Feeling tingling or numb is really annoying. But luckily, these annoyances will generally go away on their own in an instant. Usually, you just need to relax the tingling body position or move it repeatedly to get rid of the tingling feeling that appears. However, sometimes the tingling happens too often and indicates a serious health problem, one of which is carpal tunnel syndrome which often makes sufferers experience tingling in the hand area. Some types of tingling can be cured without the help of a doctor. However, if the tingling is suspected to be from a more serious health problem such as a pinched nerve, get it checked by a doctor immediately!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Dealing with Irregular Tingling
Step 1. Place your hands in a comfortable, neutral position
Tingling and numbness can occur if your hands are crushed or in an uncomfortable position while you are sleeping. Generally, you just need to change positions to get rid of them. In other words, relax your hands and arms, and straighten your elbows and wrists.
Step 2. Move your hands until the tingling sensation is gone
If the tingling persists for more than 30 seconds even after changing positions, try moving your wrist continuously. Don't do it with too much zeal so you don't have another joint problem!
If you sleep with your hands crushed, the nerves and blood circulation in your hands will be depressed for a very long time. In fact, the tingling sensation can last for quite a while even if you just put your hand in an uncomfortable position for a few minutes
Step 3. Flush hands with warm water for 2 to 3 minutes
If your hands are still tingling afterward, try running them with water at 32-38°C. Remember, make sure the water is warm, not hot! At the same time, tighten and relax the hand muscles several times.
Warm water can improve blood flow and relax your hands. This method is actually also recommended to treat tingling associated with certain diseases, such as Raynaud's syndrome and carpal tunnel
Step 4. See a doctor immediately if you experience repeated or asymmetrical tingling
Occasional tingling is certainly not strange. However, if the tingling occurs repeatedly, is difficult to go away, or only occurs on one side of the body, you are most likely experiencing a neurological disorder that should be wary of.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder that is most often associated with tingling in the hands and arms. In addition, other conditions that may, but not often, trigger tingling are fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and spinal disorders.
- See your doctor right away if the tingling occurs after an injury, or if the tingling is accompanied by decreased energy levels, headache, confusion, or dizziness.
Method 2 of 3: Improve Nervous Condition
Step 1. Explain the affected part of the hand to the doctor
In fact, different neurological disorders will also affect different areas. To give an accurate diagnosis, doctors need to perform various types of tests. For example, the doctor will examine the condition of your arms and hands, ask you to move your hands and fingers, and perform x-rays if necessary.
- Tingling of the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and ring finger (and the palm of the hand under these fingers) indicates carpal tunnel syndrome.
- If your ring and little fingers tingle when you bend your elbow, it's most likely cubital tunnel syndrome.
- Pain or tingling that focuses in the upper hand area can be caused by the radial nerve being compressed.
Step 2. Stretch regularly, especially when you are doing repetitive activities like typing
Every 20 or 30 minutes, position your hands as if in prayer and place them about 15 cm in front of your chest. Still in that position, lift both elbows until the arm muscles feel pulled. Maintain this stretching position for 10 to 20 seconds, then relax your hands again
- Alternatively, bend your right arm in front of your chest with your palm facing outward. After that, pull the fingers of the right hand back using the left hand, until the muscle feels stretched.
- Hold this position for 10 to 20 seconds, then do the same process with your left hand.
Step 3. Soak hands in warm and cold water alternately
Fill one bucket with cold water and the other with warm water. After that, soak your hands and arms in cold water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately switch to warm water for the same duration. Do this process for three rounds.
Try soaking your hands in warm and cold water 3-4 times a day, or whenever your hands feel tingling
Step 4. Wear wrist guards to sleep if you have carpal tunnel syndrome
For people with this syndrome, wearing a powerful protector keeps the hands and arms in a neutral position while sleeping.
Ask your doctor for appropriate protective recommendations
Step 5. Wear elbow protectors to sleep if you have cubital tunnel syndrome
Be careful, bending your elbows risks making the condition worse! Therefore, ask your doctor for recommendations for the right elbow protector to prevent unwanted things from happening.
If you want, you can also bandage the joint with a towel, then seal the sides of the towel with thick tape
Step 6. Consult the doctor about the possibility of cortisone injections
If the tingling, numbness, or pain starts to interfere with your daily activities, try taking corticosteroid injections to reduce the intensity. However, understand that the effects you feel are temporary.
- Chances are, the injection site will be painful and swollen for 1-2 days. If necessary, apply a cold compress to the area for 15 minutes every 3 hours.
- Chances are, your doctor will also recommend an oral corticosteroid such as prednisone. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes because corticosteroids will make it difficult for the body to control insulin levels.
Step 7. See a physical therapist for tingling problems associated with neck disorders
Because the nerves in the hands are rooted in the neck area, spinal disorders can also cause tingling in the arms, hands, and fingers. If necessary, ask your doctor for a referral to a trusted physical therapist or chiropractor.
Most likely, a serious neck disorder, such as a bone spur or herniated disc, will require surgery
Step 8. Quit smoking and drinking alcohol, if necessary
Too much smoking and drinking alcohol can block blood flow and worsen the condition of the nerves. If you are a smoker, ask your doctor for recommendations on the best way to quit. If you're drinking more alcohol than you should, try cutting back.
The recommended alcohol intake for men is 1-2 glasses per day. Meanwhile, women should not consume more than a glass of alcohol every day
Method 3 of 3: Managing Basic Problems
Step 1. Talk to your doctor about the need to increase your vitamin B12 intake
Some of the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are tingling in the hands and/or feet, difficulty balancing, difficulty thinking, decreased energy levels, and yellowing of the skin tone. If you feel you experience it, immediately consult the need to make lifestyle changes or take vitamins to your doctor.
- Some natural sources of vitamin B12 are red meat, poultry, marine animals, dairy products, and eggs. Remember, plants do not produce these vitamins. Therefore, you who are vegetarians and vegans have a higher risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Consult your doctor before taking any vitamins or dietary supplements.
Step 2. Control blood sugar levels if you have diabetes
High blood sugar levels and low insulin due to diabetes can trigger diabetic neuropathy, which is a form of nerve damage. If necessary, ask your doctor for help to control your blood sugar levels. Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend oral or topical medications that can be used to treat pain and tingling that occurs.
Step 3. Identify possible Raynaud's syndrome
In people with Raynaud's syndrome, the blood flow to the fingers and toes is very limited. That is why, they often feel tingling, numb, and/or cold. When an attack occurs, their fingers and toes may turn pale or turn blue. If you suspect you have this syndrome, your doctor will most likely do a physical exam, blood tests, and look at the condition of your nails with the aid of a microscope.
- If proven to have Raynaud's syndrome, make every effort to keep your feet and hands warm. For example, exercise regularly to improve the quality of blood flow. However, make sure you always consult the desire to do any exercise to your doctor, yes!
- Chances are, your doctor will prescribe medications to control blood pressure or widen narrowed blood vessels.
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine, which can trigger attacks.
Step 4. See a doctor if you suspect your tingling sensation is related to cancer treatment
In fact, the consumption of chemotherapy drugs can make cancer patients experience numbness in the areas of the hands, feet, and other parts of the body. These side effects are very common, but you should still consult your doctor. Chances are, after that the doctor will prescribe medication to relieve pain, tingling, or numbness.
Some people who experience post-chemotherapy numbness claim to feel more comfortable after doing acupuncture
Tips
- Call emergency services if the tingling is accompanied by decreased energy levels, confusion, dizziness, difficulty speaking, or a severe headache.
- Call your doctor right away if tingling occurs after your injury.
