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What are the Most Common Causes of a Numb Finger?
There are a wide range of things which may cause a numb finger or fingers. Pinched nerves, multiple sclerosis, frostbite, anxiety, carpal tunnel syndrome, low potassium levels, and use of vibrating power tools can all result in numbness. Additional neurological disorders can also cause numbness in the fingers, but these generally result in more widespread symptoms over time and numbness may not be the primary symptom.
Most cases of numb finger symptoms are benign and treatable. This will depend on the severity of the condition, and some causes may be serious unless treated right away. Frost bite, for instance, can eventually kill the tissues of the fingers and lead to permanent damage or amputation. Others, like pinched nerves, often heal on their own if given enough time.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common causes of a numb finger. It is a condition caused by long-term repetitive motion, especially when the wrists or hands are incorrectly aligned. Those who work with a computer are most susceptible to carpal tunnel. Most times one or more fingers will become numb, and then the hand and wrist will become painful and sometimes swollen. Treatment can involve wearing a specialized brace and occasionally surgery.
Some potential causes of a numb finger are chronic and generally last throughout one’s life. Illnesses like multiple sclerosis (MS) eventually become worse over time and can cause debilitating symptoms. MS may begin as numbness or tingling in the fingers, hands, legs, or feet. Symptoms may then spread outward away from the extremities. Medications are necessary in order to control symptoms, and a remission of discomfort and numbness is common.
Most of the time numbness in one or more fingers is not cause for alarm. Many individuals experience it as a one-time occurrence. Any numbness which sticks around for more than a day or two should be checked out by a doctor to rule out any serious health conditions. This is especially true if numbness is accompanied by muscle weakness, pain, tingling, or uncontrollable shaking or tremor.
Although rare, there are serious and life-threatening neurological disorders which can begin as a numb finger. These often deteriorate rapidly and can lead to permanent disabilities and even death. Lou Gehrig's disease, or ALS, is one example. Weakness, twitching, loss of balance, and other symptoms are generally present.
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![Typing on a keyboard can be hard on the wrists, possibly aggravating carpal tunnel problems and causing numb fingers.]()
By: StockPhotosArtTyping on a keyboard can be hard on the wrists, possibly aggravating carpal tunnel problems and causing numb fingers. -
![Frostbite causes the fingers to go numb.]()
By: dragon_fangFrostbite causes the fingers to go numb. -
![Multiple sclerosis can cause finger numbness.]()
By: designuaMultiple sclerosis can cause finger numbness. -
![Numbness and tingling in the fingers may inhibit an individual's ability to perform basic tasks, such as teeth brushing.]()
By: Photographee.euNumbness and tingling in the fingers may inhibit an individual's ability to perform basic tasks, such as teeth brushing. -
![An injured wrist may cause numbness in the fingers.]()
By: mady70An injured wrist may cause numbness in the fingers. -
![An x-ray may be used to examine the bones of a chronically numb finger.]()
By: Giuseppe PorzaniAn x-ray may be used to examine the bones of a chronically numb finger. -
![Radial neuropathy causes problems in the wrist and can also cause numbness in portions of the hand.]()
By: waxartRadial neuropathy causes problems in the wrist and can also cause numbness in portions of the hand.
Discussion Comments
Carpal tunnel does cause numbness. In my experience, it caused other symptoms too. I actually had tingling and pins and needles before the numbness. And the numbness seemed to affect some of my fingers more than the others.
I think that rest is the best way to treat carpal tunnel. In severe cases doctors do surgery to treat it. I would have definitely considered it if numbness and pain had continued or worsened. But resting, wearing a splint and hot and cold therapy helped relieve my symptoms. It took some time though and there were days when I had to take a pain reliever. I also used a topical anti-inflammatory cream which helped a lot.
@bluedolphin-- I believe anxiety attacks can cause numb fingers and limbs due to hyperventilation. It's actually the hyperventilation causing numbness because there is too much oxygen entering the body and the cells have difficulty absorbing it.
As long as the hyperventilation is brought under control and the person breathes normally again, it's not a problem. I don't know if anxiety can cause numbness otherwise, without hyperventilation. You should see a doctor about your symptoms.
How does anxiety cause numb fingers? I had never heard of this before. I do have anxiety and sometimes my fingers are a little numb. Could this be the cause?
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