Fingers fall asleep: 3 causes, symptoms and treatment options

Introduction - Fingers fall asleep

The phenomenon of fingers falling asleep is familiar to many people and can occur both temporarily and chronically. It can have various causes, including carpal tunnel syndrome, circulatory disorders or nerve compression. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the causes, symptoms and treatment options for finger numbness.

What does it mean when your fingers fall asleep?

Finger numbness, also known as paresthesia, is a condition in which there is tingling, numbness or a decrease in sensation in the fingers. This sensation can be temporary or last for an extended period of time. There can be several factors that cause the fingers to fall asleep, including

- Compression or irritation of the median nerve in the wrist
- Circulatory problems that affect blood flow to the fingers
- Nerve compression elsewhere in the arm or hand.

Carpal tunnel syndrome as a common cause

One of the most common causes of fingers falling asleep is carpal tunnel syndrome. This syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed or irritated. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist through which the median nerve runs. If this tunnel is constricted, symptoms such as tingling, numbness or pain in the fingers can occur.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can worsen over time and include

- Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Pain or a burning sensation in the wrist or affected fingers
- Weakness in the hand that makes gripping difficult

Diagnosis and treatment

Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually diagnosed by a physical examination and specific tests such as the Tinel test and the Phalen test. In some cases, a nerve conduction velocity measurement may be required to check the functioning of the median nerve.

Treatment options for falling asleep fingers

Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. Treatment options include:

- curpal to stabilize the wrist and reduce pressure on the median nerve
- Medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain
- Physiotherapy exercises to strengthen the hand muscles and improve mobility
- In severe cases, surgery may be considered to relieve pressure on the median nerve

Summary

Finger numbness can be an annoying symptom that can have various causes, including carpal tunnel syndrome. It is important to identify the underlying cause and take appropriate action to relieve symptoms and prevent long-term damage.

As an alternative treatment method, curpal can treat the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome without surgery.

Further references:

Carpal tunnel syndrome.org