Have you ever woken up your hand to find “sleep”? Is this strange tingling, pin-and-sui sensation or even a shortage of feeling in your hand? While topical numbness can be harmless, recurring or persistent hand numbness may be a sign of something deep.
As an orthopedic doctor located in Malavia Nagar, I often see patients who ignore the numbness of the hand until it begins to affect their daily life. In this blog, I will break the possible causes, what symptoms to see, and when professional is time to seek help.
What is hand numbness?
Hand numbness is a loss of sensation or feeling in the hand or fingers. It can be partial or complete and affect one or both hands. Although it is usually associated with nervous-related issues, numbness can also be caused by poor circulation, repetitive stress or orthopedic conditions.
Hand numbness
- carpal tunnel syndrome
One of the most common causes, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the medium is narrowed the nerve (which moves through the wrist). It can be numbness, tingling, or weakness, especially in thumb, index and middle fingers.
You may experience:
Numbness or tingling that worsens at night
Difficulty gripping or holding objects
Weakness in the hand
- Cervical Spine Issues (Neck Problems)
Nerves that control hand sensation originate in the neck. A herniated disc or cervical spondylosis (arthritis of the neck) can compress these nerves, causing numbness to radiate down the arm into the hand.
Common signs include:
Numbness or tingling in both hands
Neck stiffness or pain
Weakness in arms or shoulders
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
This occurs when blood vessels or nerves are compressed in the space between the collarbone and first rib. It often affects people who do repetitive overhead movements or have poor posture.
Symptoms might involve:
Numbness and tingling in the fingers
Shoulder or neck pain
Weak grip
- Diabetic Neuropathy
High blood sugar over time can damage nerves, often starting in the feet and hands. This is common in people with poorly managed diabetes.
Warning signs:
Numbness or burning in the hands
Gradual worsening over time
Loss of fine motor skills
- Repetitive Strain Injuries
Typing, texting, or repetitive hand movements can strain nerves and tendons over time. This may cause numbness, particularly in people with jobs requiring constant hand use.
You might notice:
Symptoms worsening during or after repetitive activity
Swelling or tenderness in the wrist or hand
Discomfort that improves with rest
- Other Causes Vitamin B12 deficiency
Alcohol-related nerve damage
Autoimmune conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis)
Ganglion cysts or tumors pressing on nerves
When to Worry: Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
Hand numbness might seem like a minor issue, but certain signs mean you should see an orthopedic or neurologic specialist right away:
Numbness that lasts more than a few days
Weakness in the hand or fingers
Dropping things frequently
Numbness accompanied by neck or shoulder pain
Symptoms interfering with sleep or daily activities
Recent injury to the hand, wrist, or neck
Ignoring these signs can lead to long-term nerve damage or muscle weakness that’s much harder to reverse.
How We Diagnose Hand Numbness at Our Clinic in Malviya Nagar
At my clinic, I use a combination of history-taking, physical examination, and advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the cause.
Typical evaluation includes:
Detailed physical exam: Checking sensation, strength, and range of motion
Nerve conduction studies (NCV) or EMG: To assess nerve function
X-rays or MRI: Especially if spinal or structural problems are suspected
Blood tests: To rule out diabetes or vitamin deficiencies
Getting to the root cause is crucial—hand numbness is a symptom, not a diagnosis.
Treatment Options: From Conservative to Surgical
- Lifestyle & Ergonomic Adjustments
Changing your workstation setup
Wrist splints (especially at night)
Posture correction and avoiding prolonged strain
- Medications Anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and swelling
Neuropathic medications like pregabalin or gabapentin
Vitamin supplements (like B12) if deficient
- Physiotherapy
We work closely with physiotherapists to improve nerve mobility, reduce compression, and restore strength. Techniques include:
Nerve gliding exercises
Stretching and strengthening routines
Ultrasound or TENS therapy
- Surgical Procedure
Surgery may be required to relieve nerve pressure when conservative measures are ineffective or in extreme situations, such as advanced carpal tunnel syndrome or cervical compression.
I specialize on minimally invasive procedures at my clinic, which result in:
Reduced incision size
Quicker recuperation
Reduced discomfort following surgery
Prevention Advice: Guard Your Nerves and Hands
Even though you can not avoid every cause of hand numbness, you can lower your risk by:
Taking frequent pauses from manual labor
Maintaining proper posture, particularly when seated at a desk
If necessary, wearing wrist supports
Taking care of underlying illnesses such as diabetes or arthritis
Refraining from smoking, which damages circulation
Why Choose Dr. Ankur Goyal for Hand & Nerve Care in Malviya Nagar?
With years of experience in orthopedic and nerve-related conditions, I approach hand numbness not just as a symptom, but as a sign of deeper issues that deserve attention. At my Malviya Nagar clinic, we combine modern diagnostics, compassionate care, and minimally invasive treatment strategies to get you back to your daily life—without the nagging discomfort.
Whether you’re dealing with a mild annoyance or something more serious, we’re here to help you feel, move, and live better.
Book Your Consultation Today
If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent hand numbness, don’t wait for it to get worse. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference.
📍 Visit Dr. Ankur Goyal – Orthopedic Clinic, Malviya Nagar
