Pins And Needles In Hands
Understanding and Managing
Pins and Needles in Your Hands
Pins and needles in the hands is a common symptom experienced by individuals across all age groups. Often described as a tingling sensation, this condition may arise from various factors, ranging from temporary issues to underlying medical conditions. While occasional episodes may not cause concern, chronic or persistent pins and needles can indicate more serious problems requiring prompt medical attention.
The sensation occurs due to the disruption of signals between the peripheral nerves, spinal cord and brain. Peripheral neuropathy, nerve damage, or issues with blood supply to the hands can lead to this uncomfortable symptom. Recognising the root cause is essential for effective treatment and long-term relief.
Common Causes of Pins and Needles
Several factors contribute to the development of pins and needles in the hands, including:
- Nerve Compression: A pinched nerve or trapped nerve in the wrist, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, can cause tingling hands. This condition involves pressure on the median nerve, leading to symptoms in the thumb, index and middle fingers.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Damage to the peripheral nerves, often caused by conditions like diabetic neuropathy or alcoholic neuropathy, disrupt normal nerve function.
- Blood Circulation Issues: Reduced blood supply to the hands, whether from tight clothing, prolonged pressure, or blood vessel disorders, can cause needles pins and tingling.
- Vitamin Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients, particularly B vitamins, can impact nerve health and lead to chronic tingling.
- Neurological Diseases: Conditions like multiple sclerosis or other neurological diseases affect nerve fibres, potentially causing persistent symptoms.
- Sciatic Nerve and Systemic Conditions: Though commonly associated with leg symptoms, irritation of the sciatic nerve or autoimmune diseases can sometimes contribute to sensations in the hands.
Recognising Symptoms Beyond Tingling
While pins and needles are a hallmark sign, other symptoms may accompany the condition, helping to identify the underlying cause. These include:
- Weakness or numbness in the hands or fingers
- Pain or discomfort, especially when moving the affected area
- Reduced dexterity or grip strength
- Skin changes, such as discolouration or sensitivity
Pins and needles in your hands can occur due to nerve compression, poor blood supply, or underlying conditions like peripheral neuropathy.
Diagnosing Pins and Needles in Hands
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining the underlying cause and guiding treatment. At UK Hand and Wrist Surgery, our comprehensive approach includes:
- Detailed Medical History: Understanding the patient’s lifestyle, medical history and any potential exposure to toxic substances.
- Physical Examination: Assessing hand function, strength and sensitivity.
Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds may be used to identify structural abnormalities or trapped nerves. - Nerve Conduction Studies: These tests evaluate the performance of nerve fibres and can pinpoint conditions like peripheral neuropathy or carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Blood Tests: To check for vitamin deficiencies, blood sugar levels, or other systemic conditions.
Treatment Options for Pins and Needles
Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and relieving symptoms. Options include:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Lifestyle Modifications: Addressing habits that may contribute to symptoms, such as adjusting work ergonomics or avoiding repetitive motions.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the hand and improve blood circulation can alleviate symptoms and support recovery.
- Nutritional Support: Treating vitamin deficiencies with dietary changes or supplements to restore nerve health.
- Medications: Depending on the cause, medications to manage pain, inflammation, or systemic conditions may be recommended.
Surgical Treatments
In cases where non-surgical approaches are ineffective, surgical intervention may be required:
- Carpal Tunnel Release: A procedure to relieve pressure on the median nerve for patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Neurolysis: For cases involving significant nerve damage or trapped nerves, with scarring.
- Nerve repair or reconstruction: For critically damaged nerves with discontinuity of axons and severe scarring
Experiencing frequent pins and needles in your hands may indicate issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome or vitamin deficiencies.
Recovery and Aftercare
A structured recovery plan is essential for regaining hand function and preventing recurrence. Key aspects include:
- Regular Exercises: Guided physical therapy can restore strength and mobility.
- Avoiding Strain: Modifications to daily activities help minimise stress on the hands.
- Follow-Up Care: Monitoring progress ensures effective recovery and identifies any additional concerns early.
Why Choose UK Hand and Wrist Surgery?
At UK Hand and Wrist Surgery, we prioritise personalised care and effective solutions for hand conditions, including pins and needles. Led by Specialist Hand Surgeon Mr Patrick Goon, our team combines advanced diagnostic tools and tailored treatments to help patients regain comfort and functionality.
If you’re experiencing chronic pins and needles in your hands, seek medical advice to explore effective treatment options. With expertise in both non-invasive and surgical solutions, we are committed to supporting you on your journey to recovery.
