Why Do My Fingertips Suddenly Feel Numb?

Have you ever felt your fingertips randomly turning numb? Typically, numbness in the fingertips arises out of the blue, throwing you off-guard. It can make you doubt your motor skills, causing a domino effect of confusion and panic. However, this sensation is usually a result of carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that commonly affects the hand. But at the same time, it could also be caused by diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other such conditions. To get more insight on why your fingertips feel numb, continue reading this blog.

Why Do My Fingertips Suddenly Feel Numb?

Technically, numb fingers aren’t something to worry about. That is, unless the sensation lasts for longer than a few minutes. If you slowly lose all motion and feeling in your fingertips, it could be due to one of the following causes. Regardless of the reason, it is crucial to contact a medical professional immediately.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is by far one of the most common reasons why people experience numbness and swelling in their fingers. It’s a nerve disorder that affects the median nerve, influencing your entire arm. This is because the median nerve travels from your fingers to the wrist and all the way to your forearm.
Diabetes
One of the symptoms of diabetes is tingling and numbness, especially in the hands and legs. Sometimes the numbness can give way to dry skin and slow down your immune system’s healing response. Since diabetes is a chronic illness, seeking medical help is necessary.
Rynaud’s Disease
Rynaud’s syndrome is a condition that decreases the blood flow to your fingers due to irregular spasms of blood vessels. This can make you lose feeling in your fingertips, toes, nose, knees, and even ears.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a degenerative, chronic condition that causes inflammation of the joints. Not only is arthritis painful, but it also tends to suck out the feeling from your fingertips and toes. Thus if you try to move your fingers, there may be an excruciating amount of pain.
Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
The nerve that sits inside your elbow or on the inside of your forearm is known as the ulnar nerve. However, when it gets pinched or sudden pressure is applied to it, it can give way to ulnar nerve entrapment, which further toggles the feeling in your hands and fingers.

How Do I Get Rid of Numbness in My Fingertips?

Physical therapy is one of the best ways to bring back feeling in your fingers if lost. Try gentle stretches until the muscles are restored to their original shape and strength. However, while you can try some of the exercises by yourself, it is best to consult a professional for further instructions. An experienced rheumatologist will be able to take an in-depth look, run diagnostic tests, and provide you with a treatment that fits your needs.

Long Story Short

If your fingertips suddenly feel numb and swollen, do not panic. Give it a few minutes to return to normal. However, in the case the symptoms worsen, contact Rheumatology Care at 832-532-9779 for more information. You can also drop by and visit us at 13688 Breton Ridge St, STE H, Houston, TX 77070, near Houston Kidney Specialists Center.