Why is My Hand Tingling?
Why is my hand tingling? This is a common question that hand and physical therapists get often. The truth is there is not one definite answer.
There are many different causes to answer ‘why is my hand tingling?’ That pins and needles feeling can be very uncomfortable. Your skin is filled with tiny nerve endings that relay signals to your brain. If these nerves are interrupted when they are trying to signal the brain, the skin feels that prickling and tingling sensation. This interruption can be caused by compression, pulling, inflammation or reduced blood supply to the nerve.
Everyday reasons for numbness and tingling in the hands that are no cause for concern include:
- Lack of movement—when you sit or stand in one position for a long time
- Sitting with your legs crossed
- Falling asleep on your arm
If you have developed pins and needles in your hands, here are some common causes:
Diabetes. One of the most common causes, about two-thirds of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nerve damage. Tingling and other symptoms can first develop in the feet, travel up the legs, and affect both hands and in some cases, the arms.
Nerve Compression. Your nerves are being compressed. If nerves are trapped in the neck, shoulder, forearm or wrist, it can affect the hand. In severe nerve compression cases it can be due to overuse injuries caused by inflammation and swelling in the arm, wrist and hand. Or it may be caused by abnormalities in bone/muscle structure. Other common causes include:
Other common causes include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Poor blood supply to the affected area
- Herniated disc in your spine
- An injured nerve in the neck
- Pressure on your nerves
- Migraine headache
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Multiple sclerosis
If you notice tingling in your hands and forearms, it’s important to get help soon. Fusion Rehabilitation’s experienced physical therapists can provide a range of treatments to decrease swelling, provide relief for nerves or any structures being compressed and ultimately eliminate that tingling feeling in your hands. Schedule an appointment with Fusion Rehabilitation today.