- 1. Carpal tunnel syndrome
- 2. Peripheral polyneuropathy
- 3. Fibromyalgia
- 4. Multiple sclerosis
- 5. Rheumatoid arthritis
- 6. Medicines
Numbness in the fingers is a symptom that can occur in some people who suffer from diseases, such as fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy or carpal tunnel syndrome, for example. In addition, and in some cases, it can occur as a side effect of treatments with certain drugs, and it is very important to report this situation to the doctor.
The most common causes that may be the cause of finger numbness are:
1. Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common causes of numbness in the fingers. This disease arises due to a compression of the median nerve that passes through the wrist and unnerves the palm of the hand, causing symptoms such as numbness and sensation of needles in the thumb, index or middle finger, which usually worsen during the night.
This syndrome can be treated with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery. Learn more about treatment.
2. Peripheral polyneuropathy
This disease arises due to damage to peripheral nerves, responsible for carrying information from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, leading to the appearance of symptoms such as weakness, pain and numbness in the limbs, most notably in the feet and hands.
The causes that can lead to the onset of diabetic polyneuropathy are diabetes, autoimmune diseases, infections or exposure to toxic substances, for example. Treatment generally consists of administration of anti-inflammatory, antidepressant or anticonvulsant drugs, for example. Learn more about treatment and how to identify the main symptoms.
3. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disease that has no cure and its origin is still unknown. It is characterized by intense pain throughout the body, difficulty sleeping, frequent tiredness, headache and dizziness, muscle stiffness and numbness in the hands and feet.
Treatment can be done with analgesic and antidepressant remedies, physical therapy, physical exercise, acupuncture and supplementation. See more about the treatment for fibromyalgia.
4. Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that leads to the degradation of the myelin that lines the neurons, compromising the functioning of the nervous system and leading to symptoms such as lack of strength in the limbs, difficulty walking and coordinating movements and numbness in the limbs. Learn more about this disease and how to identify the symptoms.
The treatment of multiple sclerosis is done with drugs that can prevent the disease from progressing and physical therapy sessions.
5. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that has no cure and causes symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in the affected joints, stiffness, difficulty in moving the joints and numbness in the fingers. Learn more about this disease and how to identify it.
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is usually started with anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections and immunosuppressive drugs. In addition, the doctor may also recommend performing physical therapy.
6. Medicines
Some drugs used to treat cancer can cause numbness in the fingers as a side effect. If this symptom becomes very uncomfortable for the person, you should speak to the doctor to find out if it is possible to replace the medication.
