Sometimes, it is possible for your fingers to begin tingling or go numb. If you've experienced this, you know how difficult it can be. Luckily, there are ways to manage the problem, so read on to learn about the causes and treatments of numbness and tingling in fingers.
About Tingling or Numbness in Fingers
Experiencing tingling and numbness in fingers is a fairly common sensation. The two are often paired - the fingers feel as though they're tingling, but are numb to outer sensations. However, they may appear separately as well. There are a number of causes, both internal and external, that may be the reason for experiencing this feeling.
Hormonal Causes
A hormonal imbalance is a common cause of tingling in fingers, but it is not widely known among many women who may be experiencing a hormonal imbalance. The imbalances that occur during menopause are especially likely to result in tingling and numbness in fingers, due to the changes in estrogen.
Other Causes
One common reason for tingling in extremities, especially the fingers, is a vitamin B12 deficiency. This vitamin is crucial in forming nerves and keeping them healthy, particularly by helping form a myelin sheath - something that protects the nerve from damage. If there is not enough vitamin B12 in the body, the nerve can begin to be vulnerable to problems caused by a weak myelin sheath, and it may cause odd sensations like tingling or numbness.
Another potential reason behind numb fingers is a problem with the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve runs through your wrist to your fingers - especially to your pinky and ring fingers - and it is responsible for carrying sensations from your fingers to your brain, to let you know what your fingers feel. Occasionally, the nerve can be pinched or compressed farther up the wrist or arm, and this interrupts the signals the nerve sends to the brain, resulting in tingling or numbness.
What to Do
There are a few non-medicinal changes that you can make to try to remedy tingling or numb in fingers. A massage can sometimes improve the sensation in your fingers, and eating a healthy diet - especially one high in vitamin B12 (e,g; soy milk,meat, and eggs) - is useful for reducing tingling and numbness.
However, you may need medical advice or treatment in order to fully eliminate tingling from your fingertips. There are medications that can help manage the underlying causes and can therefore reduce the symptoms of numbness and tingling.
Rarely, tingling and numbness may also be symptoms of a stroke or other serious condition. Consult a doctor immediately if your symptoms began after a head injury or if you also are experiencing blurred vision, difficulty speaking, any sort of paralysis, or confusion.
If you have tingling or numb fingers, knowing this information could help you find a remedy for your condition. Read about pain and tingling in legs, feet, or hands to learn more about causes and treatment for tingling.
