Deaf fingers are a symptom of damaged or underactive nerves. They are classed as sensory disorders and are usually caused directly in the fingers. The therapy options are numerous.
What are numb fingers?
Numb fingers are fingers that feel like they're asleep. However, the typical tingling sensation does not occur. Affected people feel less pain in the affected fingers and only take limited pressure.
The reason for this lies in damage to the ulnar nerve, which runs from the cervical spine over the elbow to the fingers. Due to the position of the nerve, some work or sport can quickly become trapped, which in turn can trigger numb fingers.
causes
There are several causes for numb fingers. Often it is a consequence of so-called polyneuropathies. This nervous system disease is triggered by diabetes mellitus, for example. Excessive alcohol consumption and poisoning also cause numb fingers.
In addition, numb fingers can appear due to a narrowing of the metacarpal nerve. One speaks here of the carpal tunnel syndrome, which triggers the typical numbness, but also a strong tingling sensation. The symptoms can appear in the entire forearm. The so-called ulnar tunnel syndrome also causes the problems mentioned. It is also caused by a bottleneck in the nerve tract. The expression of the numb fingers can vary greatly here.
Another cause can be muscle tension. In particular in the area of the cervical spine, such tension often occurs, which causes numb fingers. The symptoms are aggravated by a deficiency in vitamin B12, as this vitamin is essential for the formation of a protective covering around the nerve.
Finally, numb fingers are also triggered by injuries between the hand and the cervical spine. In particular, when exercising, unnatural movements can cause a nerve to become trapped and thus trigger numb fingers. The permanent support on the elbow also disrupts the blood flow and can pinch a nerve under certain circumstances.
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➔ Medicines for paresthesia and circulatory disordersDiseases with this symptom
- Diabetes mellitus
- Polyneuropathy
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Vitamin deficiency
- Ulnar Channel Syndrome
- Circulatory disorders
Diagnosis & course
The diagnosis of numb fingers can be made by those affected. However, a specialist in neurology must be consulted to determine the underlying causes. This carries out a nerve conduction measurement to narrow down the affected area.
Computed tomography may also be necessary, but the symptoms can usually be assigned to a cause by taking an anamnesis without physical examinations. Numb fingers develop from a slight feeling of numbness to complete numbness in the fingers.
This usually happens within a few days, but usually disappears again. If the cause, such as an inflamed nerve, is not treated, in the worst case scenario, the fingers can be paralyzed.
Complications
Deaf fingers can indicate looming complications following trauma to the arm or hand. Very often breaks or deep cuts in this area also damage a nerve, which complicates treatment of the injury. Many people consider resting on their elbows to be a harmless habit.
Often the blood flow to the fingers is impaired, which leads to a feeling of numbness in the limbs. This process is harmless in and of itself. Frequently propping up the elbows can lead to complications such as a nerve injury in the ulna area. Signs of such complications are severe, persistent tingling and worsening pain in the fingers.
The worsening of a polyneuropathy, i.e. a secondary disease of the nervous system, can also be announced by numb fingers. This is especially true after heavy alcohol consumption. In this case, numb fingers indicate alcohol intoxication.
Progressive muscle tension in the area of the cervical spine, which has already led to wear and tear on the cervical vertebrae, are also complications that are noticeable in the form of numbness in the fingers. Furthermore, a vitamin B12 deficiency that is not recognized and remedied in good time can lead to complications that are associated with numbness in the limbs.
When should you go to the doctor?
Numb fingers can quickly develop if the affected person assumes a certain posture. Important nerves and tendons can become trapped, causing temporary numbness in the fingers. In this case, of course, there is no need to go to a doctor, as there can be no consequential damage. However, if you suffer from numbness in your fingers permanently or frequently, you should have this clinical picture examined by a doctor. Under certain circumstances, this symptom can hide a serious underlying disease that requires professional treatment.
If you forego a visit to the doctor at this point, you run a very high risk. If a circulatory disorder is hidden behind the numb finger, even permanent damage can remain. In such a case, the fingers are supplied with too little blood, so that the aforementioned numbness occurs. Affected people can recognize this clinical picture by a bluish discoloration of the fingertips.
When this symptom occurs at the latest, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. If left untreated, individual fingers can even die. Therefore: Anyone who permanently suffers from numb fingers should not postpone a visit to the doctor. Only through timely treatment can serious complications be avoided.
Doctors & therapists in your area
Treatment & Therapy
Depending on the underlying causes of the numb fingers, different treatment methods are used. Surgical intervention is often necessary if a pinched nerve is found. During such an operation, if the groove is too narrow, the nerve is freed and moved forward.
Deaf fingers, which are only caused by the hand "falling asleep", usually resolve by themselves. Simple movements are enough to solve the problem. If the symptom occurs frequently, a doctor should be consulted. The doctor can then determine whether there is a vitamin B12 deficiency and prescribe appropriate preparations. In some cases, acute symptoms are treated with a weekly vitamin B12 injection.
If the numb fingers are due to a serious nerve injury, comprehensive physiotherapy is also considered in addition to surgical interventions. This is especially necessary if the numb fingers are accompanied by symptoms of paralysis.
Outlook & forecast
If the fingers regularly feel numb in everyday life and the disturbances also occur at night, medical help should be sought. Depending on the symptom, a serious illness can be concealed behind it, which can only be found out and adequately treated by a doctor. The doctor then ensures, for example, that the emotional disorder is not a harbinger of a stroke. If necessary, the correct measures can be taken immediately.
If those affected ignore the symptom of numb fingers, permanent damage to the entire nervous system, muscles and blood vessels can result. As a result, the emotional disorder can only be restored partially and with great medical effort.
With timely treatment and targeted therapeutic measures, the symptom can largely be eliminated. Are chronic diseases such as Excluding diabetes or rheumatism, the cause of numb fingers is often a nerve disorder. The degree of damage can be determined by means of a nerve conduction examination and CT. A blood test will tell you whether there is a vitamin deficiency.
In women, hormonal fluctuations can cause fingers to become numb. If manual and drug applications do not provide a remedy, a surgical intervention is targeted to remedy the sensory disorder and restore the fine motor skills of the fingers.
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➔ Medicines for paresthesia and circulatory disordersprevention
Deaf fingers can be effectively prevented. It already helps to pay attention to your own posture at work, at home or during sports and especially to relieve the elbows. The cervical spine should also be relieved regularly. Massages also stimulate blood circulation and prevent numb fingers. Of course, the vitamin B12 supply mentioned is also essential for healthy fingers without feeling numb. Vegans in particular should pay attention to a balanced diet, as vitamin B12 is mainly found in eggs, meat and milk.
In addition, it is important to identify numb fingers as early as possible and to correct the causes. If you act quickly here, you can completely resolve the complaints. On the other hand, if you wait too long, the affected nerves may die and the numb fingers remain forever. Athletes in particular can prevent nerves from becoming infected by warming up thoroughly. If you work a lot on your PC, you should also make sure that your hands are as natural as possible and not kink your joints too much. Appropriate documents can be used to prevent numb fingers.
You can do that yourself
There are a number of effective home remedies and measures that can help with numb fingers. In most cases, it is sufficient to gently move the limbs that have fallen asleep in a circular motion or to massage them lightly. Even slight stimulation stimulates the blood circulation in the fingers and resolves numbness quickly and painlessly. Circular massages of the palm of the hand with olive oil or coconut oil have proven particularly effective.
Physical exercise also promises acute help. Sport and exercise dissolve fasciae adhesions in the muscles and nerves, and promote blood flow to the numb connective tissue. If the fingers have a slight tingling sensation, light gymnastics, Pilates or yoga exercises are usually sufficient. At the same time, numbness can be resolved with warm applications such as cherry stone pillows or compresses. Other home remedies are the anti-inflammatory turmeric, garlic or cinnamon.
A healthy lifestyle with sufficient exercise and a wholesome diet can prevent numb fingers. Nuts, bananas, and dark green leafy vegetables are just a few of the foods that have positive effects on nerve function. If the numb fingers persist in spite of everything or occur unusually often, we recommend talking to your family doctor.
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