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What Causes Tingling Fingers?

Susan Grindstaff
Susan Grindstaff

Tingling fingers can be the result of several different conditions. Some of the more common causes include poor circulation, diabetes, and muscular dystrophy. In addition, people who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome may also experience the sensation. Carpal tunnel syndrome is only one of a number of nerve injuries that could result in tingling in the hand and fingers.

Numbness and tingling in the extremities is one of the many early warning signs of diabetes. This sensation is commonly experienced in the fingers, hands, and feet, and is often referred to as neuropathy. People who have diabetes sometimes experience tingling fingers as the result of nervous system damage caused from chronically high levels of glucose. This condition sometimes diminishes when glucose levels begin to return to normal, but in many instances, medication and sugar-restrictive diets may be necessary for this to occur.

Typing on a keyboard can be hard on the wrists, possibly aggravating carpal tunnel problems.
Typing on a keyboard can be hard on the wrists, possibly aggravating carpal tunnel problems.

Tingling fingers can also be the result of holding the hand in a single position for an extended amount of time. This is especially true if the position is awkward or uncomfortable. This type of tingling is also common in the legs and feet, and is usually the result of temporary restriction of blood circulation. When the fingers are moved into a new position, blood flow will normally return to the hand and fingers, and tingling will diminish. This condition is usually short lived and not considered a serious health risk.

Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers.
Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome results from damage to the median nerve, a nerve that runs from the forearm into the hand. The median nerve runs through a tunnel of cartilage, and repeated hand movements can sometimes cause the cartilage tunnel to become compressed. Extra pressure on the nerve can sometimes make hand and finger movements difficult and painful. In some cases, the median nerve may become damaged, which can cause the sensation of tingling in the fingers and hand.

Frostbite causes tingling in the hands and feet.
Frostbite causes tingling in the hands and feet.

In some cases, restrictive clothing or jewelry could be the cause of tingling fingers. Wearing rings or bracelets that are too small could cut off circulation to the hands or fingers. This could result in numbness and tingling. In many cases, hands or fingers that are not getting enough blood circulation may appear paler in color when compared to other parts of the body.

A weak pulse is a sign of poor circulation, which may cause tingling fingers.
A weak pulse is a sign of poor circulation, which may cause tingling fingers.

People who experience frequents episodes of tingling fingers should probably see a doctor. This may be especially true with tingling that does not diminish with finger movement. In some cases, these tingles could signal serious circulatory or nervous system disorders.

Discussion Comments

anon993920

Can there be a cure for right hand tingles? They are so awful.

anon993695

I also have had numbness in my fingers. It all started about three months ago, starting with severe pins and needles for at least two weeks. Now my fingers are at the stage where I cannot the feel them at all. It is in my pinky and only half of my ring finger stretching from my knuckles to my nails. My hands are very weak to the point where I have no strength at all in my left hand. I can’t pick things up with it, or at least I struggle very hard to do so. I can’t feel these fingers at all anymore, which makes my daily tasks pretty hard.

Also, I’m very clumsy and dropping things that I pick up these days. I have to feel these fingers with my other hand to make sure they’re still there (this is how bad they are). I also have a ganglion on my wrist which I’ve had for years with it causing no problems at all. Stroke runs in my family and also heart disease. I fear that this shall never go away. Some days the pain is so unbearable that it controls my life now. Also, there seems to be very low circulation in these one and a half fingers and they are cold to the touch. It’s very worrying indeed.

fify

My grandmother is a diabetic and has tingling fingers on her right hand. Her doctor gave her some medication for it and told her to monitor her blood sugar frequently.

She has been on insulin for thirty years and has actually kept her diabetes under control exceptionally well. So I'm wondering, does neuropathy become inevitable after years of living with diabetes?

burcinc

@donasmrs-- Do you hyperventilate during an anxiety attack?

It's actually not the anxiety and panic that's causing the tingling in your fingers. It's hyperventilation.

Many people who suffer from anxiety and panic feel like they can't breathe and hyperventilate. Hyperventilation prevents enough oxygen from being absorbed into the bloodstream. And this is what causes symptoms like tingling and numbness in the extremities. Fingers and toes are getting the least amount oxygen during hyperventilation and will feel tingly and numb first.

If you keep your anxiety under control and prevent anxiety attacks, this symptom will disappear. You need to concentrate on the underlying cause and treat your anxiety.

donasmrs

Why does anxiety and panic cause a tingling sensation in fingers?

I have chronic anxiety and experience this symptom often. My doctor said not to worry about it, that it's due to the anxiety. But I don't understand how that's possible.

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    • Typing on a keyboard can be hard on the wrists, possibly aggravating carpal tunnel problems.
      By: StockPhotosArt
      Typing on a keyboard can be hard on the wrists, possibly aggravating carpal tunnel problems.
    • Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers.
      By: maticsandra
      Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers.
    • Frostbite causes tingling in the hands and feet.
      By: dragon_fang
      Frostbite causes tingling in the hands and feet.
    • A weak pulse is a sign of poor circulation, which may cause tingling fingers.
      By: koszivu
      A weak pulse is a sign of poor circulation, which may cause tingling fingers.
    • Numbness and tingling in the fingers may inhibit an individual's ability to perform basic tasks, such as teeth brushing.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Numbness and tingling in the fingers may inhibit an individual's ability to perform basic tasks, such as teeth brushing.
    • A wrist brace may be worn to alleviate the pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
      By: mady70
      A wrist brace may be worn to alleviate the pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.