Tingling in the hands is an uncomfortable health issue that can have many causes. Whether it’s a temporary problem or a chronic condition, it’s important to understand the symptoms and seek appropriate treatment. Below, you’ll learn about 15 possible causes of this sensation and get guidance on when to seek medical help.
Possible symptoms of tingling in the hands
Tingling in the hands is most often caused by restricted blood flow to the area. This can happen when you fall asleep on your limbs in an uncomfortable position or if you sit on your hands for long periods of time.
Removing pressure and facilitating blood flow can often relieve the tingling sensation. Other common causes of tingling in the hands include:
1. Diabetic neuropathy
This is a type of nerve damage that affects people with diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy can affect both the hands and feet of people with diabetes.
It usually starts with a tingling sensation in the fingertips, which can extend down the arms. People with diabetes have higher blood sugar levels, which damages the nerves and limits the supply of oxygen through the bloodstream.
Other symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include frequent urination or uncontrollable bladder, numbness in the limbs, muscle weakness, and sharp, throbbing pains throughout the body.
2. Vitamin deficiency
Vitamins play a crucial role in keeping your body and nervous system healthy, and a deficiency can cause tingling in your hands. Your nerves need certain vitamins and minerals (in healthy doses) to function properly.
Low levels of vitamins B1, B6, B12, and folic acid can lead to neuropathy, which can cause tingling and sweating in your hands, fingers, and feet.
3. Pinched nerve
As too much pressure is applied to a nerve, it can cause a burning, tingling or pain sensation in the part of the body it supplies.
You may also experience numbness in your hands or feet. A pinched nerve in your wrist is called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Those with a pinched nerve or carpal tunnel will also notice weakness in their limbs. You can treat pinched nerves by giving your hands and feet plenty of rest, using ergonomic products and gently massaging the area.
4. Kidney failure
The main function of your kidneys is to remove toxins from your body and blood. If your kidneys fail to do this, metabolic waste builds up in your bloodstream, causing nerve damage.
This leads to weakness, numbness, and tingling in your arms and legs. Other signs of kidney failure include:
– Tiredness, weakness, and fatigue
– Changes in urination and bladder control
– Swelling in your limbs
– Pregnancy
Pregnancy can cause tingling in your hands and fingers.
Many pregnant women experience tingling, numbness, and pain in their hands during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester and after delivery.
As your body swells, more pressure is added to your limbs and muscles, restricting and altering blood flow to your hands and feet.
Consult your doctor for tips on how to safely relieve tingling sensations and to find the most appropriate stretching exercises or treatments to help with discomfort during and after pregnancy.
5. Medication Side Effects
Certain medications cause tingling in the hands as a side effect. This sensation, although uncomfortable, goes away after you finish the required dose of the medication or after your body recovers and adjusts to it.
If side effects persist for a long time or interfere too much with your life, seek medical help. You may need to change the dose or switch brands of medication to help relieve the side effects.
6. Infections
Some viral and bacterial infections cause inflammation or damage to the nerves. This leads to a tingling sensation in the hands and feet. Some infections that present with this symptom, among others, include:
– Lyme disease
– HIV
– West Nile virus (WNV)
– COVID-19
– Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
– Hepatitis B and C
– Hansen’s disease (leprosy)
– Shingles
If you think you have been exposed to a virus, be sure to isolate yourself from others and practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of spreading it.
Seek medical help immediately for guidance on how to proceed with treatment of the virus.
Other possible causes of tingling hands
There are numerous other reasons and underlying conditions that cause tingling hands, these include:
– Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus and multiple sclerosis (MS)
– In many cases, tingling hands are temporary due to stress and anxiety.
Only a doctor will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment for tingling hands will depend on the cause. If you wake up with tingling in your hands, it’s likely caused by poor sleeping posture, and massaging your hands and moving them around can help relieve the sensation. However, if it persists, you’ll need to see your doctor.
Your doctor will advise you on the most appropriate treatment for your case, based on your diagnosis.
Home treatments
If you’re experiencing tingling in your hands due to restricted blood flow, start by gently massaging the area, moving your fingertips, and clenching your fists. Avoid sitting and sleeping in the same position, and on your arms, for long periods of time.
Other lifestyle habits and prevention techniques include eating a healthy diet, getting daily exercise, and limiting your consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances that could restrict or limit blood flow.
Treatments for nerve damage
After a diagnosis, your healthcare professional will advise you on the most effective treatment plan for your tingling hand condition caused by nerve damage.
These include autoimmune medications, changes in nutrition, vitamin levels and lifestyle, regulation of blood sugar levels, anti-inflammatory medications and, in very rare cases, surgery or radiation therapy.
Treatments for autoimmune disorders
Although autoimmune diseases cannot be cured, your doctor can treat and manage symptoms, including tingling in your hands.
Treatment options include:
– Painkillers and pain management medications
– Anti-inflammatory medications
– Immunosuppressive drugs, such as corticosteroids
– Vitamins and supplements