Numbness of the fingers of hands and feet: causes, symptoms and treatments explained in this informative article. Find relief for this common medical problem.

The numbness of the fingers of hands and feet can be an distressing symptom that can significantly affect daily life. Numbness usually refer to the loss of sensation or sensitivity in a specific area of the body, and may be caused by various underlying medical conditions or injuries. It is important to seek medical attention when this symptom is experienced, since sometimes a more serious underlying problem can indicate.

A possible cause of the numbness of the fingers and feet is peripheral neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord. This condition usually sees with symptoms such as tingling, numbness and burning sensation in hands and feet. Peripheral neuropathy may be due to various factors, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, infections and certain medications. In addition, repetitive movements or injuries that compress the nerves of the hands or feet can also cause numbness in these areas.

Important note: If you experience a sudden or severe numbness of the fingers of the hands or feet, especially accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness, difficulty speaking or loss of coordination, it is crucial that you seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition, such as a stroke or nerve injury, which requires immediate medical intervention.

• When I experience numbness in the fingers of hands and feet, it is important that you take note of any accompanying symptom, such as pain, weakness or changes in coordination.

• If numbness persists or worsens over time, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to obtain adequate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

To diagnose the underlying cause of the numbness of the fingers of hands and feet, a healthcare professional can perform a physical examination, review the medical history and request additional image tests and studies. Numbness treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause and may include medication, changes in lifestyle, physiotherapy or surgical interventions if necessary.

The Causes of Numbness in Fingers and Toes

1. Poor blood circulation: Reduced blood flow to the fingers and toes can cause numbness. This can be caused by conditions such as peripheral artery disease, Raynaud’s disease, or even prolonged pressure on the extremities, such as when sitting or sleeping in an uncomfortable position. Restricted blood flow prevents adequate oxygen and nutrients from reaching the nerve endings, causing numbness and tingling sensations.

2. Nerve compression: Nerves play a vital role in transmitting signals from different parts of the body to the brain. When a nerve is compressed or pinched, it can cause numbness and a tingling sensation. A common condition that causes nerve compression is carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed. Likewise, nerve compression in the spine, such as in cases of a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, can also cause numbness in the fingers and toes.

1. 3. Vitamin deficiencies: Adequate levels of vitamins and minerals are essential for the proper functioning of the nerves. Deficiencies in certain vitamins, such as vitamin B12 or vitamin D, can affect nerve health and contribute to numbness in the extremities. It is important to maintain a balanced diet and consider taking dietary supplements if necessary to ensure optimal nerve function.

Other possible causes of numbness in fingers and toes include:

• Injuries or trauma to the affected area
• Diabetes
• Infections, such as Lyme disease or HIV
• Autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis or lupus
• Certain medications or chemotherapy

It is essential to consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or recurring numbness in your fingers and toes. He or she can perform a thorough evaluation, including a medical history and physical examination, to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Understanding the Mechanism and Symptoms

The mechanism of carpal tunnel syndrome is the narrowing of the carpal tunnel, a tube located at the base of the hand. This tunnel is formed by the carpal bones at the bottom and the transverse carpal ligament at the top. Several structures pass within the carpal tunnel, including tendons and the median nerve. When the tunnel narrows, either from inflammation or compression, it puts pressure on the median nerve, causing the characteristic symptoms experienced by people with CTS.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
• Weakening of grip strength, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
• Pain or discomfort that radiates from hand to arm and shoulder.
• Sensation of swelling in the fingers, although there are no visible signs.
• Sensation of electric shock that can range from the wrist to the tip of the fingers.

It is important to note that the symptoms of the carpal tunnel syndrome can be initially mild and intermittent, but without the proper treatment, they can progress and become constant.

If not, the carpal tunnel syndrome can cause lon g-term complications and affect everyday activities. Going to the doctor in the first symptoms is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment of condition.

1. References:

2. WebMD – Carpian tunnel syndrome

3. MAY CLINIC – Carpian tunnel syndrome

peripheral Neuropathy: Exploring the Different Types and Risk Factors

A common type of peripheral neuropathy is sensory neuropathy, which mainly affects the sensory nerves responsible for transmitting sensations such as touch, temperature and pain from the body to the brain. Another type is motor neuropathy, which mainly affects the motor nerves responsible for controlling muscle movement. Mixed neuropathy, meanwhile, affects both sensitive nerves and engines.

