A tingling sensation in the hand is better than a painful sensation, but it can be a big nuisance – and very distracting. It can also be a sign of an underlying issue that should be diagnosed and addressed.
An ignored tingling sensation can lead to worsening symptoms because the underlying condition isn’t being treated. Tingling can happen anywhere in the body, but the hands are a common place to experience it.
Reasons Your Hand Might Have Tingling Sensations
There are a variety of causes of tingling in the hands. Below are some of the most common causes.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy happens when there is damage to the peripheral nerves. Whereas the central nervous system includes the nerves in your brain and spinal cord, the peripheral nervous system includes the nerves located everywhere else in your body.
The peripheral nervous system sends messages to the central nervous system. When an individual has peripheral neuropathy, there is nerve damage somewhere in the body’s peripheral nerves.
For example, peripheral neuropathy can develop in the hand. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can include a tingling sensation, numbness, pain, and oversensitivity to touch.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve that passes through the wrist is exposed to too much pressure and becomes damaged. Repetitive motions and overuse are common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome.
One of the most prominent symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is a tingling sensation in the hand – particularly around the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the palm adjacent to these fingers. This can be accompanied by other symptoms like numbness, burning, and pain in the fingers, as well as a tingling sensation traveling from the hand up to the arm.
Vitamin Deficiency
Being vitamin-deficient can also cause hands to tingle, this is due to the nerves not receiving adequate nutrients. Vitamins like B-1, B-6, B-12, and niacin are crucial for nerve health.
Trauma
Injury can also lead to a tingling sensation in the hands, because the nerves can get crushed, pinched, or damaged in the injury. The injury does not necessarily have to happen in the hands: Sometimes, nerve damage in one part of the body can create symptoms in other parts of the body that may seem unrelated.
Other Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions increase the chances of nerve damage, which in turn causes symptoms like a tingling sensation. Some examples include diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Infections like shingles, herpes simplex, and Lyme disease can also increase the chances of nerve damage which could result in a tingling sensation.
Tingling is often a sign of an underlying condition that should be diagnosed and treated, such as multiple sclerosis. If diagnosed and treated early, you can often keep the condition under control; but if it’s left ignored, you may develop other symptoms – and the condition can worsen, making it more difficult to treat later on.
If you experience tingling in the hand and do not know the cause, it’s time to see a doctor; whether the tingling is accompanied by other symptoms or not, it should not go ignored.
Hand Doctors in Maryland
If you are experiencing tingling in the hands, our skilled hand surgeons are ready to help you. Our doctors are board-certified in orthopedic surgery (musculoskeletal conditions) and in plastic surgery, and we aim to provide unparalleled patient care.
Call (410) 296-6232 or fill out our online form to request an appointment. Our medical team at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder looks forward to treating you and making you feel as good as new!
