Numbness can be a symptom of a disease or disorder in the body. If the numb fingers, then you need to talk to your doctor about any unusual sensations, which lasted more than a few minutes. Numbness in the fingers - is an abnormal condition in which the sensitivity is lost or felt tingling in his fingers. For example, you may feel numbness, when for a long time keep his hand in one position.

The fingers are usually numb because of the lack of blood supply in this area, or because of damage to the nerves in the hand, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or a cervical disc problem. Numbness in the fingers may also be caused by infection, inflammation, trauma, and other abnormal processes. In most cases, fingers numb not because of life-threatening conditions, but it does happen and strokes and tumors.

Depending on the cause of loss of sensation can quickly disappear, for example, if in a dream you had a bent elbow or wrist. Chronic numbness of the fingers may occur due to diabetes, multiple sclerosis or peripheral neuropathy. Chronic numbness of the fingers as a whole defines a level of nerve damage.

Numbness little finger and ring finger on the palm and the back side it could be a sign of compression of the ulnar nerve. Numbness in the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger can be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms

Numbness in the fingers may also be accompanied by other symptoms. For example, numbness, tingling and itching can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis. Numbness of cervical disc protrusions (in the neck) may be associated with severe pain, which covers the shoulder, arm, hand and some fingers. Any symptoms that accompany the numbness of the fingers, can help the doctor make a diagnosis.

Numbness of the fingers may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• burning;
• coldness in the fingers;
• pain in the wrist, hand or fingers;
• increasing numbness or tingling in the fingers during writing or printing;
• itching;
• muscle spasms;
• pain in the neck;
• redness;
• sensitivity to touch;
• muscle twitching.

  

Serious symptoms that may indicate life-threatening conditions

In some cases, numbness of fingers may be accompanied by other symptoms that may indicate a serious or life-threatening disease in which the urgent need to seek medical help:

• confusion or loss of consciousness, even for a short time;
• shortness of breath;
• hindered walking;
• dizziness;
• numbness in the fingers after a head injury, neck or back;
• loss of vision or changes in vision;
• paralysis;
• muddled speech;
• weakness.

  

Causes numbness of fingers

Numbness of the fingers may be a symptom of a wide range of diseases, disorders and conditions that either restrict blood flow or cause nerve damage. Temporary numbness of the fingers may occur due to any activity that causes prolonged pressure on a nerve or nerves, for example, fine motor activity (drawing), repetitive motion, or sleep in the supine position on the hand. Numbness in the fingers may also be caused by an orthopedic disease in which certain nerve is compressed.

Numbness little finger and ring finger may indicate a problem with the shoulder, elbow or wrist. Numbness of the index finger, along with abnormal sensations in the thumb and middle finger happens because of problems with the median nerve, which can be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

Poor circulation

Numbness of the fingers can be caused by problems such as:

• Frostbite or extremely low temperatures;
• peripheral vascular disease - narrowing of the arteries due to accumulation of fat and cholesterol Cholesterin   on the walls of the arteries that restricts blood flow to the extremities;
• Raynaud's disease - a condition in which blood vessels in the fingers taper from cold or stress.

  

Orthopedic disorders

Numbness of the fingers may be due to moderate or serious orthopedic problems, which can lead to nerve damage or spinal peripheral nerves:

• neck injury;
• fractured finger, damage the nerve;
• carpal tunnel syndrome;
• cervical spondylosis;
• herniated disc;
• or pinched nerve compression, such as the elbow.

  

Neurological diseases

Numbness of the fingers may be caused by nerve compression, trauma or conditions such as:

• alcoholism;
• diabetic neuropathy;
• heavy metal toxicity (lead);
• hypothyroidism;
• multiple sclerosis;
• neuroma in the finger;
• peripheral neuropathy;
• trauma or a tumor in the spine;
• stroke;
• systemic lupus erythematosus;
• transverse myelitis.

  

Questions that will help determine the cause of numbness in fingers

To make a correct diagnosis, the doctor is likely to ask you a few questions related to the numbness of the fingers:

• Which fingers felt numb?
• Whether struck by the palm or back of the hand?
• When did you start to feel numb?
• How long does the numbness?
• Whether caused numbness of fingers in some activity?
• Do you feel such sensations as pain, burning, or itching?

  

Possible complications of numbness of fingers

While numbness of fingers rarely happens because of serious infringements, its various causes may be related to possible complications that lead to permanent nerve damage. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any numbness, frequent, or other unusual symptoms.

If numbness of the fingers is due to repetitive movements, often simple lifestyle changes may solve the problem. When the original cause is determined, it is important to follow the treatment plan that is prescribed by a doctor to reduce the risk of potential complications associated with numbness of the fingers, such as:

• amputation;
• chronic pain;
• immobility;
• loss of strength;
• paralysis;
• permanent loss of sensitivity.

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