What Causes Numbness And Tingling Sensation In The Hands?

Posted on Wed, 15 Mar 2017

Question: I am having numbness and tingling from shoulder down to tip of fingers. Im also expericing a burning sensation and swelling like theres a rubberband cutting off circulation to my hand...what is it?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
may be neuropathy

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The nerves in the body are responsible for sensations.

Abnormal sensations are usually due to neuropathy , which is abnormal function of the nerves.

It can be temporary or permanent and there are different possible causes.

Some of the causes are: (1) trauma to the nerves. The nerves to the limbs pass from the neck between the vertebra through part of the shoulder to the arm and hand- any issues with the shoulder joint or neck , can cause neuropathy

eg trauma or arthritis or a cervical rib (some person have extra ribs in the neck)

(2)vitamin b12 and folate deficiency

(3)diabetes

(4) liver or kidney disease

(5)side effect of medication

(6)exposure to toxins

(7)infections such as shingles

(8)neurological conditions such as stroke (unlikely at your age)

(9)thyroid disease

(10)some diseases such as lupus, RA (rheumatoid arthritis)

(11) idiopathic----- in some persons the cause is not found. The symptoms stop on their own

If your symptoms are severe, it would be best to see your doctor for an assessment which would include history and physical examination along with investigations such as blood tests (vitamin b12, folate, thyroid, liver, kidney, complete blood count)

Imaging (x ray ) of the neck and shoulder may also be needed as well.

There are medications that help with this type of pain. Initially, normal pain killers are tried eg naproxen, paracetamol or ibuprofen

If there is no improvement then medications such as gabapentin, ,lyrica, amitriptyline etc are tried.

Additional treatment would depend on the specific cause.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (30 hours later)

Thank you for your response it has given me the information I was seeking and now I know I need to see a Doctor sooner rather than later. It is also getting worse I woke this morning with the same symptoms in both arms and hands not just the left. I appreciate the time you took to answer my question as thoroughly as you did. Thank you again and have a lovely day.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
no problem

Detailed Answer:
Wishing you all the best and hope that you get the answers you need on your doctor's visit

If there are any other queries, feel free to contact

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar