Finger Numbness and Paresthesia

Hands | Neurology | Finger Numbness and Paresthesia (Symptom)


Description

The numbness of the fingers is usually the result of conditions that affect the nerves and / or blood vessels supplying the hand. The numbness of the fingers is often associated with tingling. These symptoms are known as paresthesia of the fingers.

Causes

Among the causes of numbness include: arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and tarsal tunnel syndrome, diabetes (type 1 and type 2), elbow pain, freezing and cold, related injuries climate, peripheral vascular disease, multiple sclerosis and others. The lesions can impact your fingers and make these remain a bit crooked or stiff, but your hand can still work well. The fingers do not need to open or close completely to be functional. Numbness or tingling in the fingers may be a sign of a problem with the nerves or blood flow.

Diagnosis and Treatment

At first, the patient and the doctor check reflexes evaluates venous and arterial circulation. In case of doubt, the doctor may still require further investigation: electromyogram (an electrical recording of muscle activity), Doppler (ultrasound which provides information regarding blocking a blood vessel by a clot). In severe cases it is required computed tomography or magnetic resonance-imaging (MRI).

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