What to do for numb fingers?

Numb fingers can be a real pain in the…well, fingers. We’ve all been there – sitting at our desk typing away, or maybe scrolling through social media (don’t worry, we won’t judge), and suddenly you realize that your fingers feel like they’ve transformed into blocks of ice.

Not cool.

But fear not! There are plenty of ways to both prevent numbness from happening in the first place and remedies for when it does.

So let’s get started on finding some relief!

Understanding Numb Fingers

Before we dive into different treatments, let’s first talk about why this pesky sensation happens in the first place.

There could be numerous reasons behind those “pins-and-needles” feelings ranging from poor posture and injury to underlying medical conditions or even unresolved emotional trauma (yes seriously, but don’t expect us to rehash Dr Phil now). Below are a few common causes:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure or damage to one of the nerves in your wrist. This is often triggered by repetitive tasks which strain hand movements such as typing.

While numbness may only affect parts of your hand closest to an injured nerve initially, if left untreated this can lead eventually lead to more widespread numbness such as across multiple digits.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The thoracic outlet is essentially a narrow space just under your clavicle where several nerves and blood vessels pass through en route towards the arm resulting potentially compression around these regions leading towards loss of sensation / numbing.

This condition requires immediate medical attention since failure could cause irreversible muscular degeneration overtime perhaps impeding functionality i.e., grabbing items with certainty , coordinated movement & more !

Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Obscure idea? Fear not – It PREDOMINANTLY affects women about 80% of the time.

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition that affects circulation in your fingers resulting in colossal pain and numbness.

As per WebMD, it is often found to be associated with autoimmune disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, sustained contact with cold surfaces or weather can also evoke symptoms.

Home Remedies

If you’re looking for some quick relief from this nerve-wrecking sensation quite literally & nothing too fancy , there are techniques on offer below that could do the trick:

Stretch those muscles !

If you spend prolonged hours engaged in activities- perhaps typing at work – every 20 minutes or so carry out some finger exercises and stretches – Loosening up muscles will promote good circulation within which reduces any likelihood of constrictions!

A few suggestions:
– Make fists followed by windmilling arms back-and-forth
– Encircling chest or hunch around & stretching with hands circumventing towards sides simultaneously!
– Typing Tip: Ensure wrists aren’t resting against hard objects leading to further constriction (huge guilty party 😀 ).

Change up Your Workstation

Again another simple fix-effectively modifying surrounding environment where one spends maximum part(assuming its work)– The position should optimize complete alignment(without causing strain) i.e., adjust chair height/table levels when working leading to increase oxygenated blood flow through neural junctions thus preventing cramps-typically seen near elbow region onwards.
A well designed charging dock comes handy here keeping mobiles elevated above table line dropping off additional screen time burden whilst minimizing chances of numb digits! Different platforms (Windows /Mac ) provides Accessibly settings preferences catering exact modifications offline.

Ohh And while we are talking about height ? A standing desk may also help improve posture hence prevent undue muscular tension oftentimes leading towards fingertips numbing .

Heat Therapy

Heating pads can assist dilating blood vessels thereby increasing circulation to affected areas hence reduces any accumulated threshold pressure over the long term. Also effective – Yoga/meditation facilitating relaxation and reducing stress & anxiety levels.

While its tempting covering hands with warm coats they May limit mobility contributing further towards inconvenient dexterity challenges- An electric blanket or heating pad positioned below your keyboard may be worth trying out!

Vitamin Supplements

Finally, We’re all about holistic health solutions here! Taking supplements like vitamin B6 enables healthy nerve function thus highly recommended.
However, please do check in with a health professional before adding any new vitamin routines.

Medical Treatment

If Home Remedies are not providing relief within a stipulated period (or expereincing frequent repeated issues) perhaps medical intervention is necessary:

Medications:

Oral medications prescribed by doctors can include ibuprofen / naproxen relieving pain relating this condition – also when aggravated due conditions such as arthritis or carpel tunnels syndromes notes aforementioned earlier section if ignored could lead to increased severity.

Surgical Options :

Advanced treatments may require Surgery for severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome where common method involves releasing compressed nerves at wrist level , whilst Thoracic outlet Syndrome treatment initially entails physical therapy and post that it involves bypass surgical procedures concluded using angiograms imaging for precision during operation ; naturally discussed between yourself and healthcare providers handling case inclusive of multiple diagnostics tests prior to making informed decisions.

Bottom Line: Take care of Yourself !

In conclusion : Regular stretching exercises , Adapting suitable positions whilst you work/play somewhat religiously ensuring enough space coupled with joint support/exercise can exacerbate sharp numbness symptoms ultimately leading towards healthier neural functioning!
Also Pay heed everyday busy schedule don’t let stress factors bring numbers down under!

Seek immediate medical attention if discomfort persists urging implement serious remedial measures lest cause permanent damage while carrying out day-to-day activities affecting quality lifestyle evolution., remains ensure constantly prioritizing Self-Care routine daily!

Remember, our bodies are one in a million – so let’s take care of them like the unique, precious things they are.