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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Tingling Sensation And Numbness In The Hands?

I have been having tingling and numbness in my hands. It is getting worse by the day. Some days I can hardly hold or cut food. I have have rheumatoid arthritis and I am a 65 year old women. It is so painful trying to do this right now. I do not know what to do or where to turn.
Tue, 11 Apr 2017
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The tingling and numbness are likely due to neuropathy which refers to abnormal function of the nerves, there can be different causes but autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are one of the causes.

Other causes of neuropathy are: (1) low levels of vitamin b12 and folate
(2)diabetes
(3)side effect of medication
(4)thyroid disease
(5)liver or kidney disease
(6)infection such as shingles
(7)other autoimmune diseases
(8)neurological conditions such as ms or stroke
(9)trauma to the nerves eg arthritis of the neck or shoulders can affect the nerves in the area

It maybe best to see your rheumatologist who manages your RA first to see if it is related to this condition.

If this is not the case, then the other causes mentioned would need to be ruled out by blood tests and imaging

I hope this helps
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What Causes Tingling Sensation And Numbness In The Hands?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The tingling and numbness are likely due to neuropathy which refers to abnormal function of the nerves, there can be different causes but autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are one of the causes. Other causes of neuropathy are: (1) low levels of vitamin b12 and folate (2)diabetes (3)side effect of medication (4)thyroid disease (5)liver or kidney disease (6)infection such as shingles (7)other autoimmune diseases (8)neurological conditions such as ms or stroke (9)trauma to the nerves eg arthritis of the neck or shoulders can affect the nerves in the area It maybe best to see your rheumatologist who manages your RA first to see if it is related to this condition. If this is not the case, then the other causes mentioned would need to be ruled out by blood tests and imaging I hope this helps