Meet Mr Patrick Goon
Mr Goon, a highly trained Specialist Hand Surgeon, leads our clinic with expertise and a commitment to excellence in care. His experience spans a range of simple to complex procedures, from carpal tunnel release to wrist fusion and tendon repair. His focus on minimally invasive techniques supports optimal recovery and reduces post-operative discomfort, ensuring patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
Find out more
Book an Appointment with Mr Goon
If you are suffering from a hand or wrist problem, please use the online form to contact us and arrange an appointment with Mr Goon. Alternatively, you can call us on 01707 443 444 or email us at Enquiries@hertfordshirehandsurgery.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes pins and needles in the hands?
Pins and needles often occur when pressure is applied to nerves, disrupting signals between the peripheral nerves, brain and spinal cord. This can happen temporarily due to poor posture or more chronically from conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathy.
Can vitamin deficiencies lead to tingling sensations in the hands?
Yes, vitamin deficiencies, particularly in B vitamins, can impact nerve health and result in tingling sensations. Proper nutrition supports nerve function, which is essential for avoiding chronic pins and needles.
How does peripheral neuropathy affect the hands?
Peripheral neuropathy damages the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms like tingling hands, numbness and pain. Common causes include diabetic neuropathy, alcohol misuse and exposure to toxic substances.
When should I seek medical advice for pins and needles?
You should seek medical advice if the sensation becomes chronic, is accompanied by weakness or other symptoms like numbness, or if it may be linked to conditions such as multiple sclerosis or a pinched nerve.
Can issues with blood supply cause tingling in the hands?
Yes, reduced blood flow, due to factors like prolonged pressure or blood vessel disorders, can result in pins and needles. Proper circulation is vital to delivering oxygen and nutrients to nerve fibres in the hands.
What Our Patients Say
Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital
5th July 2024
I managed to dislocate one knuckle and badly break another knuckle in the same finger into multiple pieces, an injury which every Healthcare Professional that saw the X-ray told me was not only severe damage but also a particularly rare injury. Mr Goon and his team screwed the knuckle back together, which was particularly fiddly given the multiple small pieces.
After the operation I was given a number of exercises which were progressively added to over a series of regular appointments, both with Mr Goon and multiple Hand Therapists, to check and monitor my progress. I followed their instructions as closely as I could, both in frequency of exercising and how far to push the injury (I did want to actually recover fully after all, so why would I have not listened to the experts!), even though this was sometimes inconvenient or sore.
I’m delighted to say that I now have full use and movement of the finger and a scar which is unnoticeable unless you look very closely for it. Mr Goon and his team are all a credit to the NHS, not only due to their expertise, but all kept a very friendly and positive attitude at all times not just about the potential recovery but also with their general demeanor, were always supportive and happy to answer any question I had, even if I was worried they may have been obvious answers, and were always clear about the next steps I needed to take.
It’s also worth mentioning for anyone that may be critical of the NHS which is clearly currently under intense pressure based on the number of patients in the Hospital ever time I went in, I sustained the injury on a Wednesday evening, had the dislocation sorted at a Hospital walk-in clinic within 1.5 hours and had met the surgeon, gone through the options and procedure and was in surgery by Saturday morning. Mr Goon even came to see me himself and tell me how the procedure had gone as soon as I was fully awake. This shows what an amazing service the NHS actually provides, and I didn’t have to pay a penny.
The whole experience has far exceeded my expectations and I can only thank Mr Goon and his entire team for the amazing work that they have done to ensure my full recovery.
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Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital
3rd October 2024
I had an accident at work that led to part of my finger being cut off. Mr. Goon has been treating me, and thanks to his skill, I’ve actually got that part of my finger back, including the nail. Honestly didn’t think that’d be possible, especially not so soon. I’m really grateful to have had such a great doctor during such a rough time. It couldn’t have gone better. Joe Efford
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Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital
10th October 2024
I saw Dr Goon following an accident with a horse which resulted in numerous breakages in my thumb. Having had numerous visits and having experienced terrible pain I was not sure if Doctor Goon could help. How wrong I was, he was extremely good in every aspect of his work getting my pain under control pretty quickly. He reassured me, listening to my concerns and always made me feel completely at ease. He has a very positive attitude at all times with every visit exceeding my expectations. I will require further surgery but I am not concerned as I cannot fault the care from Mr Goon and his great team to date. I know I will be in safe hands. He is indeed “The Miracle Man”.
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