HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Numbness And Tingling Sensation In The Hands?

default
Posted on Wed, 15 Mar 2017
Question: I am having numbness and tingling from shoulder down to tip of fingers. Im also expericing a burning sensation and swelling like theres a rubberband cutting off circulation to my hand...what is it?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
may be neuropathy

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The nerves in the body are responsible for sensations.

Abnormal sensations are usually due to neuropathy , which is abnormal function of the nerves.

It can be temporary or permanent and there are different possible causes.

Some of the causes are: (1) trauma to the nerves. The nerves to the limbs pass from the neck between the vertebra through part of the shoulder to the arm and hand- any issues with the shoulder joint or neck , can cause neuropathy

eg trauma or arthritis or a cervical rib (some person have extra ribs in the neck)

(2)vitamin b12 and folate deficiency

(3)diabetes

(4) liver or kidney disease

(5)side effect of medication

(6)exposure to toxins

(7)infections such as shingles

(8)neurological conditions such as stroke (unlikely at your age)

(9)thyroid disease

(10)some diseases such as lupus, RA (rheumatoid arthritis)

(11) idiopathic----- in some persons the cause is not found. The symptoms stop on their own

If your symptoms are severe, it would be best to see your doctor for an assessment which would include history and physical examination along with investigations such as blood tests (vitamin b12, folate, thyroid, liver, kidney, complete blood count)

Imaging (x ray ) of the neck and shoulder may also be needed as well.

There are medications that help with this type of pain. Initially, normal pain killers are tried eg naproxen, paracetamol or ibuprofen

If there is no improvement then medications such as gabapentin, ,lyrica, amitriptyline etc are tried.

Additional treatment would depend on the specific cause.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (30 hours later)
Thank you for your response it has given me the information I was seeking and now I know I need to see a Doctor sooner rather than later. It is also getting worse I woke this morning with the same symptoms in both arms and hands not just the left. I appreciate the time you took to answer my question as thoroughly as you did. Thank you again and have a lovely day.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
no problem

Detailed Answer:
Wishing you all the best and hope that you get the answers you need on your doctor's visit

If there are any other queries, feel free to contact
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Numbness And Tingling Sensation In The Hands?

Brief Answer: may be neuropathy Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The nerves in the body are responsible for sensations. Abnormal sensations are usually due to neuropathy , which is abnormal function of the nerves. It can be temporary or permanent and there are different possible causes. Some of the causes are: (1) trauma to the nerves. The nerves to the limbs pass from the neck between the vertebra through part of the shoulder to the arm and hand- any issues with the shoulder joint or neck , can cause neuropathy eg trauma or arthritis or a cervical rib (some person have extra ribs in the neck) (2)vitamin b12 and folate deficiency (3)diabetes (4) liver or kidney disease (5)side effect of medication (6)exposure to toxins (7)infections such as shingles (8)neurological conditions such as stroke (unlikely at your age) (9)thyroid disease (10)some diseases such as lupus, RA (rheumatoid arthritis) (11) idiopathic----- in some persons the cause is not found. The symptoms stop on their own If your symptoms are severe, it would be best to see your doctor for an assessment which would include history and physical examination along with investigations such as blood tests (vitamin b12, folate, thyroid, liver, kidney, complete blood count) Imaging (x ray ) of the neck and shoulder may also be needed as well. There are medications that help with this type of pain. Initially, normal pain killers are tried eg naproxen, paracetamol or ibuprofen If there is no improvement then medications such as gabapentin, ,lyrica, amitriptyline etc are tried. Additional treatment would depend on the specific cause. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions