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
  • Book Appointment
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
    • Book Appointment
    • 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
  • Numbness and Tingling in the Hands
Content

Ask An Expert

Numbness and Tingling in the Hands

Arfan Din

Arfan Din, D.O.

Sutter Medical Foundation

Sutter Davis Hospital

Question:

I wake up with my right hand numb. My thumb and middle finger seem the worst. It takes awhile for the numbness to wear off. I work in a grocery store, so I'm always on my feet and on the register. What should I do?

Answer:

Numbness in the hand could be due to a number of factors. Typically we describe this as a "neuropathy" which means the nerve is not working normally. We have nerves that travel throughout our body and when they are not working normally, it is typically due to one of the following: compression of the nerve, irritation of the nerve (from surrounding tissue), or from chemicals in the body that cause the nerve to malfunction (i.e. high blood sugar).

In this case - numbness of the 1st(thumb), 2nd and/ or 3rd digit of the hand is very classic for carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition is due to compression (entrapment) of a nerve that supplies the hand - called the median nerve. In many cases this can be treated with a wrist brace and anti-inflammatory medications. It can also help to modify certain activities at work or home, such as repetitive activities like gripping. In some cases where these steps don't help, an injection of cortisone into the wrist, or surgery of the wrist, can provide relief.

I would suggest seeing your family doctor, who can evaluate the condition and prescribe the best treatment.

Related Questions

Question
  • Recurrence of a Ganglion Cyst
    I had wrist surgery in January for a ganglion cyst on the inside of my wrist. It was painful and affected my quality of life. It was healing well until six weeks ago. The cyst has returned and is causing the same symptoms prior to surgery. What can I do?
  • Swollen Elbow (Olecranon Bursitis)
    My right elbow has been swollen for a few days, and it feels like it's full of fluid. I don't remember injuring it, and I don't really feel any pain. I tried icing it, but the swelling did not go down. What could this be and should I see my doctor?
  • Olecranon Bursitis Symptoms and Treatment
    What is olecranon bursitis and how is it treated?
  • Treatment for Ganglion Cyst
    I have had a lump on my left wrist for over a year. It was bigger at one time and now is small. Sometimes in protrudes through the skin. Should I be worried about this? It doesn't hurt.
  • Hyaluronic Acid Injections
    I have heard about hyaluronic acid injections for knee pain. What are they, and who is a candidate for this therapy?

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
  • Book Appointment
  • Request Medical Records
  • Donate Now
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 and Media

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