Common Specific Conditions
1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve at the wrist, often causing numbness in thumb, index, and middle fingers.
2. Ulnar Nerve Entrapment: Affects the ring and little fingers, often related to pressure at the elbow (“funny bone”).
3. Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage often seen in diabetes, causing numbness, tingling, or pain in hands and feet.
What to Do
1. Consult a Doctor: If numbness persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, see a healthcare provider for evaluation.
2. Ergonomic Adjustments: Improve workspace ergonomics if repetitive strain is a factor.
3. Exercises and Stretches: Gentle hand and wrist exercises might help relieve symptoms.
4. Manage Underlying Conditions: Controlling conditions like diabetes can help manage neuropathy symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Attention
– Numbness is severe or progressive.
– Weakness accompanies numbness.
– Symptoms affect daily activities.
– There’s a history of injury or trauma.
