Why Do My Fingers Sometimes Go Numb?

Finger numbness can occur for various reasons, which often involve temporary nerve compression or reduced blood flow, such as when you compress a nerve in your hand or wrist while you’re sleeping or sitting for long periods. However, persistent or recurring numbness could indicate underlying health issues, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve entrapment, or medical conditions such as diabetes or neuropathy. Here at The Hand and Wrist Institute, we outline the common causes, associated medical conditions, and treatment options for numb fingers, including when you should see a doctor.

Common Causes of Finger Numbness

Here are some of the most common causes of finger numbness:

Poor Circulation

Poor circulation restricts blood flow to the hands, leading to numbness and tingling sensations. This can occur due to various factors, such as vascular disease, smoking, diabetes, or sitting or standing in one position for a long time. You may notice that your symptoms worsen during cold weather or after periods of inactivity. 

Nerve Compression

Nerve compression occurs when the surrounding tissues squeeze or press down on a nerve, affecting its function and causing numbness, tingling, or weakness. Two common forms of nerve compression affecting the hands include:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

Carpal tunnel syndrome involves the compression of the median nerve in your wrist. This condition is often caused by repetitive motions of the wrist or by conditions such as arthritis or pregnancy. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you may experience numbness, tingling, and weakness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. 

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment

Compression of the ulnar nerve at your elbow is often caused by leaving your elbow bent for long periods or making repetitive movements that put pressure on the nerve. Symptoms may include weakness in grip strength and numbness or tingling in your ring and little fingers. 

Injury or Trauma

Physical trauma or injury to your hand, wrist, or arm — such as fractures, dislocations, or direct blows — can cause nerve compression or stretching. This disrupts normal nerve function and can damage the nerve. Depending on the severity and location of your injury, symptoms may range from temporary numbness and tingling to more persistent sensory deficits. 

Medical Conditions Associated With Finger Numbness

Here are some of the common medical conditions associated with finger numbness:

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of blood sugar (glucose) in your bloodstream. Over time, these elevated glucose levels can lead to nerve damage, a condition known as diabetic neuropathy, which commonly affects the peripheral nerves, including those in the hands and feet. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy may include numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or pain in the affected areas. 

Neuropathy

Conditions such as alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies, or autoimmune diseases can lead to nerve damage and numbness, known as peripheral neuropathy. This refers to nerve damage that occurs outside your brain and spinal cord, often affecting the peripheral nerves in your extremities, such as your hands and fingers. 

Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a vascular disorder characterized by the narrowing of blood vessels in response to cold temperatures or emotional stress. This can restrict blood flow to your extremities, particularly your fingers and toes. During an episode, the affected fingers may turn white or blue and feel cold and numb. As blood flow returns, your fingers may turn red and feel warm, accompanied by throbbing or tingling sensations. 

Less Common Causes of Finger Numbness

Here are some of the less common causes of finger numbness:

Vitamin Deficiency

Deficiencies in essential vitamins, particularly vitamin B12, can lead to nerve damage and symptoms of numbness or tingling in your hands and feet. Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in nerve function and maintaining the myelin sheath. Those at risk for vitamin deficiencies include vegetarians, older adults, and those with gastrointestinal conditions that affect nutrient absorption.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks your body’s own tissues. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, or Guillain-Barré syndrome can affect your nerves, causing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and loss of coordination. 

Treatment Options for Finger Numbness

Here are some of the most common treatment options for hand numbness:

Medical Treatments

Doctors may prescribe medications, such as anti-inflammatories or nerve-stabilizing drugs, to manage the underlying conditions causing your finger numbness. For neuropathy or diabetic nerve damage, we may prescribe medications such as anticonvulsants or antidepressants to stabilize nerve function and manage your symptoms. Certain medications, such as gabapentin or pregabalin, are commonly used to treat neuropathic pain and stabilize nerve signals, and they can help reduce any tingling sensations or numbness. In cases of acute inflammation or nerve compression, such as with carpal tunnel syndrome, we may administer corticosteroid injections to reduce swelling and alleviate pressure on affected nerves. 

Surgical Options

For severe cases of nerve compression, we may recommend surgical procedures such as carpal tunnel release to alleviate nerve compression and restore function.

• Carpal tunnel release: This procedure involves cutting the ligament to relieve pressure on your median nerve. Performed under local anesthesia, this is typically an outpatient surgery, so you can return home the same day. 
• Ulnar nerve decompression: For ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome), it may be necessary to release pressure on the nerve through surgical decompression. During this procedure, the surgeon may reposition the nerve or remove nearby structures that compress the ulnar nerve. 

When To See a Doctor

If your finger or hand numbness persists or worsens, or if you have additional symptoms, such as weakness, pain, or difficulty with coordination, you should seek medical attention promptly. Our health care providers can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment to relieve your symptoms and prevent further nerve damage. Contact The Hand and Wrist Institute to schedule a consultation today.

person showing left hand by Mathias Reding is licensed with Unsplash License

Dr. John Knight

Dr. Knight is a renowned hand, wrist and upper extremity surgeon with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Knight is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Fellowship trained. Dr Knight has appeared on CNN, The Doctors TV, Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, Oxygen network and more.