Do Your Hands Feel Numb or Tingly? Here’s What Your Body Might Be Telling You

That strange “pins and needles” sensation in your hands isn’t always harmless — sometimes it’s your body’s way of warning you that something’s wrong.

Numbness or tingling in the hands can happen for many reasons — from something as simple as pressure on a nerve, to more serious underlying health conditions.

Here are common causes you shouldn’t ignore:

1. 

Poor Circulation

When blood flow is restricted (like sleeping on your arm), it can cause temporary tingling. But if it happens often, it could signal a vascular issue.

2. 

Pinched Nerve

Compression of nerves in the neck, shoulder, or arm (from herniated discs or poor posture) can lead to numbness or tingling that radiates down the arm.

3. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This happens when the median nerve is compressed in the wrist. It’s common in people who type a lot or use their hands repetitively. Symptoms often include:

• Tingling in the thumb, index, or middle finger
• Weak grip strength
• Numbness that worsens at night

4. 

Diabetes (Peripheral Neuropathy)

Chronically high blood sugar can damage nerves over time, leading to tingling, burning, or numbness — often starting in the hands and feet.

5. 

Vitamin Deficiencies

Lack of B vitamins, especially B12, can affect nerve health. A deficiency may cause numbness, fatigue, and balance issues.

6. 

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Tingling in the hands can be an early sign of MS — an autoimmune condition that affects the nervous system.

7. 

Cervical Spondylosis or Degenerative Disc Disease

Wear-and-tear in the spine can compress nerves leading to persistent numbness or tingling in the upper limbs.

8. 

Stroke or TIA (Mini-Stroke)

Sudden numbness, especially if it affects one side of the body, combined with slurred speech or weakness, needs emergency care.

9. 

Alcoholism

Chronic alcohol use can lead to alcohol-related neuropathy, causing numbness in hands and feet due to nerve damage.

10. 

Autoimmune Disorders

Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation that affects nerves.

When to See a Doctor:

If tingling is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by weakness, pain, or other neurological symptoms, don’t ignore it. Your nervous system could be trying to warn you.

Don’t wait until it becomes a bigger problem.

Listen to your body — and protect your hands, your nerves, and your health.