What Causes Persistent Swelling, Redness, Tingling And Numbness Sensation In Hands?

Posted on Wed, 17 Feb 2016

Question: I have been having tingling and numbness of hands/fingers for years. It seems to always be worse in the morning, and when getting ready, for example blow drying curling hair and putting on make up. It is affecting both hands, and there is also swelling involved with redness. Any ideas as to what this could be? I've personally ruled out carpel tunnel due to the fact swelling usually is not a symptom . Also suspect its not rheumatoid arthritis as symptoms are not typically tingling or numbness.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of nerve compression at wrist

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.

Tingling and swelling in both hands aggravating with posture may be related to nerve compression at wrist.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one possibility and require nerve conduction studies to diagnose.

Is the Swelling involving only joints or whole hand?

Even in rheumatoid arthritis, Joint involvement may lead secondarily to compression of median nerve causing pain, tingling of carpal tunnel syndrome with swelling. Morning stiffness of joints is another characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis.

Any history of diabetes, Thyroid disorder, renal dysfunction?
Any neck pain?
Any symptoms in lower limbs or urinary complains?

Please provide any investigations if available.

Investigation required are nerve conduction study, blood sugar, Thyroid profile, renal function test, ESR, Rheumatoid factor.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Do get back to me for further queries.

Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee