Numbness in hands or numbness of the skin on hands or fingers may be caused by different factors. When the vessels or nerves are prevented from supplying blood to the area, numbness or temporary paralysis will occur. For example, wearing a very tight wristband for a long time or when pressure is imposed on the hands for some time, a person will feel numbness, tingle or temporary paralysis.
The weather can also be a determinant because the cold can cause the arteries to constrict and reduce the blood supply in the hands and fingers. An injury such as Cervical Disk Syndrome will often result to recurring numbness in hands and other affected organs. The symptom may occur right after the injury or it may also develop slowly and appear after weeks or months have passed by.
To diagnose whether the numbness is a result of an injury, the affected area, such as the hand must be scanned through CT-scanned or MRI scan. If found positive, the patient may be advised to undergo therapy through a regular exercise routine; cold therapy followed by heat therapy; or surgical decompression. Muscle relaxants or analgesics may also be prescribed to prevent numbness of recurring.
Another common condition that involves numbness in hands is the Cubital Tunnel Syndrome or Ulnar Neuropathy. This affects the ulnar nerve which is connected from the neck to the inner side of the arms, down to the wrists, hands, the little finger and ring finger.
People who suffer from Ulnar Neuropathy may feel an electric shock sensation when the elbow is tapped, numbness of the ring and little finger, difficulty in moving the ring and little finger, and sensitivity to cold. Patients with this condition are recommended to undergo special arm exercises and anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed.
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that affects the nerves of the spinal cord and the brain. Numbness in hands and other parts of the body is a common symptom along with blurry vision or double vision, weakness of the muscles, difficulty in maintaining balance, unexplained fatigue, etc. These symptoms may attack and last for weeks to months and disappear completely for some until the symptoms recur. Physicians may recommend medications and exercises to prevent the symptoms from occurring but as of this time, real treatment for Multiple Sclerosis has yet to be developed.
Many people today also suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which is often accompanied by numbness in hands and pain in the wrists. This condition is caused by the swelling of the tissues of the wrist, hands, and fingers as a result of excessive pressure. People who use their hands for repetitive movements such as typing the computer keyboard, playing piano, operating machines, playing tennis are prone to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.