You wake up in the middle of the night with tingling in your fingers. Or maybe you're at your desk and suddenly your hand feels like it's "asleep." Finger numbness can range from a minor annoyance to a sign that something needs attention. But what's actually causing it?

Finger numbness can stem from many different causes; some are treatable at home, others require professional evaluation.

Once you understand what's behind your numb fingers, you can take the right steps toward relief. This guide covers the most common causes of numb fingers and what you can do about it.

What Causes Numbness in Fingers?

So why are your fingers numb? There are several reasons, ranging from lifestyle factors to underlying nerve conditions. Understanding what's actually going on is the first step.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: This is the most common nerve compression disorder of the hand. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm through your wrist into your hand, becomes squeezed at the wrist. It causes numbness, tingling, and pain that often starts at night. Repetitive hand motions, obesity, diabetes, pregnancy, and hypothyroidism can all contribute to carpal tunnel.
• Peripheral neuropathy: This is damage to peripheral nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It affects 1-7% of the general population, with higher rates in adults over 50. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and weakness, often in a "stocking and glove" pattern starting in the hands and feet.
• Cervical radiculopathy: This occurs when nerves in the neck are compressed or irritated, causing numbness and tingling that radiates down into your arms and hands. Cervical radiculopathy can result from herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal degeneration.
• Diabetes-related nerve damage: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves throughout your body, a condition called diabetic neuropathy. This often affects the hands and feet first, causing numbness and tingling.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency: Your body needs B12 for proper nerve function. Without enough of it, you can develop peripheral neuropathy symptoms, including numbness and tingling in your fingers. This is often reversible once B12 levels are corrected through supplementation or dietary changes.
• Repetitive strain injury: Jobs or activities involving repetitive hand and wrist motions, like assembly line work, typing, or playing musical instruments, can compress nerves. Beyond carpal tunnel, conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome (affecting the ulnar nerve at the elbow) can cause finger numbness.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can contribute to nerve compression issues and increase inflammation, potentially triggering or worsening carpal tunnel syndrome or other compression neuropathies.
• Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Guillain-Barré syndrome can damage peripheral nerves, causing numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers.
• Medications: Certain medications, including some chemotherapy drugs, antiretrovirals for HIV, and other prescription drugs, can cause peripheral neuropathy as a side effect.
• Trauma or injury: Accidents, falls, or direct injuries to your hand, wrist, or neck can compress or damage nerves, leading to numbness.
• Poor posture or sleeping position: Sometimes, numbness is caused by sleeping on your arm the wrong way or spending hours in a position that compresses a nerve. This usually goes away once you change position.

When Should You See a Neurologist for Numbness in Fingers?

Not all finger numbness requires professional evaluation. Sometimes it's just a temporary nerve compression from sleeping position or posture. But certain situations warrant a neurologist's expertise.

So, when should you worry about numb fingers? Schedule an appointment with a neurologist if:

• Your finger numbness is persistent and not improving after a few days
• Numbness is spreading or getting worse over time
• You have numbness in both hands or affecting multiple fingers
• Numbness is accompanied by weakness, loss of coordination, or difficulty with fine motor tasks like buttoning shirts
• You've experienced recent trauma or injury to your hand, wrist, or neck
• You have diabetes and develop new numbness or tingling in your hands
• Your symptoms are affecting your work or daily activities
• You have numbness along with other symptoms like facial numbness, difficulty speaking, or balance problems
• Over-the-counter treatments and rest haven't helped after several weeks

At Summit Health, our neurologists specialize in diagnosing and treating nerve disorders. We can help identify what's causing your finger numbness and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition. 

Learn more about Summit Health's neurology services to find a specialist near you.

What You Can Try at Home for Numbness in Fingers

While you're scheduling an appointment, here's what you can try at home to manage numb fingers in the meantime:

• Rest and wear a wrist splint at night: Reduce repetitive activities and keep your wrist neutral to reduce pressure on the median nerve.
• Apply ice or heat: Try ice for 15 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation, or heat if muscle tension is the issue.
• Take anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen may help reduce inflammation around compressed nerves.
• Adjust your workspace: If numbness is related to typing or computer work, check your ergonomics. Your wrists should be neutral, not bent.
• Manage underlying conditions: If you have diabetes, keeping blood sugar under control can help slow nerve damage. Proper thyroid management also helps.
• Stay active: Gentle exercise and stretching can maintain nerve health and reduce symptoms.

Get Answers About Numb Fingers: When to Reach Out to a Neurologist

Finger numbness might seem minor, but it's your body's way of telling you something isn't right. Most causes are manageable once properly identified. Whether your numbness is from carpal tunnel, peripheral neuropathy, cervical radiculopathy, or another nerve condition, the right diagnosis leads to effective treatment.

If numbness in your fingers is affecting your quality of life or hasn't improved with home care, don't wait. Summit Health's neurology specialists can determine what's causing your symptoms and recommend the best path forward, whether that's conservative treatment, medication, physical therapy, or, in some cases, surgery.

Contact your nearest Summit Health practice to get started to schedule a consultation with a neurologist. We understand how frustrating persistent numbness can be, and our team is ready to help you find relief and get back to normal hand function.