lead to gangrene, or worst still, amputation.
6. Diabetic neuropathy
This condition is common with people who have diabetes. An increase in blood sugar can damage the nerves in the body, leading to diabetic neuropathy. It is critical that you act fast, so the condition doesn’t manifest fully and develop into a more complicated stage.
7. Fibromyalgia
You might be diagnosed with fibromyalgia if you’ve been experiencing widespread pain in the body, accompanied by prolonged fatigue. There’s also been a report of people feeling tingles and numbness in their arms and hands. It is considered a chronic condition, primarily since the cause hasn’t been ascertained yet.
Medical specialists suggest that factors that are liked to cause this condition is neurological, psychological and physical. A cure hasn’t been found yet. Nonetheless, doctors can administer different methods of managing the disease, as well as psychological and physical therapy.
8. Multiple sclerosis
It is nowhere near OK for someone to experience weakness and numbness in their hands continuously. But you should seek immediate medical attention if these feelings are accompanied by the feeling of tremors and lack of coordination.
These symptoms are clear signs of multiple sclerosis. A cure hasn’t been discovered yet, but some treatment can help relieve the discomfort and improve the sufferer’s quality of life.
9. Cervical degenerative disc disease
Studies have it that, about 50% of people have shown signs of disc degeneration in their early 20’s. What do we know about this disorder? Cervical degenerative disc disease is not considered a disease. It is a description of a process that results in the cushioning discs in our cervical spine to wear and tear.
It could also get as bad as a person experiencing neck discomfort, numbness, and pain that can generate into the arms and legs. If this is the case, one would need to see a doctor as soon as possible. There are also non-surgical means of treating this condition, but it all depends on the severity.
10. Lupus
This is an autoimmune condition. Lupus happens when our immune system unknowingly attacks the body’s tissues and organs. Symptoms may include numbness of the hand, but there are exceptions as it depends on what part of the body is affected.
The fatal complications of lupus involve the attack on vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, or even the brain. However, if you are aware of the diagnosis, it can help you determine the symptoms and ways to eliminate its influence on your body and life.
Have you any experience with any of these problems? How did you treat or manage them? What measures did you take in treating any of these conditions that are not listed above? Please share with us in the comments.
