The thumb on his hand was numb. Causes of numbness in the fingers

  • The date: 30.03.2019

Health is a great value, how great - a person can understand only if he loses it.

Numbness of hands is a symptom that we pay too little attention to. When the thumb on the right hand goes numb, what can it lead to?

The simplest symptom, which leads to numbness of the fingers, may be an incorrect position of the hand. After a change in body position, numbness most often disappears. There are no reasons to worry about your health. But there are more serious health problems that have such a symptom.

Causes

Any doctor will tell you that if numbness of the fingers occurs, then this indicates a health problem. Frequent tingling in the fingers may indicate pinched nerve fibers. This can occur, for example, after an injury to the hand or elbow joint.

  • Spinal problems. Pinched nerve roots in the cervical or thoracic region.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Impaired functioning of the central nervous system.
  • Deforming arthrosis.
  • Stroke.
  • Thrombosis.
  • Diabetes.
  • Phlebeurysm.

Of course, the patient may not pay attention to this symptom for a long time, but they can quickly lead to irreversible processes. If the underlying cause is vascular disease, then it can lead to paralysis or death. But in 9 out of 10 cases, the cause may be:

  • Tunnel syndrome (hands in any uncomfortable position and during sleep).
  • Injury to the shoulder, radius, hand.
  • Injury to the cervical or thoracic.
  • Wrong hand position. For example, when a person puts his hand under his head during sleep.

The fingers of the right hand go numb

Thumb

The cause may be osteochondrosis. The cervical region is very sensitive to all kinds of stress. Muscle tension in this section can lead to serious problems. A serious problem in the form of an intervertebral hernia leads to pinching of the nerve root, which sends a signal to the arm. Most often, the cause of the development of cervical osteochondrosis can be prolonged nervous tension, prolonged stay in the same position, excessive load on the cervical spine or trauma.

In addition to numbness of the thumb, the same processes can occur on average. Corticosteroids are prescribed to relieve symptoms. They will help relieve swelling from the nerve root, as well as reduce the inflammatory process. After a course of treatment, numbness occurs. If the intervertebral hernia is large, then the doctor may prescribe surgery.

Index finger numbness

To determine the cause of this symptom, it is necessary to do magnetic resonance imaging. This can be degenerative changes in the cervical spine, or it can be protrusion, or even a hernia.

Numbness of the little finger and ring finger

First manifestations

During the manifestation of this symptom for the first time, rarely does anyone go to the hospital. When the fingertips go numb, then no one attaches importance to this. Yes, and treatment in the early stages practically does not exist. If the frequency of such manifestations is repeated more and more every day, then it is necessary to search for the cause. This is best done with the help of a doctor. The reasons can be conditionally divided into two main: vascular or nervous nature.

Clinical manifestations

Pinching may occur due to improper hand position. As soon as the position of the body changes, discomfort passes.

Pinching of the nerve root at the level of the cervicothoracic region. Pain in the shoulder girdle, neck, loss of sensation in the fingers, and muscle weakness can occur in parallel. A lack of vitamin A or B during demi-season can also lead to numbness of the fingers.

A dangerous disease in the form of atherosclerosis can also show itself as such a symptom. But, be careful, sometimes tingling in the fingers means a different symptom - this is a harbinger of a stroke. By the way, angina pectoris and diabetes have a similar symptom.

But in pregnant women, numbness of the fingers indicates swelling of the wrist in the last three months before childbirth. But it is necessary for the young mother to observe the change in the indication of blood pressure. Watch for swelling, as well as take tests on the amount of protein and on the functioning of the kidneys.

Treatment

Of course, it is better to do prevention than to treat. Before making a diagnosis, it is recommended to use a few tips, which will be described below.

To improve the functioning of blood vessels and joints, it is necessary to add fatty, spicy or salty foods to the diet. Everyone drink plenty of fluids. In the first place should be water. It must be taken in a proportion of 300 grams of water per 10 kilograms of weight. You can supplement to drink herbal tea, natural juices. Folk remedies are ideal, do not stuff your body with pills.

As a rule, it is temporary and characterizes disorders in the innervation and blood supply. When the toes go numb for a long time, this is the reason for visiting a doctor.