Sensory neuropathy: In sensory neuropathy, patients may experience numbness, tingling or loss of sensitivity in hand and feet fingers. This can hinder everyday activities such as touching and grabbing objects. In addition, people with sensory neuropathy may also experience greater sensitivity to touch or temperature, causing discomfort or pain in affected areas.

Motor neuropathy: motor neuropathy usually causes weakness, muscle cramps and loss of coordination in the affected extremities. This can make it difficult to carry out tasks that require fine motor skills, such as fastening the shirt or tied the shoes. Over time, muscle weakness can evolve to muscle atrophy, further limiting mobility and skill.

Mixed neuropathy: mixed neuropathy combines symptoms of sensory and motor neuropathy, presenting a combination of numbness, tingling, muscle weakness and mobility problems. This type of peripheral neuropathy can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and may require comprehensive management and treatment approaches.

• The most common types of peripheral neuropathy are:
1. Sensory neuropathy
2. Motor neuropathy
3. Mixed neuropathy

“Peripheral neuropathy can significantly affect the daily activities of a person, causing such simple tasks as holding objects or walking to become a challenge. An adequate diagnosis, identification of the specific type of neuropathy and understanding the risk factorsunderlying are crucial to develop effective treatment plans and improve the general quality of patients. “

Vitamin Deficiency: How Lack of Certain Nutrients Can Lead to Numbness

The lack of vitamin B12 is one of the most common causes of the numbness of the fingers of hands and feet. This essential vitamin, which is found above all in food of animal origin, is crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system. When the body does not receive enough vitamin B12, it can cause nerve damage, which translates into numbness and sensation of tingling. People who follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet, as well as those suffering from certain medical conditions that affect the absorption of nutrients in the intestine, are at special risk of developing lack of vitamin B12. In addition, aging can also contribute to reducing the absorption of this vitamin, which makes older adults more susceptible to deficiencies.

The numbness of the extremities can also be a sign of vitamin d. This vitamin, often called the “vitamin of the sun”, is synthesized on the skin when exposed to sunlight. However, people who spend most of the time indoors, live in areas with limited exposure to sunlight or have the darkest skin are a greater risk of lack of vitamin D. This lack of nutrients can damage thenerves and cause numbness and tingling on the fingers of hands and feet.

Ranked vitamin deficiencies is vital to relieve numbness and maintain general health. Incorporating foods rich in vitamins into the diet is an effective way to improve nutrient intake. For example, including vitamin B12 sources, such as dairy products, eggs, fish and enriched cereals, can help prevent deficiencies and relieve symptoms. In addition, spend time in sunlight and consume foods rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish, enriched dairy products and mushrooms, can guarantee adequate levels of this vitamin in the body. A balanced and varied diet, together with adequate supplementation when necessary, is crucial to prevent numbness and promote optimal nervous function.

Table: Foods High in Vitamin B12

• The veal liver is an excellent source of vitamin B12, since it provides approximately 59. 1 mcg per 100 g.
• The clams offer a lot of vitamin B12, with approximately 98. 9 mcg per 100g.
• Tuna and salmon are seafood options containing vitamin B12, although in minor quantities (2. 9 mcg and 2. 8 mcg per 100g, respectively).
• Enriching cereals are an accessible option for people looking for vegetable sources of vitamin B12, since they provide about 6. 0 mcg per 100 g.

Raynaud’s Disease: Understanding the Cold-Induced Numbness Phenomenon

When a person with Raynaud’s disease is exposed to low temperatures, the blood vessels of their limbs react differently to people who do not suffer from this disease. Instead of expanding to increase blood flow and keep heat, the blood vessels of the fingers and feet of Raynaud’s patients contract excessively, seriously restricting the blood flow to these areas. This reduction in blood irrigation causes numbness, tingling and a notable change in skin color, which often becomes white or blue.

This constriction of blood vessels is not limited only to cold environments; Stress and emotional factors can also trigger the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease. When the body reacts to stress, it releases hormones that can cause vasoconstriction and aggravate the disease. In addition, the use of certain medications, exposure to chemical substances and other underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can contribute to the development of Raynaud’s disease.

Types of Raynaud’s Disease

Raynaud’s disease can be classified into two types: primary and secondary. Primary Raynaud’s disease, also known as Raynaud phenomenon, is the most common way and usually appears without an underlying medical condition. Secondary Raynaud disease is usually associated with an underlying health problem, such as connective tissue diseases or certain occupational risks.

