Practically every person had to experience such a state when one or another part of his body, after being in an uncomfortable position for a long time, lost sensitivity.
However, people often complain that their hand is numb, and before that it was not at all in an uncomfortable position. How dangerous is this phenomenon? Why are hands numb? Do I need to rush to the doctor for a prescription of treatment?
General information
Under the numbness of the hand is meant the loss of sensation of either the entire limb or some part of it. This condition can be seen in people of all ages. Most often it occurs at night during rest. But sometimes people also complain that this unpleasant phenomenon appears in them during the daytime as well.
Characteristic symptoms
Numbness of the hands as such is not a pathology at all. However, with frequent repetition of such a phenomenon that causes discomfort, you should still consult a doctor. After all, a decrease in the sensitivity of the hands or its loss can serve as one of the symptoms of a dangerous disease. It is very difficult not to pay attention to such a state. It is accompanied by discomfort, soreness, and tingling.
A pathological condition develops in stages. In most cases, the hand becomes numb in the fingers, hand, elbow, or forearm. At this time, a person feels a slight tingling and he has a feeling of moving goosebumps. Sometimes the tactility changes. There is pain, which can be from mild to pronounced. There is a false sensation of cold. Sometimes there is a tremor of the upper limbs.
Varieties
Numbness of the hands, which is called paresthesia in medicine, is divided into two groups depending on the causes of its occurrence. The first of these includes temporary or passing factors. They are the wrong way of life, bad habits, physical phenomena (squeezing, impact, etc.). What to do if the hand is numb for one of these reasons? To eliminate the uncomfortable state, it is enough to exclude the factors that provoked it. Paresthesia in this case will go away by itself.
The second group of factors are chronic. In this case, numbness of the hands occurs due to a pathology from which a person suffers for a long period of time. In such cases, paresthesia disturbs the patient quite often and mayprogress.
Temporary factors
Let's consider the most harmless causes of hand numbness.
They are not associated with any disease and do not require any treatment:
- Uncomfortable sleep. Hand numbness in sleep often occurs due to incorrect or uncomfortable body position. The main reason for this is a failure in the blood supply system. It is possible when a person puts his hands behind his head, hides them under the pillow or under the cheek. If for this reason the hands are numb, what should I do? In the absence of any pathological changes in the state of human he alth, he should purchase an orthopedic mattress for himself, as well as a pillow. They will solve the problem that arises. The fact is that these bedding attributes are designed in such a way that they are able to immediately repeat the outlines of the body of a person who is in a horizontal position. At the same time, they keep the spine relaxed and prevent pinching of blood vessels and nerve endings. You will also have to take care of the position of the hands. They cannot be thrown over the head. Indeed, during rest, our heart does not work so actively and it is difficult for it to deliver blood to the vessels of the hands.
- Tight clothing. Why do hands go numb? At night, this may be due to the fact that a person sleeps in tight, uncomfortable clothes with tight cuffs, or maybe does not remove various squeezing objects (bracelets and rings) from the limbs at all. All this leads to difficulty in blood flow. Solving the problem in this case is quite simple. It is enough to change the nightgownor pajamas for a more spacious one. You must also remove all jewelry.
- Sleep on an uncomfortable pillow. If this bed accessory is too large or hard, it will cause the spine to bend. This position, in turn, will lead to the fact that the blood will begin to flow poorly to all limbs. This will be expressed in unpleasant sensations that may occur in the hands. In the event that a similar situation will be repeated periodically, the pillow will have to be replaced with a softer one. Better if it is orthopedic. Thus, it will be possible to immediately solve the problem.
- Bad habits. Difficulty in blood circulation, causing numbness of the hands, also occurs when, an hour before going to bed, a person is not averse to drinking a cup of strong coffee or drinking a significant amount of liquid. This applies to both s alty and spicy foods. Due to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, both the left and right hand can become numb. Drinking alcohol can also provoke a similar problem. A balanced, proper diet and adherence to the basic norms of a he althy lifestyle will help eliminate an unpleasant phenomenon.
- Pregnancy. The hand is numb and does not go away for a week or even a longer period - such complaints often come from women who are expecting a baby. This period is quite difficult for the body of the expectant mother. On average, the weight of a woman during 9 months of bearing a child increases by 16-20 kg. This significantly increases the load on the joints and blood vessels. Poor circulation leads to numbness in the limbs. causes this problem andresulting swelling of the tissues. It compresses small capillaries, which also leads to loss of sensitivity. This symptom will pass on its own after the baby is born. If for a long time the hand is numb and does not go away, what should a woman do to reduce discomfort? In this case, she needs to contact a gynecologist. The specialist will prescribe the necessary treatment and give recommendations on the correct behavior during pregnancy.