Why does finger numbness appear

Due to the development of diseases that affect the condition of peripheral nerves, numbness of the lower extremities occurs. Nerve damage can be caused by a violation of metabolic processes, blood circulation or dystrophy of nerve fibers.

If impulse cannot pass through the damaged areas of the nerves, the big toes go numb. The causes are most often associated with the presence of diseases localized in the spine or joints.

Causes of finger numbness

Certain diseases can cause functional disturbances in the innervation of the lower extremities. The main ones include the following:

  1. Osteochondrosis - is a pathological process in the intervertebral discs, which is characterized by their thinning, as a result of which the spinal root is pinched. The consequence of pinching is an obstacle to the passage of nerve impulses, this contributes to the numbness of the toes.
  2. Atherosclerosis - due to the deposition of cholesterol plaques on the inner surface of the vessels, their lumen is significantly narrowed, and a full flow of blood is disrupted. Atherosclerosis localized in the femoral artery entails numbness of the fingers, which then spreads to the lower leg and thigh area.
  3. Rheumatoid arthritis - characterized by inflammation of the knee joints, as a result of which a nerve is pinched in the patella, which is responsible for the innervation of the lower limb. First, the thumb on the right foot is numb, and then numbness spreads to the entire foot and lower leg.
  4. Protrusions are a complicated degree of osteochondrosis. Often can cause a complete loss of sensation of the legs.
  5. Gout - characterized by deposition of uric acid salts on the joints. In this case, the big toe is particularly affected, at first it goes numb, and over time a strong pain syndrome appears.
  6. The toes and legs become numb during pregnancy, this is due to a lack of vitamin B. It ensures the proper functioning of peripheral nerves. With a lack of vitamin, the functioning of the nerves is disrupted and numbness of the fingers and toes occurs.

This list is only a small part of the causes of numbness of the fingers and lower extremities.

Symptoms of numbness of limbs

It is possible to find out the cause of the appearance of numbness by determining the localization of unpleasant tingling and a decrease in sensitivity.

  • With reduced sensitivity of only one leg and lower back pain, special attention should be paid to the condition of the spine and intervertebral discs. With protrusion and osteochondrosis, as a rule, the thumb on the right foot is numb.
  • Pinching of the sciatic nerve is characterized by numbness of the limb from the inside, starting from the thumb and reaching the knee.
  • A general violation of the sensitivity of the limbs indicates polyneuropathy. It can be caused by intoxication of the body, in which there is a disease of the peripheral nerves with impaired conduction of nerve impulses.
  • Toes go numb most often with diabetes and atherosclerosis. In this case, the loss of sensitivity is localized from the fingers throughout the foot.

At the doctor’s appointment, all unpleasant symptoms must be clearly stated to him.

Diagnostic measures

To prescribe the appropriate treatment, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination, due to which a complete picture will be visible, causing numbness of the legs. Basic survey methods:

  • radiography;
  • tomography;
  • a blood test to determine the amount of minerals and vitamins.

A comprehensive examination allows you to correctly establish the cause of the decrease in the sensitivity of the legs and frequent tingling, and prescribe the necessary medications that not only neutralize the symptoms, but also have an effect on the cause itself.

Numb fingers: treating symptoms and causes with an integrated approach

Complex therapy is prescribed only after identifying the true cause of numbness of the limbs. It includes the following necessary activities:

  • Taking medications or surgery, due to which the transmission of nerve roots will be eliminated.
  • Vitamin complexes containing B group vitamin. They allow you to normalize metabolic processes in nerve fibers.
  • Prescribing drugs that reduce the amount of cholesterol plaques. This class of drugs belongs to statins and directly reduces blood cholesterol.
  • Taking drugs that affect the quality of blood circulation, improving it and activating the passage of nerve impulses.
  • Medications that reduce the amount of deposits of uric acid salts on the joints.

It will be very useful to conduct physiotherapeutic treatment, which includes restoring mud baths and paraffin baths.

Prevention of disorders of the innervation of the legs

To avoid tingling and lower sensitivity of the lower extremities, it is necessary to monitor activity during the day and do not burden the back with excessive weight. All these actions contribute to the fact that the toes go numb. The causes must be eliminated as soon as possible in order to prevent irreversible changes in the body.

That is why it is regularly necessary to ensure an active lifestyle and massage, which prevents pinching of the nerve spinal roots or central nerve trunks that transmit impulses to the peripheral nerves.

Why fingers become numb is easy to determine. It is only important to conduct a complete diagnosis and get an appointment with an experienced highly qualified doctor.

Nobody usually pays attention to such things, especially at a young age.

Perhaps someone had similar questions, but often they remain questions, to which, especially after the symptom has disappeared, the answer is no longer interesting.

However, as it turns out, it’s worth paying attention to it. Maybe right now. Causes of thumb numbness on the left hand.

  1. First of all, your finger may become numb when you are in an uncomfortable position for a long time. In this case, there is a pinched nerve, and, as a result, numbness of the thumb on the left hand. The same applies to sleep in an uncomfortable position. The convenience of the bed and pillows on which you sleep plays an important role.
  2. If you have osteochondrosis of the thoracic or cervical region, this can also be one of the causes of numbness of the thumb on the left hand, which also leads to weakening of the hands.
  3. Also, pathologies that occur in the elbow joint, including neuralgia of the brachial nerve, lead to such an unpleasant symptom, and in some cases, to the loss of sensitivity of the left hand completely.
  4. In addition, an insufficient amount of vitamins such as A and B in the body often causes numbness of the thumb on the left hand. It is worth considering, because there is a possibility that numbness indicates a violation of the vascular system and the circulatory system of the hands. A lack of vitamin B12, which also provokes numbness of the thumb on the left hand, can also cause chronic fatigue syndrome. In the event that you find this symptom when you wake up early in the morning, that is, numbness occurs in a dream, you should seek the advice of a cardiologist. There is a risk of angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and even stroke.
  5. If your thumb is numb on your left hand and you are a future mother, then your wrists are swollen and you should pay special attention to blood pressure, prevent swelling, that is, control the amount of fluid consumed, do preventive massage, and monitor protein levels in blood.
  6. If you did not have any injuries of the elbow on your left hand, which can also lead to numbness of the thumb, there is a chance of diabetes, and therefore it is better to donate blood for an appropriate analysis.
  7. And finally, such numbness, especially during sleep, may indicate intoxication of the body, caused, for example, by abuse of alcoholic beverages.
  8. Here, symptoms can already indicate multiple sclerosis and coronary heart disease.

Ways of dealing with numbness of the thumb

In the case when, after a visit to the doctor, the verdict “Healthy” has been issued, you should nevertheless pay attention to the following preventive methods, which, undoubtedly, will help you not only get rid of numbness of the thumb on your left hand, but also improve and strengthen the body generally.

  1. Review your diet. In short, there are less preservatives and dyes, more fresh and healthy food. Say no to fast food of any order, pay more attention to fruits and vegetables, fresh meat. Be sure to include sesame, bananas and nuts in your daily meals. Drink herbal tea, freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, and clean water.
  2. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
  3. In the cold season, be sure to take care of your hands, wear warm gloves and mittens.
  4. At night, a massage with massage oil from grape seed, which can be alternated with slightly salted ten-minute herbal baths of chamomile, sage and mint, will be very effective. They are made in the proportion of 1 teaspoon of grass per 350 ml of water.
  5. A pumpkin pulp (100 g) copes well with numbness, rubbed into the thumb on the left hand, mixed with a tablespoon of any vegetable oil with the addition of a small amount of black pepper.

From all of the above, it is obvious that the thumb of the left hand can go numb for various reasons, from the state of health to the diet.

Therefore, before making any independent conclusions, including from this article, consult a doctor. And, of course, no one has canceled the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

The reason for this inconvenience may be that a person simply served or rested his leg. With a change in posture and motor activity, blood supply to the vessels is restored and numbness passes.

The problem may lie in uncomfortable shoes. Do not neglect the habit of throwing one foot over the other. This manner in itself, since in this position there is a constriction of the veins, as a result of which the blood flow is disturbed. This, in turn, can lead to varicose veins in the lower extremities and in the inguinal region.

What to do when the big toe numbness?

To get rid of prolonged unpleasant sensations in the lower extremities, you need to go to a neurologist. After finding out, he will prescribe the necessary course of treatment.

Nicotine, alcohol, strong tea and coffee cause vasospasm. Rejection of them can help get rid of the symptoms of the legs. Contributes to this and the regular use of hot food (especially oat and buckwheat porridge), hardening, intake of vitamins and minerals.

Alternative medicine can also offer its own solutions to the problem of numbness of the toes. Well help honey wraps for the night. Before you need a finger with honey, wrap it with a bandage and put on a sock.

A good effect is given by contrasting baths. The container 2 is filled and cold water. The finger must be lowered alternately in cold water, then in hot. Keep it for 30 minutes. The number of such actions is 5 times. Next, the finger is smeared with turpentine and put on a sock. The procedure is repeated 10 times.

It is useful to rub 3 times a day in the toes of infusion of rosemary on apple cider vinegar. Rubbing the finger well at night until reddening with camphor ointment helps well, after which the sock is also worn.

Paresthesia of the fingers of the lower extremities (their numbness) is a condition that occurs, as a rule, with damage to nerves or blood vessels. Often it is combined with a burning sensation or a tingling sensation. This article describes why paresthesias occur and how to treat them.

Etiology

Among the main causes of numbness of the toes are the following:

  • Osteochondrosis of the spine in the lumbar region. Numbness of the toes is especially often observed with hernias, as well as protrusions of the intervertebral discs. Paresthesias are combined with back pain, decreased sensitivity in the lumbar region, and also with chilliness of the legs.
  • Cancerous lesions of the spine and oncological pathologies of peripheral nerves.
  • Spinal tuberculosis, which is accompanied by weakness, loss of appetite and rapid fatigue. When an abscess forms, spinal structures are compressed, which leads to muscle weakness, and in severe cases, to paralysis of the legs.
  • Exchange disorders (e.g. obesity), as well as hormonal changes.
  • Diabetes. With this disease, diabetic neuropathy develops. This is a complication that represents damage to the peripheral nerves going to the upper and lower extremities. The main manifestations of such neuropathy are numbness in the arms and legs, swelling of the feet, pain in the limbs, decreased sensitivity, the appearance of corns and ulcers on the legs. In severe cases, gangrene develops, which requires amputation of the limb.
  • Numbness of the fingers on the right foot may indicate the development of gout, in which there is an accumulation of salts of uric acid. The risk group consists of people who abuse protein foods, as well as people who develop obesity.
  • Compression of the nerve trunk, which provokes the development of tunnel syndrome of the legs. With this pathology, the nerves are pinched in the natural channels, which are formed by muscles, bones and tendons. This leads to microtraumatization and malnutrition of nerves. Compression-ischemic neuropathy develops. It is manifested by sensitive disorders. Patients often complain that one or more toes were numb, pain in the area of \u200b\u200bthe affected nerve trunks. In the future, muscle atrophy and flaccid paralysis are observed.
  • Raynaud's disease, in which there is a spasm of small arteries against the background of disturbances in the nervous regulation of blood vessels. This pathology is accompanied by spontaneous numbness of the fingers of the limbs, tingling in them, the appearance of cyanosis (cyanosis). Secondarily, such symptoms are recorded in vasculitis, systemic scleroderma, and poliomyositis.
  • Multiple sclerosis, which occurs with damage to the central and peripheral NS.
  • Neuritis of various etiologies (with them, not only the large and middle toe or little fingers are numb, but the entire foot or part of the lower leg, in addition, muscle atrophy can develop).
  • Diseases of the heart that provoke circulatory disorders, which in turn leads to a loss of normal sensitivity and a deterioration in muscle tone of the legs.
  • Significant physical activity.
  • A microstroke in which partial numbness of the legs, dizziness, darkening in the eyes, nausea, as well as severe headache and paralysis of half the body are observed.
  • Alcoholic polyneuropathy. The toxic effect of alcohol leads to metabolic disorders in neurons, which is manifested by changes in pain and temperature sensitivity, numbness of the fingers and the absence of normal reflexes.
  • Paresthesia on the background of heavy metal poisoning.

