Generally, the tingling sensation in the hands can be generated following spending a long time on the computer keyboard, typing on the cell phone, even by carrying out weight movements or staying in the same position for a long time, among others.
However, some of the more common causes are compression of the nerves in this region, circulatory problems, inflammatory processes, abuse of alcoholic beverages, as well as more serious diseases such as diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis or a heart attack, according to the specialized health portal, Your Health.
It should be noted that the hands, arms and feet are parts of the body that contain a large number of nerve endings, which allows for more delicate movements, feeling objects and temperature changes.
“The sensation of tingling in the hands or the sensation of a sleeping limb is known as paresthesia, and it is a frequent reason for consultation,” explains Dr. Santiago Rodríguez, a specialist in the Internal Medicine Service of the Virgen del Rocío Hospital ( Seville).
Carpal tunnel syndrome
The carpal tunnel is a channel that runs through the palm of the hand from the wrist bones. The median nerve and the tendons that allow the fingers to flex pass through it.
“Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is trapped at the wrist level,” explains Dr. Rodríguez.
In addition to the tingling sensation in the fingers of the hand, it also usually causes these symptoms:
- Weakness and difficulty in making certain movements or picking up objects.
- Wrist and forearm pain, which can be accentuated at night.
disc herniation
guyon canal syndrome
“In this case, there is entrapment of the ulnar nerve, normally at the level of the elbow,” describes Dr. Rodríguez.
It usually manifests itself with these other symptoms, apart from the sensation of numbness in the fingers:
- Pain in the elbow, with irradiation or not towards the hand.
- Claw hand (when the fingers are curved or bent, without the possibility of stretching them).
- Muscle weakness in the hand.
- Difficulty flexing the fingers or pinching.
hypothyroidism
- When hypothyroidism is not treated properly, it can cause damage to the nerves that carry information between the brain and the rest of the body.
- In this way, in addition to hair loss, weight gain or a constant feeling of cold, hypothyroidism can also cause tingling in various parts of the body, including the hands and arms.
Diabetes
- People with this disease are at increased risk of developing nerve damage (peripheral nervous system) that affects the sensitivity of the extremities, especially when they do not have good glycemic control.
- Diabetic neuropathy, for example, is one of the most common disorders associated with diabetes: it can affect 50% of patients following 20 years of disease progression.