- Tunnel syndrome. A similar phenomenon most often occurs in women who have reached the age of 40, whose profession is associated with constant tension in the hands in the hands. Paresthesia may disturb them while working at a computer, sewing equipment, playing musical instruments or other monotonous work. Experts call this phenomenon "the pianist's syndrome". It also occurs in men who are driving a vehicle for a long time. The cause of unpleasant symptoms is swelling or pinching of the nerve, which is responsible for the mobility of the fingers and hand, as well as for their sensitivity. The characteristic symptoms of this condition are numbness of the little finger and thumb. After some time, sensitivity is lost in the entire brush. A similar condition occurs, as a rule, at night and interrupts sleep. In the event that such sensations do not occur very often and are not accompanied by severe pain, they can be eliminated by reducing the load on the hands and doing regular exercises for the joints.
Chronic factors
If the hand is numb and does not go away, the reasons may lie in the developmentvarious diseases. But even here there are nuances. In some pathologies, both upper limbs become numb at once. But there are also such ailments when discomfort is observed in only one of them.
If the left hand is numb and does not go away, then this phenomenon indicates a malfunction in the cardiovascular system. The occurrence of such a symptom indicates the likelihood of pathologies of the joints and heart. If the left hand is numb and does not go away, then it should be borne in mind that this condition is often a precursor to strokes or heart attacks. That is why it cannot be ignored.
If the right hand is numb and does not go away, the reasons for this condition may lie in the development of osteochondrosis or arthritis. This condition can also appear before a stroke or heart attack.
Let's consider the most common pathologies one of the symptoms of which is paresthesia.
Cervical osteochondrosis
What can such a phenomenon mean when the right or left hand is numb and does not go away? The causes of the development of this symptom are often diseases of the spine, in particular, cervical osteochondrosis. Causes discomfort squeezing the roots of the spinal cord, which occurs in the region of the vertebrae in the C3-C5 range. They are responsible for the sensitivity in the upper limbs.
If the left or right hand is numb and does not go away, then you need to contact a specialist for a diagnosis. After all, the clinical manifestation of pathology in each person can have its ownpeculiarities. Nevertheless, with cervical osteochondrosis, the hands become numb in almost all patients. In most cases, the sensation of goosebumps and tingling appears when the patient stays in one position for a long time. Hand numbness occurs after the body has been in one of the following positions:
- head thrown back (in this case, the spinal roots begin to press hard on the blood vessels);
- arms crossed on the chest (this position leads to the experience of the vessels that are located in the upper limbs, and this causes them to stop receiving nutrients and, as a result, numbness appears);
- bent back;
- position of hands above the head (most often this happens during sleep).
In which zone the localization of uncomfortable sensations will be observed, largely depends on the type of root that has been pinched. The location of the disease is also of great importance.
So, if the whole arm is numb and does not go away, then the reasons here may lie in the pinching of 3-5 vertebrae. But sometimes the patient complains that only three fingers are numb. In this case, the site of the disease is the 6th vertebra. And if the third or fifth finger (middle, ring, and also the little finger) is numb? In this case, the disease affects 7 vertebrae.
Vegetovascular dystonia
A numb hand won't work? This may be due to VVD, which is characterized by impaired blood supply in peripheral tissues. With this pathology, the normal functioning of the vessels is lost, which leads toupper limb numbness.
If the patient suffers from VSD, then the following symptoms can be observed:
- numbness in both hands - either alternately or with varying degrees of intensity;
- goosebumps;
- feeling alienated brushes;
- uncertainty and lack of smoothness of movements;
- poor sensitivity;
- trembling that occurs in the fingertips.
Hands with VVD may well be cold. The whole body of the patient trembles. Periodically, in the hands, as well as in the face, a person feels hot or chills.
Why is the hand numb and does not let go with VVD? Tingling or numbness in the extremities is caused by impaired blood circulation. With spasms of blood vessels, there is a violation of the nutrition of tissues. This leads to the fact that the hands become numb, cold and tingly. A person becomes chilly, even if he is in a warm room. He tries to help himself with hot tea, but it only works for a short time. After the vascular system fails, his hands begin to freeze and go numb again.
Diabetes
Why is my hand numb and not going away? Diabetes is often the cause of this phenomenon. An increase in blood sugar leads to impaired blood circulation. A similar failure occurs with a constant disruption of the supply of blood vessels and an increase in the concentration of sugar in the body. Against this background, there is a decrease in the sensitivity of the limbs.
