From time to time, you may experience numbness in the fingers. Provided that there is no medical condition behind it, this is a perfectly normal occurrence. Sometimes it can be due to holding a certain position for a long time, and other times it can be brought about by exposure to low temperatures. Using the hands over and over again, which is something that can lead to repetitive stress injury, can also bring about the phenomenon.
Numbness in the fingers may also be sometimes due to a much deeper problem such as nutritional deficiencies, anxiety, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud’s syndrome, herpes zoster — the list can go on and on. Seeing a doctor is important if numbness in the fingers doesn’t seem to want to go away. Especially if it’s accompanied by the likes of weakness, involuntary movements of the hands, vision changes, slurred speech and loss of bowel or urinary bladder control, immediate medical assistance should be sought.
Since there are many different reasons behind numbness in the fingers, there are also a number of treatments available for it. Only a doctor can identify the underlying medical condition as well as provide the right kind of solution for it. Then there are also a few natural remedies that may be done to alleviate numbness in the fingers. Do take note that these are meant as mere additions to the treatments a doctor deems appropriate for the problem.
Have the Hand Massaged
Getting the affected hand massaged can help improve circulation. You see, sometimes it’s a momentary disruption in the flow of blood to the fingers that can cause numbness. Consider adding a few drop of eucalyptus, coriander, ginger, rosemary or cypress essential oil to your favorite massage oil as they are known to help boost circulation.
Do a Warm Water Soak
Immersing the hand in a bowl of warm water can also help alleviate numbness in the fingers. Some people prefer applying hot compress instead. In some cases, a cold compress can work wonders, but it’s something that should be avoided if exposure to low temperatures is the apparent cause of numbness in the fingers.
Perform Relaxation
There are instances in which numbness in the fingers is due to an anxiety attack. It’s a good idea for you to relax if the obvious reason behind your problem is worrying or being nervous. Taking slow deep breaths, doing yoga, listening to soothing music, writing in your journal — these and many others can help you attain relaxation.
Quit Smoking and Drinking
Cigarette smoking can damage the blood vessels and impede circulation. On the other hand, too much alcohol can have damaging effects to the nerves. Because of these reasons, turning your back on smoking and consuming alcohol in moderation can help alleviate numbness in the fingers that you encounter regularly.
Take Foods Rich in Vitamin B12
Making sure that you opt for well-balanced meals can help avoid all sorts of health problems, including numbness in the fingers. See to it that your everyday diet consists of foods with vitamin B12, a nutrient important for healthy nerves. Some wonderful examples are fish, shellfish, red meat, liver, eggs, cheese and foods fortified with it.
Control Blood Sugar Levels
One of the most common causes behind numbness in the fingers is diabetes. That’s because one of the disease’s most common complication is damage to the nerves. Make sure that you keep your blood sugar levels within the normal range. Also, work closely with your doctor in the management of your diabetes.
Rely on Certain Herbs
There are also plenty of herbs on the planet that are known to be beneficial for people who experience numbness in the fingers. Cayenne and turmeric are leading the list because they are very good at promoting blood circulation. Ginkgo biloba, sage and rosemary are also commonly recommended by traditional healers for the problem.
Sources: inlifehealthcare.com
