Numbness in Fingers and Toes

Numbness is an abnormal condition when a person experiences lack of sensation in a specific part of the body. In most of the cases, numbness is accompanied with tingling sensation which is a common symptom of several health conditions.

In minor cases, this condition occurs if excess pressure is exerted on a particular part of the body for a long period. However, if you experience this condition frequently, you should not ignore it, as it can be a symptom of a severe disorder. Let us take a look at the potential causes in detail.

There are several possible reasons for numbness in hands and feet. The following are some of the common ones.

An injury to the shoulder bone, arm and elbow joints can lead to numbness in fingers; while injury to the knee, leg bone, etc., leads to numbness in toes. Bone fracture is also one of the major causes of toe and finger numbness.

Herniated disc, also known as ruptured disc or slipped disc, is a significant condition that causes numbness in arms and legs. This condition arises when the disc placed in between 2 consecutive vertebrae gets injured or ruptured. Pain in the area where the disc is ruptured, numbness in arms, shoulders, fingers or toes, etc. are symptoms of herniated disc.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder of the joints, characterized by inflammation and pain in joints. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Rheumatoid arthritis is commonly observed in old people. Pain and numbness in joints of fingers, toes, knee, elbow, shoulders; muscle aches, stiffness, etc. are the prominent symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the nerve tissue of the spinal cord or the brain. The exact cause of this condition is unknown. The symptoms of this condition include tingling and numbness in fingers, paralyzed limbs, blurred vision, weakness, etc. However, one should note that multiple sclerosis is quite a rare condition.

Electrolyte imbalance is one of the major causes of muscle spasms in the body. A sudden imbalance or drop in the level of electrolytes in the body can lead to tingling and numbness in fingers and toes. Secondly, abnormal levels of minerals like potassium, calcium and sodium in the body can also lead to numbness in limbs.

Along with mineral imbalance, disturbance in the normal vitamin level in the body can also cause numbness. Most prominently, deficiency of vitamin B12 and vitamin D, causes numbness in the extremities.

Vitamin deficiency is caused due to having a diet lacking in the necessary vitamins. Pernicious anemia is also one of the common reasons for having lack of sensation in the extremities.

Apart from the mentioned ones, diseases like cervical spondylosis, disorders of the brachial plexus, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, etc. are some of the other significant causes of numbness in the extremities.

If you observe numbness and tingling sensation, which is accompanied with other symptoms, it is better to consult the doctor immediately. All the mentioned causes of finger and toe numbness can be effectively treated with the help of medications or physical therapy.

In severe cases, hospitalization may even be required. Electrolyte imbalance can be treated by having an electrolytic fluid. Treatment of injuries depend on its cause and severity. Herniated disc is also treated with the help of medications like pain killers and physical therapy. Vitamin deficiency is treated by taking supplements of the deficient vitamin.

Lastly, as a concluding note, as frequent numbness can be a symptom of a severe disorder, it is wise to look for medical attention as early as possible. All the causes of numbness can be treated effectively, only if timely treatment is undertaken. This is to be used only as a source of information; and should not be substituted for proper medical advice.