The main provoking factors that a numb hand does not go away are:
- Angiopathy. In case of damage to the vessels, their deformation occurs. Such changes in the body of a diabetic occur gradually. Their main cause is an imbalance in sugar levels.
- Diseases of the nervous system. They also occur against the background of elevated blood sugar levels.
Is the right hand, left hand, or both at once, numb and not passing? These symptoms may indicate the development of diabetes if accompanied by dry mouth, muscle weakness, swelling of the hands and decreased vision.
Raynaud's Syndrome
Has your hand gone numb and won't go away? If the localization of uncomfortable sensations is observed only in the fingers, then this may indicate the development of Raynaud's syndrome. Most often, this problem affects people whose hands are forced to constantly contact with cold water, or those who do not want to wear gloves even in the most severe frosts. At the same time, they complain that the fingers on the hand are numb and the pain does not go away.
How to recognize the cause of such a pathological condition? Sore fingers in people suffering from Raynaud's syndrome look different from he althy ones. At the slightest interaction with something cold or with a nervous breakdown, they immediately turn white. This type of hand numbness is associated with disorders that are observed in the blood supply to the capillaries of the palms and fingers.
It's not just hypothermia that can contribute to Raynaud's disease. The cause of the development of pathology is constant stress, hereditary factors, as well as alcohol abuse. provokedisease constant overwork, infectious diseases, and excessive sunburn.
Often, pianists and operators, whose work is in computer typing, complain about the fact that part of the hand is numb and does not go away. These people most often suffer from Raynaud's disease. The main localization of unpleasant sensations is one middle finger or two at once (third and fourth). They go numb in the first place. But if left untreated, the disease can spread to the chin, ears and nose.
Cholecystitis
Has my hand gone numb in my sleep and won't go away? If this happened to the right upper limb, then in this case the development of cholecystitis can be suspected. At the same time, the pathology is manifested by pain in the articulation of the second right rib with the sternum, which are observed during palpation.
This is the most likely cause if at the same time bitterness occurs in the mouth after eating spicy and fried foods.
Angina
Has your arm become numb after sleep and won't go away? If paresthesia affects the left hand, then a similar phenomenon can become a manifestation of angina pectoris. And this is a formidable sign of ischemia of the heart muscle.
If the left hand is numb and does not go away, what should I do in this case? Seek immediate medical attention. After all, ignoring this symptom can lead to the most dangerous consequences.
It should be borne in mind that with angina pectoris, the left hand goes numb either at night or in the wee hours. Confirmation of heart disease will be the cessation of paresthesia after a person puts a nitroglycerin tablet under the tongue.
If leftthe hand is numb and does not go away, what should I do? If there is simultaneously with this symptom pain in the jaw or in the chest, which are localized in the left side of the body, you should, without delay, call an ambulance. Only in this case, it is possible to prevent a heart attack or angina pectoris.
Many other diseases can also cause numbness of hands. Consider their list based on the localization of the pathological phenomenon.
Fingers
Sometimes, by the location of the zone of numbness on the arm, you can identify the cause of the disease that caused this symptom.
Of course, such a diagnosis is not accurate and must be confirmed by medical research:
- Pinky. If a person does not feel this finger on his left hand, then it is necessary to exclude such dangerous pathologies as stroke and heart attack. As a rule, such numbness occurs at night. In the morning, a person feels a slight tingling from the fingertips to the shoulder. In the absence of other symptoms of vascular and heart pathologies, the lack of sensitivity in the little finger can be a sign of atherosclerosis or osteochondrosis. What to do in this case? Contact a neurologist who, after making a diagnosis, will select the necessary course of treatment. Sometimes numbness occurs after a long, hard work. To eliminate discomfort in this case, it is enough to give the hand a rest.
- Nameless. If this finger is numb on the left hand, then this phenomenon may also indicate problems with the heart and blood vessels. In addition, a similar symptom is observed withosteochondrosis, nervous strain, inflammation in the elbow joint and other ailments.
- Indicative. In most cases, his numbness indicates inflammation of the nerve fibers of the elbow joint or shoulder. This phenomenon occurs with cervical osteochondrosis or as a result of monotonous work at the computer for a long time.
- Medium. The reasons why this finger becomes numb are very diverse. This may be a pathology of the spine or heart, unbalanced nutrition, stress, vasoconstriction, etc. There may be no sensitivity in the middle finger due to inflammation of the elbow joint, as well as after an injury, with atherosclerosis and trophic changes.
- Big. His numbness often indicates a pathology of the respiratory system. If, simultaneously with the thumb, the middle or index fingers lose sensitivity, then a similar sign indicates a displacement of the intervertebral discs.
Other parts of upper limb
Let's consider the causes of paresthesia in different parts of the arm:
- Brush. Numbness in this area can be a sign of endocrine pathologies. If discomfort occurs from below and above, accompanied by pain, then it is urgent to consult a doctor. Similar symptoms indicate thrombosis of the arteries. Is the left hand numb and won't go away? A similar phenomenon may indicate arthritis or nerve compression.
- Forearm. What to do - the left arm is numb from the elbow to the shoulder? This phenomenon is sometimes the result ofpoor blood supply due to a previous injury. This assumption is confirmed by the numbness of the arm from the wrist to the elbow. Also, such a symptom is a characteristic sign of disorders in cerebral circulation, osteochondrosis and some diseases of internal organs.
First Aid
The hand is numb and does not go away - what to do in such a situation? To begin with, it is recommended to clench, and then unclench your fist. Such simple movements will need to be performed about five times. After that, twist with a brush. Such light gymnastics will allow you to return sensitivity to a numb limb.
After doing physical exercises, you should rub the affected area. You need to press on the skin with bent fingers, palm or fist, directing their movement from the brush. In the event that the house has a Kuznetsov, Lyapko applicator or other reflexotherapy devices, they should be applied to the area of loss of sensitivity.
In the event that hands often go numb during a night's rest, it is recommended to eliminate discomfort using a fairly simple folk method - contrast baths. This procedure is fast and simple. You will need to prepare two containers. Pour cold water into one of them, and warm water into the other. After that, it is necessary to lower your hands alternately into one or the other of them for several minutes. Perform this procedure 4 to 5 times during the day. At this time, it is recommended to carry out the simple physical exercises described above.
Appeal to the doctor
In cases where numbness was provoked by somephysiological factor, and the unpleasant sensation passed by itself, you should not consult a specialist for advice. You need to visit it in cases where:
- Loss of feeling in the hands does not go away for a long time.
- Numbness is felt even in the daytime. A similar symptom clearly indicates he alth problems.
- The problem is observed in two hands at once. If they both go numb at the same time, then a doctor's consultation is required.
Often people believe that hand numbness is only due to an uncomfortable body position. But if this happens all the time, then in order to restore lost he alth, you should go to the local therapist, cardiologist or neuropathologist.
In case of pain that accompanies numbness of the hands, dizziness, deterioration of vision and speech, convulsions and other alarming symptoms, you will need to call an ambulance.
When contacting a specialist, the patient will be assigned:
- general blood test;
- electrocardiogram;
- determining the level of glucose, which will exclude the presence of diabetes;
- computed, magnetic resonance imaging, radiography of the brain, spine, joints or area of limb numbness (at the discretion of the doctor);
- conducting a biochemical blood test;
- Ultrasound of internal organs (according to indications);
- urinalysis general and according to Nechiporenko;
- blood test (immunographic) to rule out rheumatoid arthritis.
When the firstsymptoms of hand numbness, it is important to consult a specialist as soon as possible. Timely detection of pathology, appointment of the necessary course of therapy or surgical intervention allows you to get rid of the disease soon.
Principles of treatment
When a patient complains about numbness of the hands, there is no point in treating the limbs. After all, such a phenomenon is not at all an independent pathology. The main essence of therapy is to eliminate the cause due to which such a condition arose.
The treatment of numb hands is usually complex. Several methods are used to fix the problem. That is why doctors recommend to their patients:
- therapeutic exercises that improve blood circulation;
- physiotherapy;
- manual therapy;
- massage;
- treatment with pharmaceuticals that should strengthen blood vessels and prevent numbness;
- taking vitamin complexes.
Using the above procedures in combination, you can restore the circulatory system, speed up the process of tissue regeneration, and eliminate a chronic disease.
Alternative Medicine Tips
Folk recipes also allow you to successfully deal with numbness of the hands. The most popular and effective of these are:
- Taking rosemary baths. You need to lie down in such healing water 10 minutes before bedtime.
- Carrying out procedures duringwhich a mask in the form of heated pumpkin porridge is applied to the wrist. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to wrap your hands with a warm scarf.
- Rubbing numbness with mustard oil.
- Drink on an empty stomach in the morning a glass of boiling water. This will eliminate the problem of vessel fragility.
- Wear a string of pure wool around your wrist.
- Use garlic tincture. To do this, the chopped vegetable should be poured with a bottle of vodka. After it has been infused for two weeks, use the drug from 5 to 10 drops three times a day for a month.
- Apply a mixture of 100 grams of ground black pepper with warm vegetable oil to your hands.
These recipes will help eliminate discomfort and restore he alth.
