Numbness in Hands and Feet: Possible Causes and Solutions

Q: Numbness in Hands and Feet: Possible Causes and Solutions

Hello, Sir： You mentioned that "numbness in the little fingers and toes" is commonly caused by peripheral nerve compression. <br>The numbness is associated with the ulnar nerve, which innervates the little finger and half of the ring finger, as well as the corresponding area of t

Numbness in the hands and feet?

Hello doctor, I started feeling a slight numbness in the area of my little fingers on both hands and little toes on both feet a couple of days ago.
1.
Could you please tell me what this might be? 2.
Or could the hands and feet be different issues that just happened to occur at the same time? (I usually spend a lot of time sitting at my desk and using the computer.) Thank you for your help!

Nickname, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/06

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, Sir: You mentioned that "numbness in the little fingers and toes" is commonly caused by peripheral nerve compression.
The numbness is associated with the ulnar nerve, which innervates the little finger and half of the ring finger, as well as the corresponding area of the palm (see the image below).
This numbness often worsens at night and may even cause pain that wakes you up.
Pain in the same areas is also common, and sometimes there may be a burning sensation.
Typically, numbness appears before pain.
Sensation in the little toe is primarily controlled by the plantar nerve and the tibial nerve.
The tibial nerve branches into the medial and lateral plantar nerves at the ankle, with the lateral plantar nerve extending to the outer side of the foot and the little toe.
Conditions that lead to uneven pressure on the soles of the feet, such as ill-fitting shoes, are common triggers.
If there are simultaneous sensory abnormalities in both the hands and feet, metabolic diseases or autoimmune inflammatory diseases should be considered.
A more severe condition is acute demyelinating polyneuropathy.
Typical clinical symptoms include bilateral symmetrical progressive weakness, limb pain, and tingling or mild sensory abnormalities in the hands and feet, which may gradually worsen over a few days to four weeks.
I recommend that you visit a neurology or rehabilitation clinic for evaluation (such as nerve conduction studies and electromyography) and treatment.
The physician will prescribe medication and rehabilitation therapy based on your condition.
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you have further questions, feel free to discuss them.
Wishing you good health, peace, and happiness.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Department of Neurology, Taoyuan Hospital, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2023/05/06

More Info

Numbness in the hands and feet, particularly in the little fingers, can be concerning and may arise from a variety of underlying issues. Understanding the potential causes and solutions is essential for addressing this symptom effectively.

1. Possible Causes:
- Nerve Compression: One of the most common reasons for numbness in the little fingers is compression of the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inner side of the arm and into the hand. This can occur due to prolonged pressure on the elbow (often referred to as "cubital tunnel syndrome") or from repetitive wrist movements that may affect the nerve pathways.

- Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition, often associated with diabetes, can lead to numbness or tingling sensations in the extremities. It results from damage to the peripheral nerves and can be caused by various factors, including metabolic issues, toxins, or infections.

- Cervical Radiculopathy: Numbness in the hands can also stem from issues in the neck, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis, which can compress the nerves that branch out to the arms.

- Poor Circulation: Conditions that affect blood flow, such as peripheral artery disease, can lead to numbness or tingling in the extremities.

- Vitamin Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins such as B12, B1, and B6 can lead to neurological symptoms, including numbness and tingling.

- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Although less common, MS can cause numbness in various parts of the body, including the hands and feet, due to nerve damage.

2. Differentiating Between Hand and Foot Issues:
- While the symptoms in your hands and feet may appear simultaneously, they can indeed stem from different causes. For instance, if you spend a lot of time at a desk using a computer, you might be experiencing symptoms related to repetitive strain or poor posture affecting your upper extremities, while your feet could be experiencing issues related to circulation or nerve compression from sitting for extended periods.

3. Solutions and Recommendations:
- Posture and Ergonomics: Ensure that your workstation is ergonomically set up. Your chair, desk, and computer screen should be at appropriate heights to reduce strain on your neck, shoulders, and arms. Consider using wrist supports or ergonomic keyboards to minimize pressure on your nerves.

- Frequent Breaks: Take regular breaks to stretch and move around. This can help alleviate pressure on nerves and improve circulation.

- Physical Therapy: If nerve compression is suspected, physical therapy may be beneficial. A therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the muscles around the affected nerves and improve flexibility.

- Medical Evaluation: If symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend nerve conduction studies or imaging tests to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

- Nutritional Assessment: Consider evaluating your diet for potential vitamin deficiencies. A healthcare provider can recommend appropriate supplements if necessary.

- Lifestyle Modifications: If you have underlying conditions such as diabetes or vascular issues, managing these conditions through lifestyle changes, medication, or both is essential to prevent further complications.

In conclusion, while numbness in the little fingers of both hands and feet can be alarming, understanding the potential causes and implementing preventive measures can significantly improve your situation. If symptoms persist, seeking professional medical advice is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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