Numbness in the hands is a symptom of several essentially different diseases. Why is it numb left hand And which doctor should I contact for help? The symptom is serious enough to pay attention to it and take timely measures to prevent the development of pathological irreversible situations.
What diseases cause numbness in the left hand?
If you feel numbness in the left limb, you need to pay attention to the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
From the side of the heart and blood vessels, pathologies such as:
- Myocardial infarction is accompanied by acute, pronounced pain sensations that radiate under the shoulder blade, the arm becomes numb and this condition cannot be stopped by taking nitroglycerin;
- Unlike a heart attack, with angina pectoris, numbness in the left arm appears after exercise and quickly disappears after taking nitroglycerin. The upper part of the arm grows numb - the shoulder and forearm from the elbow;
- A stroke in the right hemisphere of the brain causes not only numbness of the left arm and leg, but also visual, hearing, and speech impairments;
- Atherosclerosis leads to narrowing of blood vessels and impaired circulation. If we are talking about the pathology of the vessels supplying blood to the left hand, then with a load, raising the hand, weakness, numbness, tingling appear;
- If the hand, fingers of the left hand go numb, then cervical or thoracic osteochondrosis is likely to occur, accompanied by a violation of the blood supply and innervation of the hand. The arm may hurt from the shoulder to the hand, there is weakness in the arms.
Why are the fingers of the left hand numb?
Hand numbness - causes:
- Numbness of the thumb is associated with pathological processes in the joint, impaired blood circulation or innervation. Problems with blood vessels lead to swelling, discoloration of the skin (redness, cyanosis), a feeling of cold. Numbness may be accompanied by pain radiating to the arm.
- Numbness of the index finger can be associated with high physical exertion, as well as with a fungal infection of the nail.
- Loss of sensation in the ring finger is the most common and is associated with cervical osteochondrosis(protrusion, intervertebral hernia, bony vertebral outgrowths).
- Very often, the numbness of the ring finger is complemented by similar sensations in the little finger. It is innervated by the ulnar nerve and pinching the latter in the cervical spine leads to numbness of the finger. In addition, there may be a syndrome of the scalene and pectoralis minor.
Why are my fingertips numb?
Numbness in the pads of the fingers may be associated with endocrine disorders, such as diabetes. When an unpleasant symptom appears, it is necessary to undergo an examination.
Why does my left hand go numb while sleeping?
As a rule, arm numbness in a dream occurs due to an uncomfortable posture. In colloquial speech, this state is called "lay down the hand."
under the weight own body and during joint sleep (when the partner sleeps on the man’s shoulder, the baby is on the mother’s chest), the arm becomes numb, blood circulation is disturbed in it.
To get rid of numbness, it is enough to rub the limb intensively, do exercises, take a contrast shower.
However, if the situation becomes normal and is not associated with an uncomfortable posture, consult a doctor. Perhaps we are talking about cervical or thoracic osteochondrosis.
Why does my hand go numb while working at a computer?
Computers are so firmly entrenched in everyday life that it is impossible to imagine the average workplace of an engineer, technologist, office worker, teacher or accountant without them.
People who spend a long time at the computer often complain of pain and numbness in their hands, and this is more true for gamers.
Unpleasant symptoms associated with the static position of the hand throughout the day. This phenomenon is called "carpal tunnel syndrome". It occurs due to compression of the median nerve passing through the carpal tunnel.
Similar problems are familiar to musicians - pianists, accordionists.
Causes of numbness of the left hand
The cause can be any pathological processes leading to compression, inflammation or damage to nerve fibers, blood vessels. These include:
- Inflammation of the nerves of the brachial plexus;
- Compression of nerve bundles;
- Violation of blood supply as a result of an uncomfortable posture, injury, illness;
- Long static raising of hands;
- Uneven physical load on the shoulders (overweight to the left side);
- Tight uncomfortable clothing;
- Physical activity associated with the work of the left hand.
Diagnostics
Numbness of the left hand is a reason to turn to specialists: a cardiologist, a neurologist, a surgeon.
To make a diagnosis, an x-ray examination, electroneuromyography are performed.
What to do if the left hand goes numb
- The reason for an urgent call for an ambulance is the numbness of the left arm, starting from the hand and rising along the arm up to the shoulder. This phenomenon is often accompanied by severe acute pain and we are talking about blockage of the artery - thrombosis. The lack of urgent assistance will result, at a minimum, in the amputation of a limb.
- Numbness, which is accompanied by pain in the region of the heart, signals an impending heart attack and requires immediate hospitalization. This condition is life threatening.
- Since numbness is one of the symptoms of a stroke (cerebral hemorrhage), you should pay attention to the presence of other signs - headache, confusion, speech disorders, oddities with facial expressions (it is difficult for a person to smile). Modern means can prevent the severe consequences of a stroke if help is provided in a timely manner.
In other cases, you need to remove physical activity and give your hand a rest, rub the skin with your hand or a hard towel to increase blood flow.
If numbness is associated with cervical or thoracic, then the treatment does not consist in eliminating the symptoms, one of which is the loss of sensitivity, but in normalizing the position of the vertebrae, restoring cartilage tissue.
Hand numbness prevention
To prevent numbness, you need to reconsider your lifestyle:
- Pay attention to nutrition, reduce the consumption of simple carbohydrates;
- Control blood cholesterol levels to prevent the development of vascular atherosclerosis;
- Monitor blood pressure;
- Give the body moderate physical and mental stress;
- Normalize the regime of work and rest, walk on fresh air, do physical education;
- Monitor the correct posture;
- Maintain optimal body weight;
- Give up smoking and alcohol - factors that negatively affect the health of blood vessels.
Exercises for numb hands
Exercises for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, and for the treatment of the wrist joint.
With the systematic appearance of numbness in the left hand, you need to undergo an examination, establish the cause and discuss the treatment with your doctor. Sharp pain accompanying loss of sensation in the left arm is a reason to call an ambulance.
Numbness of only the left hand can be caused by many different diseases.
If the hand is in the wrong position during work, the nerve is compressed. Most often, people with sedentary work (office employees, pianists) suffer from this. The same thing happens during a long sleep in one position. There is no special treatment for this, to avoid numbness it is necessary to take breaks and self-massage more often.
Numbness in the left arm may be symptom of a pathology of the cardiovascular system, angina. If numbness is associated with pain in chest, panic, nausea, panic attacks, then this is a signal of a heart attack.
The left hand can become numb after injuries and bruises. Also prolonged or excessive physical activity will cause numbness. If it is caused simply by fatigue, then the treatment consists in proper rest.
The hand can go numb with neurological pathologies, such as osteochondrosis or displacement of the vertebrae. In addition, numbness occurs when there is a violation of the nutrition of muscle tissue due to compression of nerve endings.
Violation of blood circulation in the brain and cervical region cause numbness of the left hand. Moreover, in combination with high pressure and cholesterol is pre-stroke symptom.
Sometimes ordinary stress or a long negative emotional state causes a numb left hand. Treatment is carried out by psychotherapists and this symptom disappears.
Why are the fingers on my left hand numb
In addition to the whole brush, fingers can go numb individually. This factor should be considered Special attention, as it speaks of different diseases and the treatment will be appropriate.
Why is the little finger numb
Often, patients turn to doctors with discomfort due to numbness of the little finger. Doctors associate the numbness of the little finger with work involving monotonous movements. This is especially true for people who spend most of their time at the computer. Only the little finger can become numb even with the development of the so-called tunnel syndrome. In this case, when the nerves are compressed, a tunnel is formed, and when it is in one position for a long time, the little finger begins to go numb, weakness and slight tingling are felt.
Numb ring finger
If the ring finger often goes numb, then you should not put off going to the cardiologist. If the numbness and sensitivity of the finger increases in the spring, then perhaps the reason lies in the lack of vitamins A and B, while the skin on the fingers peels off. In the older generation, atherosclerosis is often characterized by numbness of the fingertips.
Thumb numbness
This is a symptom of a work pathology. respiratory system. In addition, numbness of the thumb will be an indirect sign of a violation of the liver and kidneys.
Numb index finger
In this case, inflammation in the shoulder or elbow is often observed. Additional symptoms are pain syndrome when moving the arm and weakness. Constant monotonous movements cause overstrain and muscle spasm, which can also be the cause of numbness.
Middle finger numbness
As a rule, the middle finger becomes numb with disorders in the cervical spine, in particular, with osteochondrosis. A possible cause may be circulatory disorders and pathologies in the thoracic spine.
Numbness of the left hand
Often it is the brush that becomes numb. The reason for this may be compression of the carpal nerve, dysfunction of the endocrine system, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, monotonous movements. With a long-term clamped nerve, inflammation, swelling and pain later develop. If you do not see a doctor in time, then there is a strong pain syndrome.
If the hand becomes numb from the bottom up, then you should be examined as soon as possible for the presence of a blood clot in the artery.
Numbness of the hand and other part of the body
Treatment
For chronic discomfort, it is worth visiting a specialist. Most pathologies, a symptom of which is a numb limb, are curable.
To restore normal hand function, prescribed special gymnastics and physiotherapy. It is often enough to take breaks during work for a small massage and spend a few minutes exercising.
Preventive measures
For the prevention of numbness, it is worth abandoning bad habits, normalize sleep and rest, overwork less, eat healthy food. To bring the body back to normal It is useful to take a multivitamin complex.
In the case when numbness cannot be associated with natural factors (sleep, overwork), it is urgent to contact a specialist. Self-medication is a very unsafe measure of getting rid of discomfort, which can lead to complications.
In the human body, all systems and processes are interconnected. If the left hand goes numb, special attention should be paid to this ailment. Numbness of the extremities can occur as a result of external factors or indicate a serious illness. It is manifested by a decrease in the sensitivity of the skin, tingling, cold, sometimes blue extremities. A numb hand becomes difficult to move. Depending on the cause, this phenomenon may be accompanied by other symptoms.
Domestic causes of hand numbness
There are many factors, both medical and domestic, that can cause numbness in the elbow or other parts of the limb. The last reasons include:
- playing sports;
- climatic conditions;
- incorrect posture while working or sleeping;
- prolonged sitting in a sitting position;
- uncomfortable clothes;
- long-term needlework;
- carrying weights on the shoulder;
- physical work.
Long-term sports in an intensive mode lead to the fact that there are problems with muscle blood supply. The heart is not able to provide blood to all parts of the body at a time when it works at such a pace.
When rain approaches or when the air humidity rises, many people may feel numbness in their hands. This is due to the presence of congenital narrowing of the arteries of the shoulder or elbow. Because of this disruption of the circulatory and nervous system this area may not function properly.
Often there is a situation when the left hand is taken away at night. This is most often due to an incorrectly chosen posture during sleep. If the arm during rest is pressed down by the weight of the body for a long time or is in an uncomfortable position, the blood circulation in it is disturbed. As a result of this, the hand, elbow, shoulder, or the entire arm becomes numb at the same time.
Occurrence of the condition as a result of prolonged sedentary or heavy work
If during work the hand is in a position above the level of the heart for a long time, then unpleasant numbness can also occur. Such a landing is considered incorrect. It has long been known that being in a sitting position for a long time adversely affects the human body. His blood circulation is disturbed, which can lead not only to numbness of the limbs, but also to other more serious consequences. This is especially dangerous if a person is in a sitting position most of his time. This applies to a greater extent to office workers and people whose activities are related to the computer.
Tight clothing, tight blouses and sweatshirts, decorated with various laces, ropes and ribbons that tighten the wrists, can lead to numbness in the fingers or other parts of the limb. People who are accustomed to manual work, including needlework, are often faced with the fact that the finger is numb or the brush is reduced. The continuous movement of the fingers and hands can lead to impaired blood circulation in them. To avoid this, you should take small breaks every 1.5-2 hours..
A heavy object that hangs on the shoulder can pull on the vessels or nerves in the arm. This also leads to numbness. Heavy physical activity can cause the heart to fail to cope with the volume of work, and the blood does not have time to flow into the muscles in the right amount. All these causes are associated with impaired blood circulation or squeezing of the nerves in the arm. Specific treatment in these cases is not required. In order for the numbness to go away, you should change your posture, take a break from work, or eliminate other external factors that provoke discomfort.
Why does the arm hurt from the shoulder to the elbow - possible reasons and methods of treatment
Medical Causes of Hand Numbness
Unlike household factors, medical causes of numbness require medical intervention. If a right hand flies, this may be a symptom of the presence of the following diseases and conditions:
- angina;
- myocardial infarction;
- atherosclerosis;
- stroke
- osteochondrosis;
- pre-infarction state;
- thrombosis;
- scoliosis;
- surge;
- deficiency of vitamins A and group B.
Numbness of the left hand, difficulty breathing, discomfort or pain on the left side may indicate coronary disease hearts. This symptom is eliminated quite simply: if the above symptoms occur, you must take a nitroglycerin tablet. Often, acute heart failure is manifested only by numbness of the limb. Despite the absence of other symptoms, it will not be possible to remove the unpleasant sensation with the help of a pill. Myocardial infarction is a serious disease that, if untimely seeking medical help, can lead to death. In this case, it is necessary to call ambulance. Treatment will be carried out in a hospital.
As a result of atherosclerosis, vasoconstriction can occur. Numbness occurs if the disease has affected the areas of the shoulder, elbow or hand. It should be borne in mind that atherosclerosis occurs mainly in people over 40 years of age. A stroke provokes complete or partial paralysis of a person. Numbness of the left hand as a result of its onset is possible, but it rarely occurs autonomously.
More often, along with the hand, part of the face, leg and half of the body on the left side go numb.
Osteochondrosis is also capable of provoking numbness of the hands. There may be weakness in the limb, increased sensitivity of the skin, pain in the forearm, shoulder blade and chest. When a person has any heart disease, such a sign will speak of a pre-infarction condition. This is especially true when the little finger on the left hand loses sensitivity. When these signs appear, you should immediately call an ambulance.
Important: pain with loss of sensation in the left hand can be a harbinger of a developing attack of a heart attack or an initial symptom of a stroke, so a visit to the doctor should not be postponed until "tomorrow"!
Causes of numbness and pain in the left arm
The states of soreness and "goosebumps" in the hand are not at all dangerous. They are in no way associated with diseases, are short-lived, and occur for the following reasons:
1. Hypothermia
Narrowing of blood vessels during freezing in frosty weather causes insufficient blood circulation, and, as a result, numbness of the limbs.
Violation of the regime of sports training, excessive physical activity leads to improper functioning of the heart.
3. Uncomfortable sleeping position
In a dream, you can “lay down” your hand, most often this happens if a person is too tired or went to bed drunk.
4. Uncomfortable clothing
A heavy bag on the shoulder or tight clothing that compresses the blood flow will lead to a decrease in sensitivity and pain, and they may not appear immediately, but after some time.
5. Work
Prolonged work with a computer keyboard or needlework contribute to wicking, overloading of the muscular apparatus.
In such cases, it is important to urgently eliminate the cause of squeezing of blood vessels and other negative factors, otherwise often recurring non-medical household causes can lead to medical irreversible consequences.
Diseases that cause numbness and pain of the left hand
The list of diseases is very long. Only a doctor is able to determine the symptom of which disease is numbness and pain in the left hand. The most common manifestations occur in the following cases:
1. Diseases of the nervous system
Stress, nervous fatigue, prolonged depression lead to permanent or recurring numbness, and sometimes pain in the left upper limb.
2. Lack of vitamins
The lack of vitamins, mineral elements, and, as a result, impaired metabolism contributes to the occurrence of damage to nerve endings, loss of cell sensitivity.
3. Diseases of the spine
Osteochondrosis of the spine and its other diseases are characterized by sharp pain, numbness of the fingers, shoulder and neck on the left side.
4. Vascular diseases
With vascular atherosclerosis arising from accumulations of fatty plaques in the ulnar and brachial arteries of the left arm, its mobility and sensitivity are lost.
5. Circulatory disorders
Impaired blood circulation in the arm, shoulder or elbow may appear from the intervertebral hernia.
6. Diabetes
Diabetes can cause poor circulation, which can lead to numbness and pain.
The most dangerous manifestations requiring urgent medical attention
1. Heart attack
In case of numbness on the left hand of the ring finger, then the little finger, a heart attack may become a possible diagnosis. The attack causes a decrease in the release of blood into the peripheral heart vessels.
2. Angina
Pressing pain in the left shoulder, arm and scapular region characterizes an angina attack, in which blood does not flow to the heart in sufficient quantities. It happens that the whole arm and the left side of the body go numb. Especially often attacks develop at night or in the cold.
3. Stroke
Numbness can signal a violation of cerebral circulation during the development of a stroke attack, if the process begins with a loss of sensitivity in the little finger on the left hand.
Treatment and prevention of pain in the left arm
My left hand often hurts and goes numb, what should I do? In no case should you self-medicate. First of all, you need to consult a therapist for a diagnosis. He will determine which specialist to refer you to, or he will treat you on his own.
If the cause of pain and numbness does not pose an acute danger, then perhaps the doctor will prescribe manual or physical therapy. These procedures help to improve blood circulation in problem areas of the body, relieve muscle blockage, release blood vessels and nerve endings from squeezing, reduce inflammatory processes, if any.
Ultrasound and laser therapy promote accelerated nutrition of cells and tissues of the body, activate their immune recovery abilities.
With the help of therapeutic exercises, you can develop and strengthen joints and muscles, increase blood and lymph circulation, and get rid of stagnant processes.
10 folk recipes for pain in the left hand and its numbness
There are wonderful folk ways improve blood circulation, strengthen joints, restore muscle sensitivity:
1. Wool thread
The most common and surprising way: the wrist is tied with a thick thread of natural wool. It helps not only with numbness and pain, but also with muscle strain, bruises and inflammation of the hand! Do not remove for a couple of weeks for prevention. The miracle is inexplicable, but the method works.
2. Honey wrap
The hand is smeared with fresh honey at night, gently wrapped in natural cotton cloth. The next morning honey is removed. After a few days, the numbness disappears, as it never happened.
3. Garlic
Garlic: a mixture of 5-6 crushed heads and a bottle of vodka must be infused for 10 days, after which it is taken orally: 6 drops per spoonful of water for 30 days. Those who do not want alcohol can eat 4 slices a day, the effect is the same. Garlic tincture is lubricated or rubbed on sore joints and muscles.
4. Lilac flowers
Lilac flowers: ½ l. a jar of inflorescences is insisted on alcohol or cologne for two weeks, after which, in the form of a compress, they are applied to numb places. The treatment time is 2 weeks.
5. Massage
Sugar and vegetable oil in equal proportions, mix thoroughly, insist, use it for massage.
6. Camphor alcohol compress
10 ml of camphor pharmacy alcohol is mixed with a liter of water, the solution is rubbed into a numb hand or a compress is made.
7. Red pepper tincture
From 3 pods of red pepper and 4 chopped pickles, make a tincture of vodka (500 ml), clog it, put it in a dark corner for a couple of weeks. Lubricate the surface of the hand with a solution, rub it into the fingers if numbness occurs.
8. Lemon-garlic tincture
Lemon and a head of garlic are poured with 3 cups of water, insisted under the lid in a cold place for 3 days. Drink the infusion before meals, ¼ cup. Contraindicated in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract!
9. Rosemary tincture
Ledum flowers and leaves - 100 g are placed in apple cider vinegar 6% - 300 ml, insist for a week, used for rubbing.
10. Contrast bath
You can quickly relieve numbness by dipping the brush for a few seconds alternately in hot and cold water and pressing with your fingers on the bottom of the dish.
If numbness and pain bother you often and for no apparent reason, you should stop drinking strong coffee, tea and alcohol, which contribute to vasoconstriction and blood clotting. Folk remedies from pain and numbness in the left hand can be used only after consultation with a medical specialist.
Numbness of the extremities, including the hands, is increasingly common in patients of different age groups, this is called paresthesia. Basically, complaints come from people leading sedentary image life. This problem creates discomfort and interferes with the flow of normal life. Hand numbness can occur at night, in a dream. During the day, for example, during work, when the hands are in the same uncomfortable position, working at the computer is also at risk.
Causes of hand numbness
The most common cause of numbness is pressure on the nerve, hence circulatory disorders. And this happens due to the uncomfortable position of the body. Often, a person lies uncomfortable, sits a lot, physical inactivity is the scourge of megacities. An incorrectly selected pillow provokes an overstrain of the neck muscles. Work at the computer in one position and for a long time. Modern man unable to relax. If you change your posture, move your limb, restore blood flow and numbness goes away, then you should not worry. Chronic numbness of the limbs is a reason to see a doctor for examination and diagnosis.
A common cause of numbness is cervical. Osteochondrosis is a common disease of the cartilaginous surfaces of bones, mainly the spine. Nerve compression can be caused by an overgrowth of cartilage (osteophytes), herniated discs, muscle spasm, or degenerative changes in the spine.
The most dangerous situation is numbness of the hands, the cause of which is a violation of the blood circulation of the brain. This is one of the signs of a developing, often accompanied high content cholesterol and high blood pressure. Stress, depression, other psycho-emotional conditions can also cause numbness.
Signs and Diagnosis
If the left hand goes numb and at the same time the heart hurts, we can talk about a disease of the cardiovascular system. With myocardial ischemia, a pressing sensation occurs, spreading to the left arm, and it becomes numb. This condition can occur after stress, and after exercise, even overeating can cause a similar reaction. from hypothermia causes pain in the left side of the chest and numbness of the arm.
The etiology of the origin of pain should be diagnosed by a doctor. The appointment of a blood test for biochemistry, it will determine the level of cholesterol, ultrasound of the vessels and CT scan will determine the pathology of circulatory disorders, the presence of blood clots and the risk of stroke. Electroneuromyography will reveal pinching of the nerve or muscle spasms. Circulatory disorders of the brain will determine magnetic nuclear resonance, and an x-ray of the spine will give a clear picture of the state of the vertebrae.
Hand numbness treatment
If the cause of hand numbness is not the presence of a disease, a person can help himself and get rid of the disease. Regular physical activity to restore blood flow, morning exercises, aerobics, running and walking at a fast pace. To maintain blood vessels and joints in good shape, you need to give up bad habits - alcohol and smoking. Limit in the diet foods such as salty, spicy and too spicy. Include more vegetables, fruits and herbs in the menu. Hot food should be on the table every day.
To prevent numbness, you need to dress in such a way as not to freeze, giving preference to natural fabrics - excessive sweating provokes hypothermia. In monotonous work at a computer or at a table, about every hour, you need to take breaks, during which stretch your stiff limbs, do light gymnastics, rotate your arms and hands. Your doctor will recommend therapeutic gymnastics to do it during breaks.
If hand numbness is associated with the presence of osteochondrosis, a neurologist will advise you on anti-inflammatory drugs that dilate and strengthen bone tissue. Along with drug treatment, you can undergo treatment with an osteopath, masseur or acupuncturist. Tilt your head more often, forward, down and to the sides, but do not throw it back sharply, such a movement is not recommended. Lowering the shoulders will help relieve pressure on the cervical region. There is a special gymnastics for cervical spine, which can be performed without leaving the workplace. Self-massage of the neck and forearms will help.
A visit to a chiropractor will help with displacement of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. The pinched nerve endings will be released by traction therapy or a special stretching of the spine, which will bring quick relief. And the removal of triggers and blocks, areas of pain, will help to forget about the pain and numbness of the hands for a long time.
If the cause of numbness is a micro-stroke, without proper treatment by a doctor, it can develop into serious circulatory disorders of the brain with mental and physical disorders. Diagnosis and treatment is carried out only by a doctor! In the case of a disease of the cardiovascular system, do not risk your health and also contact a specialist.
Being in constant nervous tension, a stressful state, provokes a pinched nerve from impaired blood flow, muscle stiffness, which causes numbness in the hands. Treatment in this case is carried out individually by a neurologist or psychiatrist. If a person can associate numbness with a certain event, then with the help of relaxation, discarding problems, it is possible to get rid of the disease on their own. To be at peace with yourself, do yoga, learning the unity of soul and body, getting out of stress, which means getting rid of diseases.
The best treatment for a disease is its prevention. healthy image life, proper nutrition, a positive attitude, peace and tranquility in the soul will not let diseases win. But in any case, contacting a doctor - best way out. Hand numbness is not a disease, but a symptom, finding the cause and proper treatment is the key to health.
