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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Numbness In The Hands?

My husband, age 66, has for the last 5 years had numbness in his hands to the point he has trouble picking up objects. A penny or a button are impossiable, a cup or a glass are doable but with both hand. His MD says it is arthritis but has offered no helpful course of action.
posted on Thu, 3 Aug 2017
Twitter Wed, 8 Nov 2017 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 9 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Numbness in the hands can be due to arthritis changes in the bones pressing on surrounding nerves but there are also other causes of numbness such as diabetes, low vitamin b12 or folate, thyroid disease, liver or kidney disease.

These are some of the other causes, in some persons, no cause can be found.
The numbness is due to peripheral neuropathy which is abnormal function of the nerves.

Exercises/physio to increase strength of affected muscles may help but there are also medications that can help reduce numbness.

I hope this helps
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What Causes Numbness In The Hands?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Numbness in the hands can be due to arthritis changes in the bones pressing on surrounding nerves but there are also other causes of numbness such as diabetes, low vitamin b12 or folate, thyroid disease, liver or kidney disease. These are some of the other causes, in some persons, no cause can be found. The numbness is due to peripheral neuropathy which is abnormal function of the nerves. Exercises/physio to increase strength of affected muscles may help but there are also medications that can help reduce numbness. I hope this helps