Numbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or legs. Show There are many possible causes of numbness and tingling, including:
Numbness and tingling can be caused by other medical conditions, including:
Your health care provider should find and treat the cause of your numbness or tingling. Treating the condition may make the symptoms go away or stop them from getting worse. For example, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome or low back pain, your doctor may recommend certain exercises. If you have diabetes, your provider will discuss ways to control your blood sugar level. Low levels of vitamins will be treated with vitamin supplements. Medicines that cause numbness or tingling may need to be switched or changed. DO NOT change or stop taking any of your medicines or take large doses of any vitamins or supplements until you have talked with your provider. Because numbness can cause a decrease in feeling, you may be more likely to accidentally injure a numb hand or foot. Take care to protect the area from cuts, bumps, bruises, burns, or other injuries. If you have chronic numbness of the feet (such as from diabetes), seeing a podiatrist regularly can help prevent complications. Go to a hospital or call your local emergency number (such as 911) if:
Call your provider if:
Your provider will take a medical history and perform a physical examination, carefully checking your nervous system. You will be asked about your symptoms. Questions may include when the problem began, its location, or if there's anything that improves or worsens the symptoms. Your provider may also ask questions to determine your risk for stroke, thyroid disease, or diabetes, as well as questions about your work habits and medicines. Blood tests that may be ordered include:
Imaging tests may include:
Other tests that may be done include:
Sensory loss; Paresthesias; Tingling and numbness; Loss of sensation; Pins and needles sensation McGee S. Examination of the sensory system. In: McGee S, ed. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 62. Snow DC, Bunney BE. Peripheral nerve disorders. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 97. Swartz MH. The nervous system. In: Swartz MH, ed. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 21. Updated by: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Why is my right hand and arm numb and tingling?If your hand or arm gets numb, the cause could range from carpal tunnel syndrome to a pinched nerve. No matter the reason, treatments can give you relief as well as get to the root of the problem. The most common reason for getting a numb hand or arm is sitting or sleeping in the same position for a long time.
When should I be worried about numbness in my right arm?Arm numbness can occur for several reasons that range from mild causes, such as sleeping in the wrong position, to a severe medical condition, such as a heart attack. Sudden numbness in one or both arms may be a sign of a heart attack, stroke, or nerve damage, especially if a person has other symptoms.
How do I stop my right arm from tingling?Rest or activity modification. Sometimes the tingling in the arm will go away after a period of rest that includes limited activities such as a sports, lifting heavy objects or sitting and standing in proper positions. Physical therapy.
What does tingling sensation in right hand mean?Many different conditions can cause numbness in the right hand, ranging from nerve problems to nutritional deficiencies. Some are serious while others are not a cause for concern. Some of the most common reasons for numbness in the right hand are carpal tunnel syndrome, medication side effects, and acute trauma.
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