Numbness in the fingers is the term that is given to describe the loss of sensation in the hands and fingers. Most people affected by this condition also experience a range of emotions such as pins-and-needles, a burning sensation as well as tingling.
Additionally, affected persons may experience weakness in the affected hand(s). It is important to note that numbness may affect one hand, or may occur in both hands. This type of numbness is not painful, but is persistent and often causes discomfort.
The cause of numbness in the fingers is varied, and will often range from injuries to the nervous system, compression of the nerves, alcohol addiction, smoking and low temperatures externally.
A deficiency in some of the essential nutrients may also cause this condition. Medical conditions may also be attributed to causing numbness in the fingers, and this is often associated with conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders and carpal tunnel syndrome.
There are a number of home remedies available for the natural treatment of numbness in the fingers, but it is vital to monitor the symptoms closely in order to determine whether there is the likelihood of an underlying condition. If the symptoms occur rather frequently and last for longer, make sure you let your doctor know so as to provide the appropriate form of treatment.
1. Warm Massage Oil:
Time Required: 15 Min
What You Need: Warm bath and choice massage oil (choose from mustard, olive and coconut oils). You may need an extra pair of hands if both hands are numb.
Difficulty: Easy
One of the simplest and fastest ways to get rid of numbness in the fingers is to apply warm massage oil on the hands. The simple act of massaging not only increases blood circulation to the affected hand, it also enhances the function of the nerves and muscles. The result is the improved function of the nervous system, and therefore allows you to get back to your day-to-day activities with remarkable ease. Use any of the oils mentioned above to enhance the massage experience.
Directions:
- Place your preferred oil in a bowl and proceed to warm in a hot water bath.
- Put a few drops of the warm oil on the palms of your hands and apply on the affected hand(s). If both hands are affected, you may have someone do this for you to make the remedy more effective.
- Massage the hands in simply circular motions gently but firmly.
- Use this remedy as often as you need to.
2. Turmeric Paste:
Time Required: 15 Min
What You Need: 1 Tablespoon of turmeric powder (or more depending on the extent of numbness) and some warm water. Plastic gloves (optional).
Difficulty: Easy
Turmeric is a home remedy that is rich in an active compound known as curcumin. When prepared as a remedy and applied on numb hands and fingers, the herb’s active ingredients assist in proper blood circulation. This comes in handy since turmeric is also known to possess excellent anti-inflammatory properties that go a long way in reducing the pain and discomfort in the affected hands. Prepare this simple paste as indicated below.
Directions:
- Add small amounts of water to the turmeric powder and mix well. You may need disposable gloves for this preparation process in order to avoid staining as turmeric has a deep orange color.
- Use the turmeric paste to massage the numb fingers and hands.
- Allow the paste to dry on the skin for a few minutes before rinsing using warm water.
- If you are constantly on the go and would love to make the best of this remedy, take turmeric supplements under your doctor’s directions to prevent possible drug-drug interactions.
3. Ground Cinnamon Powder:
Time Required: 15 Min
What You Need: 1 Teaspoon of cinnamon powder, 1 tablespoon of raw organic honey as well as 1 glass of warm water.
Difficulty: Easy
Cinnamon powder is packed with different chemicals and nutrients that benefit the body, and are particularly helpful for the home treatment of numbness in the fingers. These nutrients include potassium, manganese and a handful of B vitamins. When ingested, these nutrients are absorbed by the body and help improve blood circulation to the limbs. For this reason, cinnamon is recommended for the treatment of numb fingers. Ideally, you should make it a habit to take at least 2 tablespoons of cinnamon herb for excellent blood circulation. Honey is added as a natural sweetener in this home remedy.
Directions:
- Put the cinnamon powder in a glass and pour in the water.
- Stir to dissolve the powder before adding the honey.
- Stir once more and enjoy this drink daily, preferably in the morning when numbness in fingers tends to intensify due to the low temperatures.
4. Use a Warm Compress:
Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: A clean washcloth and warm water.
Difficulty: Easy
One of the home remedies you cannot afford to overlook when you experience numbness in the fingers is the use of a warm compress. Just as the name suggests, this compress uses moderate temperatures to improve the circulation of blood to the fingers. In addition, studies show that this technique has the capacity to calm the nerves in the affected hand, making it a well-suited remedy. Other options available in this regard include the use of a heating pad or enjoying a warm shower.
Directions:
- Put the washcloth in a bowl and pour over it the warm water.
- Allow the washcloth to soak for a few minutes before transferring it to the affected hand and leaving it on for about 5 minutes or until it cools down.
- Repeat this process severally until you start to feel better.
- Alternatively, enjoy a warm shower to help eliminate numbness in the fingers.
5. Regular Exercise:
Time Required: Varies depending on the specific exercise
What You Need: Exercise routine
Difficulty: Easy
Just as with all of the aforementioned home remedies for numbness in the fingers, exercise works because at the core of it is the need to improve blood circulation to the affected parts of the hand. Over a period of time, this helps get rid of numbness while eliminating numbness. Overall, regular exercise has been shown to enhance mobility and aid those who get frequent numb episodes. Listed below are some simple exercise options that are available for your convenience.
NOTE: If the numbness is caused by a pre-exisiting condition, make sure that you seek your doctor’s advice before commencing.
Directions:
- Make time to do simple finger exercises during the day. The most important times to do this is in the morning for about 15 minutes, as well as during scheduled breaks. Exercise your wrists, arms and hands by curling and stretching for easy ways to get rid of numbness in the fingers.
- You will also be excited to know that cardio workouts and aerobic exercises go a long way in treating numb fingers as these great routines enhance the proper circulation of blood in the extreme parts of the body, which include the fingers.
NOTE: If you opt to exercise, always make sure that you get appropriate workout gear depending on your routine. It is also important to stretch prior to working out.
6. Epsom Salts:
Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: 1/2 Cup of Epsom salt, basin with warm water and a soft towel.
Difficulty: Easy
Whenever you need relief from numb fingers, one of the easiest and most reliable ways to treat the condition is to soak your fingers in warm water containing Epsom salts. Epsom salts contain Magnesium sulphate. Each of these salts plays a critical role in eliminating the numbness. The presence of Magnesium salts improves the circulation of blood in the body, and this in turn helps prevent the numbness. Note however, that this remedy is not recommended for those suffering from diabetes and/or diseases affecting the kidneys.
Directions:
- Place the salt in the basin and pour in the warm water.
- Stir to dissolve the salts before soaking your fingers in the resulting solution for about 15 minutes.
- Use this remedy at least once daily.
7. Ensure That Your Fingers Remain Elevated:
Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Stacked pillows for easy elevation.
Difficulty: Easy
In mild cases of numbness, one of the quickest ways to treat the condition is to elevate the affected fingers. The logic behind this simple action revolves around the fact that elevation helps enhance proper blood circulation, thus helping ease and get rid of the numbness. Additionally, you may use this remedy as many times as you would like for short intervals of time. All you need to have is stacked pillows.
Directions:
- Arrange the stacked pillows and then place the affected hands on them for about 5 minutes at a time.
- Repeat this severally throughout the day until the numbness vanishes.
8. Increase the Amount of Magnesium in Your Diet:
Time Required: Preparation time varies depending on the specific food.
What You Need: Magnesium-rich foods.
Difficulty: Easy
Magnesium is particularly effective in the natural treatment of numbness in the fingers. In addition to using Epsom salts as described in the remedy above, another way of increasing Magnesium concentration in the body is through the diet. Increase your intake of magnesium-rich foods such as dark leafy vegetables, avocados, nuts, soybeans as well as oatmeal. Bananas are also very rich in Magnesium , making them a healthy option for regular intake.
Directions:
- Simply add any of the aforementioned foods to your daily diet to reduce the occurrence of numbness in the fingers.
In addition to the remedies indicated above, it is important to remain active in order to improve blood circulation. Avoid lengthy periods of remaining in the same position as this restricts proper blood flow. Whenever you can, steer clear of stimulants such as coffee. In place of such beverages, eat fresh fruits and increase your vegetables in the diet whole avoiding fast foods. Monitor your progress and conitnue using the remedies until you are content with the progress made.
