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Numbness in the fingertips
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

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Causes of Numbness in Fingertips
Most often, after a warm-up in the morning, the problem disappears if you simply slept on your hand. But it happens that the cause of one-sided numbness of the fingers is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Also, numbness of the fingertips can be a result of iron deficiency in the blood, diabetes or pancreatitis. Also, pain in the fingers can bother a person if, due to his profession, he is forced to constantly strain his hands, perform monotonous work with his hands. During work, it is imperative to take breaks and warm up. Remember that if the numbness does not go away within half an hour, there is a risk of losing the function of the hand. Also, numbness can be caused by a violation of blood flow in the hand, called Raynaud's syndrome. This disease is more common among the fair sex. A doctor can determine Raynaud's syndrome, and to avoid it, do not forget to wear warm natural gloves or mittens in winter. Also, among the causes of numbness are often diseases of the endocrine glands, diseases of the joints. Be attentive to yourself.
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Numbness in the fingertips
Numbness of the fingertips is most often seen in our computer age due to carpal tunnel syndrome. What is it? Carpal tunnel syndrome is a feeling of numbness, pain and "pins and needles" in the hands associated with monotonous work with the hands. Numbness of the fingertips can also be caused by scoliosis or intervertebral hernia, lifting heavy objects, such as heavy bags or carrying children. Other causes include hypertension, venous congestion, and the aforementioned Raynaud's syndrome.
Do simple gymnastics for your hands. Here are some examples of useful exercises:
- Sit down, raise your arms and shake them. Lower your arms. Repeat 10 times.
- While sitting or standing, stretch your arms out at shoulder level and rotate them. Do 10 sets.
- While sitting or standing, stretch your arms out at shoulder level and clench into fists, then relax your hands. Repeat 10 times.
- While sitting on a chair, rotate your head from left to right and from top to bottom. Do the movements slowly, 10 times.
For greater effectiveness, it is better to do the exercises 3 times a day.
Signs similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, such as numbness of the fingertips, occur with polyneuropathy. Just in case, consult a neurologist, orthopedist, have your blood tested for sugar, and have an X-ray of the spine, including the cervical and thoracic regions.
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Diagnosis of numbness in the fingertips
Numbness of the little finger of the left hand indicates heart problems. Numbness in both hands occurs with a deficiency of B vitamins. Atherosclerosis in the initial stage and elbow joint diseases also manifest themselves as numbness of the fingertips.
An osteopath can help you by restoring the function of nerve endings. Hand baths also help. Blood glucose correction and multivitamin complexes, smoking and drinking cessation may be prescribed.
After neurological diseases and injuries, you may be prescribed an X-ray of the spine or hand joints, MRI of the spine and joints, ultrasound of the vessels, electroencephalography. It may be found that numbness of the fingertips is a consequence of stagnant processes in the internal organs or improper functioning of the thyroid gland. With thyroid pathology, you may experience not only numbness, but also general weakness, hand tremors. You need to do an ultrasound of the thyroid gland and donate blood for its hormones. During pregnancy, if swelling and numbness of the fingertips appear, measure your blood pressure. And in general, pregnant women need to measure it regularly, especially at the end of the term. Asparagus and greens should be included in the diet. They not only prevent swelling, but also contain folic acid, which is necessary for pregnant women in large quantities.
Raynaud's disease is characterized by symmetrical numbness of both hands. X-rays are sufficient to diagnose osteochondrosis and disc herniations. They show bone growths and disc nucleus prolapse.
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Treatment for numbness in fingertips
Numbness of the fingertips is almost always a consequence of problems with blood vessels. But if you do not suffer from heart disease, vascular disease, or problems with the spine, then the cause may be more harmless - for example, a lack of vitamin A or B vitamins. Also, perhaps your condition was caused by prolonged carrying of heavy objects, an old injury. But do not miss the onset of more serious changes in the body, for example, atherosclerosis. Add to the list of possible causes kidney disease, lung disease and simply strong emotions, panic attacks, neurosis. Representatives of some professions: computer typesetting operator, seamstress, painter, numbness of the fingertips occurs more often than others.
Start with a consultation with a neurologist and cardiologist. If you have elbow neuropathy, the neurologist will prescribe you medications to calm the nervous system.
Cases of systematic numbness quite logically cause us anxiety. If this happens often, we can no longer write it off simply to an uncomfortable position.
Many people do not know how to treat numbness in the fingertips. In fact, there are many methods. Among them, manual therapy has taken a worthy place due to its high efficiency. Manual therapy will relieve you of muscle blocks and remove inflammation.
Physiotherapy methods improve tissue nutrition and blood flow to the affected area. Exercise therapy develops joints and muscles, improves blood circulation.
Try folk remedies, such as pumpkin porridge. Cook it and apply it warm to the entire arm – from the shoulder to the fingers. Wrap it in wool.
Another recipe: pour 100 g of ground black pepper with a liter of sunflower oil and cook for 30 minutes on low heat. Rub into your fingers.
Mix 50 ml of ammonia and 10 ml of camphor and rub your hands.
A woolen thread tied around your wrist like a bracelet can help cope with numbness.
To get rid of numbness in your fingertips, you just need to start treatment on time.
Prevention of numbness in the fingertips
We advise you to monitor your blood pressure and kidney condition. Edema is often the reason why fingertips go numb. You need to do simple exercises, for example, fold your hands in front of your chest and rub your palms together. Touch the tips of your right fingers to the fingers of your left hand and press a little. Massage the fingers of your left and right hands separately for a few minutes.
Numbness in your fingertips shouldn't make you panic, but it's important to find out the cause and how to treat it.