What Causes Numbness In Hand?

Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015

Question: I have been feeling numbness in my right hand for the past week. I am curious to know if its anything serious.

Something about me!
*I do weightlifting at leadt 3 times a week.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please provide more information

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern.
Numbness is due to the involvement of the nerves supplying the area.
Please let me know if the whole hand is involved or part of it.
Do you have any pain or stiffness of the neck?
The nerves may involved by pressure on them or pinching.
Numbness can also be due to a neuropathy in people with vitamin deficiency , diabetes or alcoholism.
I can give a better opinion with more information.
Take care,
Dr Noble Zachariah

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (9 hours later)

Hi,

Its not the whole hand. It is mainly my palm and fingers. I do not feel any significant pain or stiffness in my neck.

I take at least 11 vitamins a day(supplement). I do not drink alcohole(one time a month). I do not have diabetes(or that i am aware of).

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Probably Carpel tunnel syndrome

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It seems to be carpel tunnel syndrome.
Your median nerve gets pressed at wrist as it goes through the carpel tunnel. You should see a neurologist and get a nerve conduction study which would be diagnostic and help you plan further management.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (43 minutes later)

Is this from the weight lifting do? Also, how serious is this syndrome?I

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Weight lifting is a risk factor

Detailed Answer:
Weight lifters and body builders have a higher incidence of Carpal tunnel syndrome.
You require to have a nerve conduction study and clinical examination to decide on the further management. There is nothing to worry as it is treatable. Medicines and physiotherapy may be sufficient. If these are not enough a small surgery would be the treatment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj