Jump to content

  • Set Your Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
Set Your LocationSet Your Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Ask an Expert
  • Causes of Tingling and Numb Fingers
Content

Ask An Expert

Causes of Tingling and Numb Fingers

Suzanne E. Pertsch

Suzanne E. Pertsch, M.D.

Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

Palo Alto Medical Foundation

Question:

Is it normal to have tingling and numbness in the fingers sometimes? What causes this? Could it be from a pinched nerve?

Answer:

It is very normal to have tingling in the hands or fingers on occasion. Most of us know exactly what you are referring to since we have experienced it for ourselves.

Tingling fingers can be caused by a nerve that is pinched. Pinching a nerve can interrupt the normal nerve function and create "pins and needles" sensation along the nerve's path. The pinching can occur anywhere along the nerve track, for instance in the neck with a bulging disc, or in the wrist when swelling occurs in the bone canals. Tingling in the hands is especially common at night when we sleep and maintain a funny position for long periods of time.

There are other causes of tingling to consider:
  • Hyperventilation, or rapid breathing, which can cause tingling in the fingers and around the mouth by lowering the level of carbon dioxide in the blood stream. This is usually associated with an anxious or panicky feeling.
  • Vitamin B-12 is essential to normal nerve function, so low levels of this can cause tingling.
  • Diabetes can cause neuropathy where the extremities can tingle or hurt. The nerve disturbance can even occur occasionally before the blood sugar is significantly elevated.
  • Medication - there are a few medications that can cause tingling or even neuropathy and nerve damage, so check with your doctor if you are taking medication.
  • Heavy metals, which are often found in small amounts in the blood stream, can cause nerve symptoms if they build up to harmful levels.
  • Alcohol in excess over long periods of time damages the nerves and may cause permanent loss of feeling.
  • Thyroid hormone abnormalities can cause extra fluid to accumulate in the tissues and joints. This can put pressure on the nerves and cause tingling.
Several other less common causes of tingling exist, so if the symptoms are persistent or worsening, please check with your doctor. In some instances, permanent loss of nerve function can occur, so this is an important symptom to have evaluated.

Related Questions

Question
  • Thyroid Disease and Heart Disease Correlation
    Thyroid disease and heart disease have a high correlation. Why don't heart patients routinely get an endocrine work up?
  • Toenail Fungus Treatment
    I have a yellow discoloration on most of my toenails. I've tried a few over-the-counter creams, but they did not work. Any suggestions? What is your opinion of laser treatments for this problem?
  • Ingrown Toenail Treatment
    I have an ingrown toenail that I want to treat at home. How do I do it?
  • Painful Pops and Cracks in Knees
    My knee pops out consistently when I work out. I'm 19 years old, at a healthy weight, and have an active lifestyle. I have quit working out several times due to painful cracks and pops. Is there anything that I can do to prevent this from happening?
  • Severe Achilles Tendinitis and Exercise
    I have severe Achilles tendinitis and can't even go on long walks for exercise. What workouts would you recommend while I recover? It's been weeks since I've broken a good sweat.

Back to Bones, Joints and Muscles

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

  • Contact Us
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Request Medical Records
  • Make a Gift
Sign in to My Health Online

Billing and Insurance

  • Pay a Bill
  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Estimate Costs
  • Medicare Advantage

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Community Benefit
  • Annual Report
  • News

Our Team

  • For Employees
  • For Medical Professionals
  • For Vendors
  • For Volunteers

Careers

  • Jobs at Sutter
  • Physician Jobs
  • Graduate Medical Education

Copyright © 2023 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

  • ADA Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • LinkedIn Opens new window
  • YouTube Opens new window
  • Facebook Opens new window
  • Twitter Opens new window
  • Instagram Opens new window
  • Glassdoor Opens new window

Cookie Policy

We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences