What do numb fingertips mean

MS is a disease affecting the brain and spinal cord, which together comprise the central nervous system. Symptoms can include numbness and weakness of the limbs, which typically affects one side of the body at a time — often beginning with numbness or tingling in the fingers. An area where the T-cells attack is called a scar, or sclerosis, and the body usually replenishes the area with new myelin.

Researchers are studying why some people with MS are able to recover fully but others do not. Whereas the brain and spinal cord together form the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system comprises the rest of the nerves throughout the body — and peripheral neuropathy happens when there is damage to the peripheral nerves.

This can cause tingling in the fingers, arms, legs, and feet. In this condition, a person might experience a gradual onset of numbness.

There can also be sharp, jabbing, throbbing, freezing, and burning pain, sensitivity to touch, and muscle weakness. This disorder is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain with fatigue, memory, mood, and sleep issues. It can cause numbness or tingling in the fingers and in other areas. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Numbness. Merck Manual Professional Version.

Accessed April 16, Stroke: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Signs and symptoms of adult brain and spinal cord tumors.

American Cancer Society. De Keyser F. Ganglion cysts of the wrist and hand. Accessed April 20, Raynaud's disease. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Neuropathy nerve damage. American Diabetes Association. Stabler SP. Vitamin B12 deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine. Cervical spondylosis arthritis of the neck. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Accessed Feb. Ganglion cyst of the wrist.

Kevin Chung, chief of hand surgery at the University of Michigan. It gives sensation to the palm side of your thumb, index, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. It also moves some of your hand muscles. Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually caused by a combination of factors that shrink this space. The heavy, repetitive work of certain jobs can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Injury to the wrist can also cause swelling that compresses the median nerve. People who have rheumatoid arthritis or an underactive thyroid gland are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause can also contribute. To treat the issue, doctors will first try splinting the wrist. This limits movement and helps reduce pressure on the nerve.

Sometimes splints are only worn at night. During the day, experts recommend taking breaks from tasks that put stress on your hands. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage the discomfort. For more tips that may help relieve carpal tunnel symptoms, see the Wise Choices box.