Butterflies in your stomach can be a great feeling. But pins-and-needles in your wrists? Not so much.
Here’s why your wrists might feel numb, tingly, or just plain painful. We also have some top tips to get your joints and tendons feeling fresh again.
Specific symptoms
There are tons of reasons why you might have numbness in your wrists, hands, or fingers. Here’s what might be to blame based on your specific symptoms.
Numbness in hand or fingers
A loss of sensation in your hands or fingers might be due to:
- diabetes
- golfer’s elbow
- vitamin B12 deficiency
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- tennis elbow (aka lateral epicondylitis)
- side effects from certain blood pressure meds (like hydralazine and amiodarone)
Could it be a heart attack?
Pain in one or both arms is a common symptom of a heart attack, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. But one 2013 study said it’s more common in your left arm than your right.
Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency services ASAP if you also experience:
- nausea
- dizziness
- chest pain
- a cold sweat
- shortness of breath
- heavy abdominal pressure
Numbness in hands or fingers while sleeping
This might be a simple case of sleeping in a funky position that puts pressure on your hands. But it could also be due to:
- alcohol misuse
- diabetes mellitus
- vitamin B12 deficiency
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- thoracic outlet syndrome
- cervical (neck) spondylosis
- peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
Numbness in fingers
Fingers feeling funky? There’s a chance you’re just chilly 🥶. But it could also be because of:
- fibromyalgia
- a pinched nerve
- multiple sclerosis
- vitamin B12 deficiency
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- a side effect of chemotherapy
- peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes or high blood pressure
Tingling in wrist and forearm (or really anywhere along your arm)
That sudden rush of pins-and-needles is the worst. It’s prob not a big deal, but in more serious cases it can be a symptom of:
- a herniated disk
- hemiplegic migraine
- peripheral neuropathy
- thoracic outlet syndrome
- improper circulation caused by conditions like atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, diabetes, or blood blots
Why is my wrist numb?
A numb wrist can be brought on by beaucoup different conditions. Here’s a deep dive into the most common culprits.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
You might have heard about this condition in fourth grade computer class. But it can actually be a serious thing.
Carpal tunnel can happen if your wrist swells and compresses your median nerve. This can cause pain, tingling, or numbness in your fingers, palms, or wrists.
Overuse is a leading cause of carpal tunnel. Other factors can include:
- diabetes
- wrist fractures
- thyroid conditions
- high blood pressure
- rheumatoid arthritis
- an overactive pituitary gland
How to prevent and treat carpal tunnel
Here are some top-notch ways to reduce your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Use an ergonomic keyboard and mouse.
- Take frequent breaks from typing or using your phone.
- Wear fingerless gloves to keep your hands and wrists warm. (Plus they’re fancy AF.)
- Do strengthening exercises and stretches for your hands and wrists on the reg.
Is carpal tunnel already doing you dirty? You’re still in luck.
Lots of folks find relief with anti-inflammatory meds like corticosteroids or NSAIDs. Your doc might also suggest you give your wrist some R&R until you 10/10 heal.
Arthritis
Arthritis isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of vibe. There are over 100 types of this condition. But three stand-outs include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, and osteoarthritis.
Here are the deets on each.
Rheumatoid arthritis
RA happens when your immune system attacks your synovium, which is the membrane that lines your joints. The chronic inflammation can wear down your bone and cartilage. Your joints may become misaligned over time.
How to treat rheumatoid arthritis
As of now, there’s no cure for RA. But there are some great ways to treat your symptoms. This includes:
- steroids
- anti-inflammatory medications
- surgery to repair damaged joins
- disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Gout
Gout happens when too much uric acid crystallizes and deposits in your joints. This can lead to redness or discoloration, swelling, and pain in the affected areas. It’s most common in your feet but can also affect your hands and wrists.
How to treat gout
Your doc might recommend lifestyle adjustments like a nutritious diet and drinking less booze. They may also give you anti-inflammatories and medications that help reduce uric acid.
Osteoarthritis
This is the most common form of arthritis in older adults. It happens when your protective cartilage wears down over time. It can cause your bones to rub against each other, which can be hella painful.
How to treat osteoarthritis
Your doc might suggest physical therapy or an over-the-counter (OTC) medication like acetaminophen or NSAIDs to help manage your symptoms. Hot and cold therapy can also help stave off stiffness and discomfort.
Wrist tendonitis
Wrist tendonitis (aka tenosynovitis) is a condition that affects one or more of the tendons in your wrist. You might notice an uncomfortable sensation and swelling that starts in your wrist and spreads towards your hands or forearms.
It usually stems from overuse or an injury to a tendon. But it may also be caused by:
- arthritis
- diabetes
- infection
- thyroid dysfunction
How to treat wrist tendonitis
Tendonitis treatment depends on the cause. Your doc might suggest:
- getting gentle soft tissue massages
- elevating and resting the injured area
- using a splint or brace to give your tendon time to rest
- taking an OTC medication to reduce pain and swelling
- limiting your activity to reduce your risk of making it worse
FYI: These remedies might not do the trick if your tendon is completely or partially torn. You might need surgery or physical therapy for more serious injuries.
tl;dr
A numb wrist usually isn’t a big deal. But in more serious causes, it could be a symptom of an underlying condition.
Call your doc if your wrist doesn’t bounce back in a few days. They can give you some medications or a splint to get things back on track. In the meantime, anti-inflammatory medications and cold compresses can reduce swelling and discomfort.
P.S. Sudden pain in one of your arms could be a symptom of a heart attack. Call 9-1-1 pronto if you have other heart attack symptoms such as a cold sweat, shortness of breath, feeling faint, pressure in your abdomen, or pain in your chest.
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