Diabetic Numbness, often referred to as diabetic neuropathy, is a common complication of diabetes that results from prolonged high blood sugar levels damaging the nerves. It typically affects the peripheral nerves (those outside the brain and spinal cord), especially in the hands and feet.
Symptoms of Diabetic Numbness
Initial Signs:
- Tingling or "pins and needles" sensation.
- Gradual loss of sensation, especially in the extremities (feet, toes, hands, or fingers).
Advanced Symptoms:
- Complete numbness or inability to feel pain, temperature, or touch.
- Muscle weakness or difficulty coordinating movement.
- Burning or sharp pain, which may worsen at night.
Additional Complications:
- Frequent injuries (e.g., cuts or burns) that go unnoticed due to loss of sensation.
- Balance issues and falls due to decreased foot sensitivity.
- Skin infections or ulcers, especially on the feet.
Causes of Diabetic Numbness
Prolonged Hyperglycemia:
- High blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels that supply nerves, leading to nerve injury.
Inflammation:
- Chronic inflammation from diabetes can contribute to nerve degeneration.
Oxidative Stress:
- High glucose levels generate free radicals, which damage nerve tissues.
Other Factors:
- Obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, and hypertension can exacerbate nerve damage.
Remedial Measures
Lifestyle Changes
Blood Sugar Control:
- Maintain blood sugar levels within the target range to slow down or prevent nerve damage.
- Regularly monitor blood glucose.
Balanced Diet:
- Include foods rich in antioxidants (e.g., berries, leafy greens) and healthy fats (e.g., nuts, fish).
- Avoid processed sugars and high-carb foods.
Regular Exercise:
- Engage in low-impact exercises like walking or swimming to improve blood circulation and nerve health.
- Stretching exercises can help reduce stiffness and improve flexibility.
Medical Interventions
Medications:
- Pain management with medications such as gabapentin or pregabalin.
- Topical treatments like capsaicin cream for localized pain relief.
- Antidepressants like amitriptyline, sometimes used for neuropathic pain.
Vitamin Supplements:
- Vitamin B12 and alpha-lipoic acid supplements may help in nerve regeneration.
Foot Care:
- Inspect feet daily for cuts, blisters, or ulcers.
- Use proper footwear to avoid injuries and pressure sores.
Physical Therapy:
- Therapists can design exercises to improve balance and mobility.
Advanced Treatments
Nerve Stimulation Therapy:
- Techniques like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may reduce pain and promote healing.
Surgical Interventions:
- Rarely required but might be necessary for severe complications like gangrene.
Preventive Strategies
Routine Check-ups:
- Regular visits to a doctor or podiatrist for nerve function tests.
Stop Smoking:
- Smoking worsens circulation and should be avoided.
Weight Management:
- Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on nerves.
Avoid Alcohol:
- Excessive alcohol use can accelerate nerve damage.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- If you experience numbness that worsens rapidly.
- If you notice ulcers, skin infections, or other abnormalities on the feet.
- If balance or coordination issues become severe.
Early detection and proactive management of diabetic numbness can significantly reduce complications and improve quality of life. Consult with a healthcare professional to tailor a treatment plan specific to your condition.
Numbness in Hand
Experiencing numbness in hand can be unpleasant and even limit your ability to use the hand correctly. Several factors might cause numbness in the hand, including, but not limited to, brain disorders, spinal issues, nerve diseases, and drug side effects. Depending on the underlying reason, it can worsen over time and may be accompanied by additional symptoms, such as pain or weakness in the hand. Hand numbness is usually treatable - the sooner the diagnosis, the better the treatment outcomes will be.
We will further discuss hand numbness symptoms, hand numbness causes, diagnostic and treatment options for this condition, and when to consult a doctor.
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Causes of Numbness in Hand
Hand numbness reasons vary depending on several factors. It is usually caused by nerve compression in one or both hands. It is the most prevalent cause of hand numbness. It may frequently feel like prickling pins and needles, tingling, or a dull burning sensation in the hand. Some causes of hand numbness include:
Stroke: Most of the time, numbness in the hands does not indicate an emergency. However, in some cases, it can be indicative of a stroke. A person experiences a stroke when there is a reduction of blood flow in the brain. Hand going numb may accompany other symptoms or can be the sole indication of a stroke. Early diagnosis can reduce the chance of permanent brain damage.
Carpal Tunnel: Carpal tunnel is a little opening through the middle of the wrist, which is also known as the median nerve. This median nerve sends out a sense of feeling to your index, thumb, middle, and partial ring fingers, which may cause hand finger numbness.
Typing and working on an assembly line are examples of repetitive tasks that can cause the tissues around the median nerve to expand and compress the nerve. Pressure in the hand might also cause numbness in hand in addition to tingling, discomfort, and weakness.
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency: A severe B12 deficiency might also cause numbness in the hands. Hence, it is important to ensure you are taking the proper amount of vitamins and minerals to maintain the health of your nerves. In addition, a lack of magnesium and potassium is also said to contribute to numbness.
Medications: Medicines used to treat cancer might cause nerve damage, or neuropathy. This might cause numbness to the left arm or the right arm, and sometimes both. Right hand numbness symptoms include - tennis elbow, tunnel syndrome, etc.
