Are you dealing with numbness in the fingers of your hands? If so, this could be a sign of a couple of problems. Two of the most common problems related to finger numbness are carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injury. Both of these problems can cause this as well as other symptoms. So, here’s a closer look at both problems and a bit about them that will help you figure out which problem you may be dealing with.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a serious problem that can cause your fingers to lose feeling. The carpal tunnel passes through the wrist on the same side as the palm of your hand, and it serves to protect tendons and the median nerve. If excessive pressure is placed on the median nerve, various physical problems such as numbness can result.
-Possible Other Symptoms - Although numbness of the fingers is one symptom of carpal tunnel, you’ll find that there are many other symptoms as well. Often tingling occurs in the hand and fingers as well. Pain can be a symptom, and often occurs in the wrist, the fingers, and up into the arm. Weakness is another symptom that often comes along with carpal tunnel and it can even lead to problems dropping objects.
The Risks: There are several different risk factors that could make you more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Certain occupations are more likely to cause the syndrome. These occupations include any that involve using the wrist in motions that are repetitive. These occupations include working with computers, assembly line workers, and typists. These occupations can put you at a higher risk for developing the syndrome. There are even physical reasons for developing the syndrome, such as pregnancy, hypothyriodism, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Repetitive Stress Injury: Another problem which may lead to numbness of the fingers is repetitive stress injury. Such injuries essentially are those which may occur if you perform particular motions time and time again. In this situation, it includes repetitively using the hands and the wrists. Some injuries which may be included are bursitis, tendonitis, epicondylitis, tenosynovitis, and trigger finger.
-Causes - Stress injuries, what is it that causes these types of injuries to occur? Well, this type of injury can be brought on because of repetitions motions. Also, because of doing wrists motions which are unnatural. This can also be because of weakening of the muscles, over exerting, and having the wrong posture can be repetitive stress injuries.
-Signs and Symptoms - Numbness of the fingers is only one of the symptoms that occurs with repetitive stress injuries. Pain in the fingers and hands can be a symptom and tingling can also come along with this problem. Other symptoms include loss of strength, limited flexibility, redness, and even swelling.
Both of these problems, carpal tunnel and repetitive stress injury, can lead to numbness in your fingers. You may need to see your doctor so he can decide which problem you are dealing with and to prescribe the proper treatment.
Often improper ergonomic setup can be the culprit, with simple and inexpensive or even free solutions. Take a look at ergonomic resources for more tips!
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