Below are specific causes of hand numbness:
1. Upper limb nerve compression:
- Numbness and pain in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, often accompanied by waking up at night due to numbness, which improves with movement upon waking. Severe cases may involve hand muscle atrophy, affecting fine motor skills. This results from compression of the median nerve at the wrist, known as "carpal tunnel syndrome."
Second, numbness and pain in the ring and little fingers, also potentially waking you at night. Severe cases may involve muscle atrophy, reduced flexion strength in the ring and little fingers, and impaired fine motor skills. This occurs when nerves are compressed at the elbow, known as "cubital tunnel syndrome."
2. Cervical Spondylosis:
The most common cause of hand numbness is cervical spondylosis, a condition frequently seen in middle-aged and elderly individuals.As individuals enter middle age, degenerative changes often occur in various organs. When cervical intervertebral discs undergo degeneration, it frequently leads to disc herniation or hypertrophy/enlargement of the facet joints. These herniated discs or enlarged facet joints compress adjacent cervical nerve roots, resulting in cervical spondylosis.Beyond finger numbness and sensory abnormalities, cervical spondylosis may present with additional symptoms such as aching pain in the neck and shoulders, radiating pain in the upper limbs, or restricted movement. Diagnosing cervical spondylosis is straightforward—a simple X-ray is sufficient.Another simple test involves having someone support the patient's head while holding their affected upper limb. Abduct the limb to 90 degrees, then simultaneously push and pull both hands in opposite directions. Radiating pain or numbness confirms a preliminary diagnosis of cervical spondylosis.
3. Stroke:
Another common cause of hand numbness is stroke.The Medical Compendium states: "When one first feels numbness or loss of function in the thumb and index finger, a stroke may occur within three years." Prevention is essential: maintain a regular routine, eat moderately, avoid excessive intimacy, and keep emotions balanced.While finger numbness doesn't necessarily indicate stroke, individuals over 40 experiencing frequent headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, limb numbness, or a swollen tongue—especially those with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, or cerebral arteriosclerosis—should remain vigilant for stroke risks.
4. Menopausal Syndrome:
Women entering menopause may occasionally experience mild hand numbness, which typically resolves as menopause concludes.
Through the above explanation of causes for hand numbness, you now have a basic understanding. It is important to note that once diagnosed, mild symptoms can often improve through proper non-surgical treatment. However, if symptoms are severe and accompanied by noticeable atrophy of the intrinsic hand muscles, prompt surgical intervention is necessary to halt progression and prevent irreversible, severe muscle wasting that could lead to significant functional impairment of the hand.