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Numbness or tingling in hands is an extremely common medical problem that results from nerves in the affected wrist being compressed by surrounding structures. Those who are engaged in repetitive work using their hands, generally develop the hand tingling and numbness of carpal tunnel syndrome. It is a very difficult problem to cure; however, here are some conservative measures that might reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Causes
- Remaining in the same seated or standing position for a long time
- Injury to a nerve
- Pressure on the spinal nerves, such as from a herniated disk
- Lack of blood supply to an area
- Other medical conditions, including:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Diabetes
- Migraines
- Multiple sclerosis
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Underactive thyroid
- Raynaud's phenomenon
- Abnormal levels of calcium, potassium, or sodium in your body
- A lack of vitamin B12 or other vitamin
- Certain medications
- Toxic action on nerves, such as that from lead, alcohol, or tobacco
- Radiation therapy
Symptoms
- Constant tingling
- Constant numbness
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Hunger after eating
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Sudden weight loss
Treatments
- Wear a wrist splint on the affected hand. Select a firm high quality product and not something flimsy. You want to be able to move your fingers but have limited ability to flex or extend the wrist.
- Begin taking an OTC anti-inflammatory agent like naproxen or ibuprofen. These medications can help reduce the inflammation in the carpal tunnel region. Avoid acetaminophen since it has less ability to alleviate inflammation.
- Try to ice your affected wrist twice a day. It can't hurt and it may provide some symptom relief. Also try to avoid flexing or bending your wrists since this will worsen your hand numbness and tingling.
- Take supplements high in anti-inflammatory properties such as omega-3 fatty acids, B complex vitamins and turmeric may help to improve or prevent the hand tingling and numbness of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Make sure your desk, keyboard and chair are all at the proper height and distance. Take frequent breaks from repetitive motion activities.
- A physical therapist teaches some useful home exercises to reduce hand tingling and numbness but they offer formal treatments such as ultrasound to help improve your symptoms.
- Last option involves seeing either a hand or orthopedic surgeon.
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