Got That Funny Feeling In Your Hands? Here Are Key Reasons Not To Ignore That And Get Help
Image: Shutterstock
Oh, that annoying tingling sensation in the hands! You’re sitting at work, typing something on your computer like you usually do, and BAM! The demon strikes and takes control over your hand, leaving it numb. And all you can do is stop your work midway, flex the muscles in your hand, and wait for that funny feeling to pass. While the most common reason behind this tingling sensation in your hand is the disruption of blood flow to it, there are many other causes too, which can, frankly, be quite alarming. Here are the other ones that you should watch out for:
1. Multiple Sclerosis
If you find yourself frequently suffering from numbness in the hand, the reason for it may be multiple sclerosis. However, other symptoms should accompany the numbness, or it can be attributed to some another reason. The commonly associated symptoms of MS include clumsiness, double vision, and problems with bladder and bowel control (1). Check if you have any of these too. If you do, you will need to undergo an MRI scan to get the right diagnosis.
2. Osteochondrosis Of The Vertical Column
Osteochondrosis of the vertical column takes place due to the regular wear and tear of your spinal cord, especially of the cervical spine. This gradual wear and tear can bring about a disruption in the blood supply to your entire body, leading to tingles everywhere, including your hands. Other symptoms to watch out for include headaches and poor motor coordination.
3. Thrombosis
In simple terms, thrombosis is the clotting of blood. When blood clots form in your body, the supply of blood to the different areas can be impaired, leading to that funny feeling in your hands.
4. Diabetes
This is one of the major causes of that annoying sensation, so much that 30% of the cases of numbness in the hands are caused by diabetes. In fact, one of the earliest signs of diabetes is that tingling sensation in both your hands and feet as this disease can cause some nerve damage (2). Of course, you shouldn’t panic just because your hands are tingling right now. Remember that even diabetes is associated with other symptoms such as frequent urination, excess hunger and thirst and more. So, consult with your doctor first.
5. Pinched Nerve In Your Back
More often than not, that tingling sensation in your hand can be caused by an injury. And not an injury to the hand, mind you. This can happen due to an injury to your back or neck. So, if you experience pain or numbness radiating from your back to your feet or from your neck to your shoulders and arms, the chances are the injury has led to a pinching of a nerve, which consequently gave rise to that feeling in your hand.
6. Deficiency Of Vitamins
Yes, vitamin deficiency is a common cause of this discomfort. Deficiency of the vitamin B12 is the culprit if you feel the tingling sensation in not one, but both of your hands. However, if this is the reason, you will also feel lethargic most of the time and may even have anemia. Your doctor will be able to confirm it for you, and if this turns out to be the case, then supplements rich in vitamin B12 will be able to fix your problem.
7. Alcoholism
Too much consumption of alcohol, or in other words, alcoholism, can be held responsible as well. Alcoholics are more prone to suffer from various kinds of deficiencies, such as vitamin deficiency or a deficiency of thiamine, which can cause peripheral neuropathy. Alcoholism can also give rise to nerve damage, which can be the reason behind that tingling sensation (3).
8. Toxins
The presence of toxins in your bloodstream is another reason behind this work disruptor. Heavy metals like mercury, lead, arsenic, and thallium as well as environmental and industrial chemicals can spell doom for your hands. Antibiotic and antiviral drugs, as well as the specific drug used for chemotherapy for lung cancer, can affect you and make your hands go numb.
9. Inherited Disorders
Though rare, even inherited disorders can be blamed for that uncomfortable feeling in your hands. Disorders that affect your motor skills, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, can be held responsible.
There are quite a few other causes too behind this such as autoimmune disease, infections (Lyme disease, herpes, AIDS, etc.), systemic diseases, and nerve entrapment syndromes. Depending on the diagnosis (which only a doctor can determine), you can opt for treatments such as vitamin supplements, maintaining the right weight, eating a balanced diet, and quitting smoking as well as limiting your alcohol consumption.
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our vibrant community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with like-minded individuals.
