What causes numbness in the hand?
Numbness is usually caused by a problem involving the nerves that carry information from the hand to the brain. The problem may be well localized, such as compression of one nerve in the hand that results in carpal tunnel syndrome. Another example of a localized nerve compression is a cervical radiculopathy, where a nerve may be compressed by a herniated disc or bone spur as it exits the spinal canal. More diffuse nerve problems may also result in a feeling of numbness. Examples include diabetes, where the nerves in the extremities may deteriorate, and inflammatory or infectious disorders that may affect the nerves.
