Causes of numbness in the hands and arms

On many occasions, tingling in the fingers of the hands, as well as in other parts of the body, does not have to be a symptom of illness, but it does have to be a symptom of other problems, such as those shown below:

• Dehydration: when the body is not well hydrated and lacks water, this numbness of the extremities can also occur.
• Panic or anxiety attacks: In these situations, it is also common to have tingling in the hands and feet due to anxiety. In addition, it is a state that is usually accompanied by hyperventilation, which also favors that tingling in the extremities.
• Circulatory problemsPoor blood circulation is another common cause of numbness in the arms and hands because the blood flow to them is poor.

However, below, we show you other possible causes of tingling in the hands and arms.

Paresthesia is a term used to indicate this sensation, which occurs because communication between the signals that are sent from the nerves to the spinal cord and the brain is interrupted.

Paresthesia, which can also affect the lower extremities and faceIt can be temporary or chronic. Normally, it is recognized because it presents a series of symptoms, in addition to numbness, which is the main one. And it is that people who have it also notice:

• Burning in the arms and hands.
• Itching in the upper extremities.
• Tingling in both arms and hands.
• Feeling of having padded hands, noticing difficulty in moving them.

You may also be interested in this other oneHOWTO article about Why do my hands and feet feel tingling?

One of the main causes of numbness in the hands and arms is the pressure that can be exerted on one or more nerves over a period of time. Normally, this situation clears up on its own and quickly when the nerve or nerves are no longer under pressure. They are cases that correspond to:

• Being in the same position for a long time without moving.
• Sleeping many hours in the same position.
• Whiplash, which can cause the same sensation as a result of injuries that have occurred in the cervical soft tissue. In this case, the recovery is a little slower and gradual until the damage is restored, which can take an average of six months.
• Having seizures is another cause behind this numbness, which can last for a while after the seizure has passed.

In general, when the numbness of the hands and arms occurs continuously and it takes time to pass the symptom picture, we can consider it to be a sign of a possible disease. In these cases, normally, the person tends to perceive another series of symptoms that warn of possible pathologies:

• Numbness also of the lower extremities.
• Muscular atrophy.
• Ocular dysmetria.
• Restless leg syndrome.
• Sleeping problems.
• Tingling sensation on the skin

If you have any of these symptoms, then in oneHOWTO we explain the possible diseases that may be causing them.

Normally, both the numbness and the rest of the symptoms that we have just mentioned, are related to neurological diseases, but also to infections or trauma problems. These are the most frequent:

• Nervous system disorders: In these cases, the numbness of the hands and arms is related to stroke, brain tumors, head trauma, encephalitis or multiple sclerosis. Intercerebral hemorrhages are also part, which are related to deficits in the nervous system.
• Musculoskeletal disorders with consequences on the nervous system: there are several pathologies and ailments that fall into this group and that have among their main symptoms the numbness of the arms and legs. We are talking, for example, of herniated discs, carpal tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow, cervical spondylosis and even muscle contractures. We must also mention the synovial cyst, which can put pressure on the nerve due to the accumulation of fluid.
• Disorders in the circulatory system: in this section, all those problems related to a malfunction of the arteries or blood flow are included. Among the most serious are ischemic attacks such as thrombosis or embolism, which also prevent oxygen from reaching the nervous system normally.
• Metabolism disordersHypothyroidism is one of the diseases that causes numbness in the hands and arms. But it is not the only metabolic disorder that produces this same symptom. There are also pathologies such as diabetes or hypoglycemia. In addition, inadequate levels of calcium, sodium or potassium, among other minerals, as well as vitamins B12, B1, B5 and B6, can be behind this feeling of hands and arms asleep. We must not forget about menopause in women due to the hormonal and metabolic changes that occur at this stage.
• Infections: Viruses such as HIV and diseases such as syphilis and even shingles or shingles generate that same feeling of numbness. But it is also produced by infections caused by bites of insects, arachnids, mites or ticks or by toxins present in shellfish.
• Addictions: The abuse of alcohol, tobacco and drugs favors that hands and arms fall asleep.

These are the main causes of numbness in the hands and arms that we have told you in ONE HOW TO so that you know how to recognize them. We always recommend go to the doctor and consult with him about any symptoms so that he can make the diagnosis and determine whether or not it is worrisome and, if so, prescribe the appropriate treatment.

This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

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