Tingling in the hands

The tingling sensation in the hands is something that occurs very frequently in adults. If it occurs occasionally, do not worry because in the vast majority of cases the cause is very simple, such as spending a lot of time in the same position.

However, when the discomfort is repeated constantly or the tingling in the hands persists for long periods of time, you should see a doctor. Tingling is not a disease as such, but it can be a symptom of different disorders, some of them serious.

What is tingling in the hands?

The tingling sensation in the hands is called paresthesia , and it is one of the most frequent reasons for medical consultation among the adult population.

It is a discomfort caused by the alteration of the sensitivity in the hands , giving rise to an abnormal sensation without any type of stimulus that generates it.

Experts explain that the main cause is the variation of the so-called sensory nerve fibers . That is why this symptom can also be due to various diseases, and even brain alterations that damage those areas that receive the information that comes from the brain.

Causes of tingling hands

Carpal tunnel syndrome

This is one of the most common causes of tingling in the hands. The carpal tunnel is a canal that runs from the palm of the hand to the wrist, through which the tendons and the median nerve pass.

This disease occurs when the median nerve is trapped at the wrist , as experts point out. Although tingling is one of the most notorious symptoms, there are also others such as: intense pain located in the forearm and wrist, difficulty flexing the fingers or weakness when picking up objects.

Guyon canal syndrome

This is another of the diseases that may be causing tingling in the hands. The syndrome channel Guyón occurs when the ulnar nerve is trapped at the level of the elbow.

The most common symptoms of this disorder are: localized muscle weakness in the hand, severe pain in the elbow and inability to stretch the fingers of the hands.

Diabetes

The diabetics often suffer tingling in both hands and face. It must be taken into account that this disease increases the risk of suffering various damage to the nerves, so that it is common to suffer some sensitivity in the extremities.

The so-called diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications, affecting more than 50% of patients who have been diabetic for more than 20 years.

Nutritional deficit

Although nutritional deficit is not a disease in itself, it can cause serious complications. The deficiency of vitamins of group B, like vitamin B12 can also cause this alteration.

That is why it is so important to follow a healthy and balanced diet , favoring the consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and dairy products.

Herniated disc

When the herniated disc is located at the cervical level, tingling in the hands is a common symptom of the disease. Between some vertebrae and others there is a shock absorbing disk that prevents friction between them and protects them.

When, as a result of a certain injury or due to the wear and tear of time, the nucleus of the disc comes out, the disc herniation occurs .

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a disease in which the thyroid gland works at a slower rate than normal. Therefore, it does not produce enough thyroid hormones that the body needs to carry out the various metabolic processes.

If not treated properly, hypothyroidism can significantly affect nerve endings in the extremities.

In addition to tingling in the hands , other common symptoms are tiredness, feeling permanently cold, hair loss, and weight gain.

Cardiovascular problems

If you suffer from tingling in your hands on a regular basis, it is important that you pay special attention to the symptoms that accompany it. If you notice any change in skin color , you may have a circulatory problem. In this case, it is important that you go to the doctor as soon as possible.

This alteration can also have its origin in various cardiovascular problems .

Tingling in the hands in pregnancy

Many pregnant women suffer from tingling in the hands during pregnancy . Although it may seem like a sign that something is wrong, the truth is that in the vast majority of cases it does not matter. The most common cause is fluid retention.

The fluid retention is very common in pregnancy because slowing the vascular venous return promotes nerve compression, particularly in the extremities. That is why tingling in the hands is normal, especially first thing in the morning.

Other symptoms are: discomfort, pain in the fingers , lack of sensation … In the most severe cases, there may be difficulty, and even inability, to grasp objects with the hands.

Although there is no 100% foolproof method to avoid tingling in the hands during pregnancy, there are some measures that can be put in place to minimize the risk.

The first is to perform exercises to strengthen the muscles of the arms. In addition, it is advisable to avoid those activities that require repetitive and strong movements of the hands. And finally, if the pregnant woman works at a computer, it is advisable to take breaks to stretch her fingers and hands.

Numbness of the hands

Some consider tingling and numbness in the hands to be the same. But these are different alterations.

Numbness is defined as the partial or total loss of sensation in the hand. Partial when it only affects a certain area of ​​it, for example the fingers. And total when it affects the hand as a whole.

Most commonly, numbness is accompanied by other changes, such as tingling or a burning sensation . There are those who cannot even move their arm.

Numbness can affect the nerve in only one hand, or symmetrically in both hands.

How to avoid tingling in the hands?

To avoid this alteration, it is best to lead a healthy lifestyle. The first and most important thing is to have a good diet , with an adequate supply of all nutrients. This avoids a nutritional deficit, one of the main causes of tingling in the extremities.

In addition, it is essential to sleep well, maintaining good sleep hygiene . And finally, frequent physical exercise is essential to keep blood circulation in perfect condition.

Home remedies to combat tingling in the hands

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice with multiple properties and health benefits . To promote blood circulation and avoid this alteration as much as possible, you should prepare the following remedy: a cup of hot milk with a teaspoon of turmeric powder and a little honey. Take this drink once a day to avoid any circulatory problems.

If you suffer from tingling in your hands on a regular basis, you can make a paste by mixing water and turmeric. When you have it ready, massage your hands and wrists with it for a few minutes. If the alteration continues with the passing of days, consult your doctor.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a great anticoagulant , which helps to combat tingling in the feet and hands in a totally natural way. Every morning take a teaspoon of honey with a little cinnamon on an empty stomach.

You can also have a glass of warm water with a tablespoon of ground cinnamon once a day.

Warm compresses

The moment you feel the tingling in your hands, if you want to avoid this annoying sensation, place a hot water cloth on the area . Let it act for 7 minutes and remove.

The importance of good circulation

Finally, we want to refer to how important it is for the body as a whole to have good circulation . Only then can you get all the substances you need to function properly.

The blood is a liquid substance that acts as heat carrier, hormones, oxygen, nutrients and antibodies. At the same time, it carries waste from the tissues of the human body and carbon dioxide.

If the blood supply is not sufficient, the body can suffer failures, reducing the quality of life of the patient. Lack of oxygen for a long period of time can have fatal consequences.

There are numerous circulatory disorders , which impair blood flow. These disorders can occur in any part of the body, and in the vast majority of cases originate from an unhealthy lifestyle.

In conclusion, it should be noted that tingling in the hands is an alteration that, although it is true that it is very annoying, in the vast majority of cases does not imply any serious disease. the sensation is very similar to that of an insect walking on the skin.

Of course, if this alteration is constantly repeated and, in addition, it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as numbness in the hand or weakness of the fingers, it is important to go to the doctor to make a proper diagnosis.