Slipped Cervical Disc: The cushiony spaces between your spine's bones, or vertebrae, are called discs. A disc movement could be the result of an alteration in your spinal column's structure. This is referred to as a slipped or herniated disc. Your spine's nerves may be compressed and irritated by deterioration of the bones, swelling surrounding the nerve, or a broken disc, which might cause numbness in both hands.
Raynaud’s Disease: Raynaud's phenomenon, or commonly known as vascular disease, causes narrowing of blood arteries. Due to the condition, the hands and feet receive less blood, which causes numbness. This might make the left hand and finger numb, in addition to making the toes pallid, chilly, and painful due to the decreased blood supply.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: The ulnar nerve travels down to the small finger of your hand from your neck. The inner part of your elbow may experience compression or overstretching of the nerve. This may occur as a result of swelling from repeated movements or as a result of extended positions putting pressure on your elbow. This condition is known as cubital tunnel syndrome. This makes the left hand and finger numb.
Cervical Spondylosis: Cervical spondylosis is a type of arthritis that affects the neck disc, which is caused by years of wear and tear on your spinal bones. The hands, arms, and fingers may become numb due to the injured spine pressing on neighbouring nerves. The majority of individuals with cervical spondylosis are symptomless. Others might experience neck pain and stiffness.
Lupus: Lupus is an autoimmune condition. It indicates that your body is attacking its own tissues and organs. It affects several organs and tissues, including the lungs, joints, heart, and kidneys. Lupus symptoms fluctuate and do not stay for a long period of time. This is one of the most common causes of numbness in the left hand, in addition to the right arm and hand.
Thyroid Disorder: The thyroid gland in the neck generates hormones that assist in controlling your body's metabolism. When your thyroid does not produce enough hormones, the condition is known as hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid. This can cause peripheral neuropathy if it’s not treated on time. As a result, your hands and feet may become numb, weak, and tingly.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Myofascial pain syndrome can cause pain in extremely sensitive muscles. Sometimes, the discomfort radiates to other bodily areas. Myofascial pain syndrome also causes tingling, weakness, and stiffness, in addition to discomfort in the muscles.
Numbness in Hand Symptoms
Numbness in hand might be present in one hand, both hands, and/or the entire arm. It is usually not stable, and might come and go. A numb hand may feel like:
Absence of feeling
Burning and pain
Feeling of heat or cold
Hand coordination issues
Excessive sensitivity to touch
Tingling as if your hand were dozing off
Diagnosis
Physical indications, such as decreased sensation, altered reflexes, and weakness are evaluated in order to diagnose hand numbness. Along with going through the medical history and symptoms, the healthcare professionals will perform a comprehensive physical examination. Through a physical assessment, they may be able to identify whether the numbness is brought on by an acute issue (such as arm injuries) or a chronic disease (such as neuropathy), and whether it is caused by a problem affecting your spinal cord, brain, or nerves.
Some diagnostic tests may also be suggested to determine the underlying cause. Some standard diagnostic tests done for numbness in hand include:
MRI
X-Ray
Ultrasound
Blood Tests
Lumbar Puncture
Electromyography
Treatment of Numbness in Hand
Medications: Medication can be used to relieve numbness in both hands in most cases, at least partially. It is important to see a doctor before taking any medications, as not all of them will be effective for treating all diseases. Medications used to treat numbness include:
Antidepressant
Pain reliever
Anticoagulant
Muscle relaxer
Physical Activity: Physical therapy may be beneficial in case of some conditions causing numbness in both hands or just one. It is important to avoid vigorous movements, such as using the incorrect form, which can lead to tennis elbow, as well as maintaining extended positions that may put pressure or cause swelling.
Diet: Conditions that cause numbness in right hand or left hand may be treated with dietary adjustments. This could be taking vitamins or ensuring you continue eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet. Some lifestyle adjustments, such as avoiding alcohol and smoking, can also help improve the condition.
Surgery: Though it is rarely the first course of treatment, surgery may be necessary in certain cases. The surgery depends on the underlying condition. For example, the doctors might recommend cervical spine surgery in some cases if they suspect spine issues to be the underlying cause of numbness in hands and fingers.
Other Treatments: There are numerous alternative therapies for hand numbness. Depending on the illness, you may receive additional therapies like:
Botox injection
Massage therapy
Ultrasound therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy
When to See a Doctor?
Seek medical attention if the numbness does not go away on its own in a few hours or if it extends to other areas of your body. If an injury or sickness has caused the numbness, you should consult a physician. If left untreated, an acute numbness might develop into something chronic or untreatable.
Conclusion
Numbness in hands can be a result of several factors, such as stroke, carpal tunnel’s syndrome, etc. It may also happen if a person types or writes for several hours at a stretch. Symptoms in other parts of your body, such as your arms or legs, might also accompany hand numbness. Make sure that if you experience hand numbness, you get medical assistance right away. The doctors can help diagnose the underlying cause of hand numbness and prevent any complications.
FAQs
1. Is there a cure for numbness in the hand?
Ans. Chronic numbness requires extensive care and medication, and even surgery when it has advanced.
2. What Can I do at home to treat numbness in hand?
Ans. Numbness can be treated at home using cold compress, pain relievers, etc, but if it does not go away, you must see a doctor immediately.
3. When should I be worried about numbness?
Ans. When the numbness in hand gets too frequent, and does not go away on its own, that can be a cause of concern.
4. Is numbness a serious problem?
Ans. In most cases, numbness is not serious but might lead to severe complications. If you experience numbness without any cause, see a doctor.
