Numbness in the hands can be caused by various factors including nerve compression, medical conditions, injuries, and deficiencies.
Common Causes of Hand Numbness
- Nerve compression: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome (pressure on the median nerve at the wrist), cubital tunnel syndrome (compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow), or brachial plexus injury can cause numbness and tingling in the hands. Sleeping in a position that puts pressure on the nerves can also lead to numbness.
- Medical conditions: Diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), multiple sclerosis, hypothyroidism, Raynaud's phenomenon, and autoimmune diseases may cause nerve damage resulting in numbness. Vitamin B12 deficiency and other nutrient deficiencies also affect nerve function leading to numbness in hands.
- Injuries and repetitive use: Injuries to the neck, wrist, or elbow, repetitive hand movements, or trauma causing nerve irritation may result in numbness. Overuse conditions like inflammation or swelling can also compress nerves.
- Other causes: Infections like shingles, Lyme disease, or HIV, ganglion cysts pressing on nerves, exposure to toxins, alcohol use disorder, medications, and treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation can lead to hand numbness.
Summary
Numbness in hands is most often related to nerve compression (e.g., carpal tunnel), systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes), nutrient deficiencies (e.g., B12), injuries, or infections. Persistent or severe numbness warrants medical evaluation for diagnosis and treatment options.