It is important that people who experience symptoms of Raynaud’s disease, such as numbness, tingling or changes in skin color, request a medical evaluation. Although there is no cure for Raynaud’s disease, several treatment options, including lifestyle modifications and medication, can help relieve symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

Pinched Nerves: Identifying the Potential Causes and Effective Treatments

Possible causes of the pinzed nerves:

• Repetitive movements or lesions due to excessive use
• Hernias or Discal Protuberances in the spine
• Bone arthritis or spur
• Injuries or trauma
• Bad posture

Nervous pinching may also be due to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica or cervical radicle. Identifying the underlying cause of a nervous pinion is essential to determine the most effective therapeutic approach.

Effective treatments for nerve pinchings:

1. Rest and immobilization: Avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms can help reduce pressure on the affected nerve.
2. Physiotherapy: Specific exercises and stretching can help relieve pressure on the nerve and strengthen the surrounding muscles.
3. Medication: No n-steroidal ant i-inflammatory (NSAIDs) or analgesics can be prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation.

In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief. Surgical intervention may be necessary in severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatments.

Table 1: Common symptoms of the pinzed nerves:

Note: It is important to consult with a medical professional to obtain a precise diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

Diabetic Neuropathy: Exploring the Relationship between Elevated Blood Sugar and Numbness

When blood sugar levels are constantly high, over time they can cause nerve damage. Excess blood glucose can cause inflammation and damage blood vessels that transport oxygen and nutrients to nerves, which causes a deterioration of nerve function. This condition, known as diabetic neuropathy, usually affects peripheral nerves, including those of hands and feet. The numbness of the fingers of hands and feet is known as peripheral neuropathy, a specific type of diabetic neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy is an important complication of diabetes, which affects approximately 60-70% of diabetics. It is crucial that people with diabetes are aware of this possible complication and take measures to effectively control their blood sugar levels.

Understanding the Mechanism: High Blood Sugar and Nerve Damage

When blood sugar levels are high, excess glucose molecules adhere to nerve proteins, a process called glycation. This leads to the formation of harmful substances known as the final products of advanced glycation (AGE), which accumulate over time and contribute to damage nerves and inflammation. In addition, high blood sugar levels can harm the functioning of mitochondria, the energy power plants of cells that provide energy to nerve cells.

1. Progressive nervous damage caused by diabetes can cause sensory anomalies, such as tingling, numbness and burning sensation on the fingers of hands and feet. These symptoms usually begin on the fingers of the feet and gradually progress upwards.
2. The tingling sensation that is experienced in the fingers of hands and feet is usually described as a feeling of “pins and needles.”This sensory alteration can be constant or intermittent, and can worsen at night or after prolonged periods or walking.

Repetitive Strain Injury: Finding Relief from Numbness through Proper Ergonomics and Exercises

One of the most common symptoms of the RSI is the numbness of the fingers of hands and feet. This numbness can be a consequence of the compression or irritation of the blood vessels and vessels that irrigate these areas. When muscles and tendons are overloaded or tense, they can be inflamed, which causes swelling and pressure on the nerves. This can cause a decrease in blood flow and a loss of sensitivity in affected areas.

Relief through Proper Ergonomics

To find relief to numbness and prevent major damage, it is important to practice adequate ergonomics. Ergonomics refers to the design and disposition of the work space to optimize efficacy and safety. Making simple settings in your job, you can reduce the risk of developing or aggravating RSI’s symptoms. Here are some ergonomic recommendations to take into account:

1. Make sure your chair is up to the right level and provide adequate support for the back and arms.
2. Place the keyboard and mouse so that the dolls and arms maintain a neutral and relaxed position.
3. Use a restraint to minimize tension on wrists and forearms.
4. Keep the monitor at eye level to avoid forcing the neck and the top of the back.

Relief through Exercises

In addition to adequate ergonomics, incorporating exercises into your routine can help you relieve numbness and improve general strength and flexibility. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help reduce muscle tension and improve blood circulation. Here are some exercises that can be beneficial:

• Wrist stretching: Gently stretch the wrists spreading the arm, with the palm down, and using the other hand to pull the fingers towards the body.
• Sken with the fingers: Each finger hits each finger against a tough table or surface, starting with the piss and moving towards the thumb. Repeat this exercise several times.
• Forearm rotations: extends the arm forward, with the palm down. Slowly turn the forearm in a circular movement, first in the direction of the clock needles and then in the opposite direction.

It is important to listen to your body and not force you too much during the exercises. If you feel pain or discomfort, stop immediately and consult a healthcare professional.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont