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Tingling in the hands – Causes, symptoms and treatment
What is tingling in the hands?
Definition and general understanding
Tingling in the hands, also known as paresthesias, is the experience of ‘pins and needles’, or a sugar-drinking sensation in the skin that is not caused by any obvious external influence. Tingling in the hands can be a symptom of several underlying health conditions, from temporary to more chronic.
Common symptoms and signs
Symptoms include a tingling or burning sensation in the skin of the hand. Sometimes, one may even experience numbness in the hands which may be accompanied by more serious symptoms such as muscle weakness, pain, and changes in skin color or temperature.
Why do you get tingling in your hands?
Many people experience tingling in their hands at some point in their lives and fortunately, the symptoms are often temporary. However, there are many causes of tingling in the hands and it is important to remember that they can be both temporary and long-lasting. If you are not sure why your fingers are tingling, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Temporary causes of tingling
Temporary causes of experiencing tingling may include overworked muscles, pinching of the ulnar nerve, the hands have been subjected to prolonged pressure (e.g. sleeping on the hand), or exposure to cold.
Long-term causes of tingling
Poor blood circulation can lead to the cells in the hands not getting enough oxygen and nutrients, which can result in tingling. Medical conditions that affect blood circulation include atherosclerosis and Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Neurological conditions such as polyneuropathy and multiple sclerosis can cause symptoms such as tingling in the hands.
Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or other conditions where nerve compression occurs, such as herniated discs or thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) can cause long-lasting symptoms of tingling.
Deficiencies of specific vitamins and other nutrients can damage the nervous system, causing symptoms such as tingling in the hands.
Tumors in the spinal cord can make it difficult for nerve signals to travel. Often both sides are affected by tingling.
Alcohol abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to nutritional deficiencies and direct nerve damage, resulting in alcohol-related polyneuropathy.
Diseases and conditions related to tingling
Diabetes and its effects on the nervous system
Diabetes can lead to peripheral neuropathy or diabetic neuropathy. The high blood glucose levels damage the nerves and their vascular supply, which can cause, among other things, tingling in the upper and lower limbs.
Multiple sclerosis and nerve damage
Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the central nervous system, i.e. the brain and spinal cord, and can cause symptoms such as tingling in the hands. In MS, the myelin of nerve fibres is damaged, which impairs their conduction of nerve impulses. People often experience their symptoms in relapses.
Rheumatic diseases and their impact
Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can cause inflammation around our nerves, which can lead to skin tingling, but also muscle pain, stiffness and fatigue.
What is tingling a symptom of?
Less serious conditions
Tingling in the hands can be a symptom of conditions such as temporary circulation problems or temporary nerve compression. It can happen, for example, when lying on or leaning on a particular body part.
More serious illnesses
In other cases, tingling can be an early sign of more serious conditions such as stroke, diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
What symptoms cause tingling in the hands?
Direct symptoms related to tingling
In addition to the tingling itself, individuals may experience pain, burning sensations, or a change in sensitivity to touch. They may also experience heat or cold in the affected area.
Secondary symptoms and complications
Secondary symptoms may include muscle weakness, stiffness, difficulty in gripping or holding things. In severe cases, loss of balance and muscle control may occur.
When should you seek help for tingling in the hands?
If the tingling in the hands lasts only a few seconds, it is rarely due to a serious illness. If the tingling lasts for a long time, increases in intensity, or you are not sure when and how the symptoms start, you should seek medical help.
If you have a clear functional impairment or if you gradually lose motor skills and sensation in your arms and hands, you should seek emergency care immediately. If the tingling occurs in conjunction with a severe headache, emergency care should also be sought as it may be a sign of serious medical conditions.
How we at the FasciaClinics can help you with tingling in your hands
At the FasciaClinics, we specialize in seeing and treating the body from a holistic perspective. We perform fascia treatments, a highly effective treatment method that focuses on treating and maintaining the fascia in our body. Fascia is the network of connective tissue that binds and permeates everything in our body. All cells, tissues (even bone), nerves, muscles and joints contain fascia. Treating fascia and releasing tension and adhesions can thus play a crucial role in the treatment of hand tingling.
By addressing the health and function of the fascia, these treatments can help to reduce pressure on nerves, improve circulation and thus relieve tingling in the hands. We also take and reduce pressure on the vertebrae to reduce pressure on nerves. We offer customized fascia treatments that complement traditional medical treatments and support the body’s natural healing process.
Managing tingling in the hands requires a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes as well as a tailored treatment plan. At Fascia Clinics, we are committed to offering our customers a very effective complement to their journey to a better well-being.
If symptoms are severe or the cause of the tingling is not known, medical attention should be sought. Always consult a doctor before starting any wellness treatment.
