PREVENTION – There are many reasons your hands are going numb, from injuries and infections to chronic health conditions.
Here are some to be aware of, plus those that might warrant an appointment with your doctor.
Medications
Certain medications can cause numbness, abnormal sensations, and tingling in the hands and feet as a common side effect. The most common include chemotherapy drugs or HIV/AIDS treatments, per the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy.
But other common medications, such as anti-alcohol drugs, heart or blood pressure meds, infection-fighters, and skin condition treatments (like Dapsone) have also been found to cause numbness and tingling in parts of the body.
If you suspect a new medication may be to blame, talk to your doc, who may be able to lower your dose or find a similar treatment that doesn’t cause uncomfortable side effects.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Your body needs vitamin B12—a nutrient easily found in meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy—to create healthy red blood cells, nerves, and even DNA. Severe vitamin B12 deficiency, which can be caused by problems in your gut or pernicious anemia, per the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, happens when you don’t absorb enough B12 from foods.
This spurs a range of symptoms, like fatigue, balance problems, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, headaches, and even tingling and numbness in the hands if the deficiency leads to nerve damage.
If you’re experiencing unusual symptoms and eat a largely plant-based diet—or have a health condition that impacts nutrient absorption, like celiac or Crohn’s disease—talk to your doctor about your B12 intake. He or she may recommend weekly B12 shots for severe deficiency or a general supplement for mild cases.
While tingling hands is a big sign of B12 deficiency, it is not the only deficiency linked to the sensation. Vitamin D, B6, and other nutrient deficiencies can also cause tingling, so talk to your doctor to ensure a proper treatment plan.
Alcohol disorders
If you’ve struggled with alcoholism or you’re a long-term heavy drinker—usually defined as having more than three drinks a day for women, or four for men—this could be the cause of your numbness and tingling …