Causes of paresthesia of the legs also include transient ischemic attacks, angiopathies of various nature, trauma and frostbite. Thyroid diseases, renal failure, vitamin B6 and B12 deficiency, and calcium deficiency also contribute to numbness in the legs. Also, leprosy, flat feet and hereditary amyloidosis are brought to numbness of the legs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, inflammatory processes in the bones of the legs and lumbar stenosis, endarteritis, varicose veins, atherosclerosis and other pathologies, against which normal blood circulation in the extremities is disturbed, is of etiological importance. In addition, if the toe is numb, you should pay attention to the shoes. If it is too tight or in high heels, prolonged walking or standing can result in numbness of the fingers. When removing uncomfortable shoes, the sensitivity of the legs is restored. The reason may be that the feet are wet and frozen. After warming and massaging areas with lost sensitivity, discomfort disappears.

The simplest cause of numbness in the legs is an uncomfortable posture or sitting in the “foot to foot” position, in which blood circulation is disturbed. When the position of the sensitivity of the legs is restored. Also, minor paresthesias can appear during pregnancy, which is associated with an increase in the load on the lower extremities, as well as with compression of nerve fibers by an enlarged uterus.

Transient numbness of the legs is often observed with migraine attacks, while taking certain medications, and also after injuries. A permanent violation of the sensitivity of tissues and skin on the left or right leg is a sign of a serious damage to the spinal cord or brain, which requires appropriate treatment. If the lower limb is not only numb, but also sore, there is a burning sensation and "crawling creeps", then this indicates a rapid progression of the pathological process, therefore, consulting a doctor is mandatory.

Diagnostics

Paresthesia is regarded not as an independent disease, but as a symptom of other pathologies, therefore the examination tactics are determined by the doctor after an initial examination and evaluation of anamnestic data. Most often to diagnose carry out the following examinations:

  • Ultrasound of the vessels of the legs (ultrasound dopplerography);
  • MRI of the spine (as a rule, pathological changes are found in the lumbosacral);
  • to exclude heart problems, electrocardiography is prescribed, if necessary, an ultrasound examination of the heart is performed;
  • if brain damage is suspected, a CT scan of the head or encephalography may be performed.

What to do in numbness of the toes?

With periodic numbness of the leg, which is not accompanied by other pathological symptoms, treatment, as a rule, is not required. Be sure to undergo an examination in the following cases:

  • numbness accompanied by a disturbance of coordination of movements;
  • temperature sensitivity is significantly reduced (the patient does not feel cold or heat);
  • numbness does not go away and is accompanied by pain, which complicates physical activity;
  • numbness of the legs is accompanied by dizziness and weakness.

After diagnosis, the doctor draws up an appropriate treatment plan. The main condition for a positive result - the removal of the causative agent. Since the most common causes of paresthesia are damage to nerves or blood vessels, therapy in most cases includes the following:

  • Pharmacological therapy involves the administration of painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and vitamin complexes, as well as chondroprotectors and drugs that improve peripheral blood circulation. These groups of drugs can reduce muscle spasm, eliminate tissue swelling and restore trophism in the affected limb. Often used Actovegin, Cavinton and Nootropil.
  • Specific therapy is necessary for paresthesias due to infectious diseases, oncopathologies, as well as for loss of sensation of the legs due to hormonal disruptions and metabolic disorders. With neuropathies, psychoses, as well as epilepsy, Finlepsin is prescribed. A contraindication to its use is a violation of the passage of nerve impulses in the myocardium, as well as changes in the hematopoiesis system.
  • Locally, the pathological zone is affected by physiotherapeutic procedures (the most commonly used are electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, diadynamic currents, therapeutic mud). They also massage, apply leeches and needles for reflexology.
  • Useful is therapeutic gymnastics, because when performing the appropriate exercises, blood circulation in the pathological zones improves, innervation and tissue trophy are restored.
  • lead a healthy lifestyle;
  • control blood sugar and hormones;
  • timely treat diseases that impair blood circulation in the limbs and adversely affect nerve fibers;
  • eat properly.