Tingling feeling in hands and arms
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Understanding Tingling Sensations in Hands and Arms
Tingling sensations in the hands and arms, often described as "pins and needles," can be caused by various conditions. This article synthesizes research findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential causes and implications of these symptoms.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Common Culprit
Prevalence and Symptoms
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common causes of tingling in the hands. It occurs due to the compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms typically include pain, numbness, and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, often worsening at night and relieved by shaking the hands1. The prevalence of CTS is significant, affecting approximately 14.4% of the population, with a higher incidence in women1.
Diagnostic Tests
Phalen’s test and Tinel’s test are commonly used to diagnose CTS. Positive results in these tests, along with the characteristic distribution of symptoms, strongly suggest CTS5. Electromyographic studies can further confirm the diagnosis by demonstrating partial denervation in the muscles supplied by the median nerve10.
Other Neuropathies and Conditions
Working Hand Syndrome
Working Hand Syndrome (WHS) is a newly defined occupational polyneuropathy characterized by pain, numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in the hands, particularly during rest and nighttime. Unlike CTS, WHS does not involve muscle weakness or abnormal deep tendon reflexes. It primarily affects individuals engaged in physically demanding jobs that require repetitive hand and arm movements6.
Cervical Radiculopathy and Other Neurological Disorders
Tingling in the hands can also result from cervical radiculopathy, where nerve roots in the cervical spine are compressed. This condition can present with symptoms similar to CTS but often includes neck pain and may affect different areas of the hand7. Additionally, conditions like cervical myelomalacia, ependymoma, and cervical disc protrusion can cause tingling sensations due to spinal cord or nerve root compression7.
Systemic Conditions
Systemic conditions such as diabetes and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can also lead to tingling in the hands and arms. CIPN, for instance, is a common side effect of certain chemotherapy drugs, and interventions like wearing frozen gloves during treatment have been shown to reduce these symptoms and improve quality of life9.
Clinical Evaluation and Management
Comprehensive Assessment
A thorough clinical evaluation is crucial for diagnosing the cause of tingling sensations. This includes a detailed patient history, physical examination, and appropriate diagnostic tests. For instance, a 73-year-old man with persistent tingling and additional motor symptoms was referred to a neurology clinic, where further investigations revealed macrocytic anemia and other underlying issues2.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause. For CTS, wrist splinting, corticosteroid injections, and surgical decompression are common interventions. In contrast, managing systemic conditions like diabetes involves controlling blood sugar levels and addressing neuropathic pain with medications.
Conclusion
Tingling sensations in the hands and arms can arise from various conditions, with carpal tunnel syndrome being the most common. Accurate diagnosis through clinical evaluation and appropriate tests is essential for effective management. Understanding the diverse causes, from occupational neuropathies to systemic diseases, helps in tailoring treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
A painful tingling hand
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common cause of pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands, with symptoms worsening at night and waking the patient from sleep.
Case Report
Rigorous JournalA man with tingling fingers
Macrocytic anaemia, a rare blood disorder, was found to be the cause of the tingling in the patient's fingers and limbs.
Case ReportRigorous JournalTingling and numbness in the arm
Numbness and tingling in the arm may be due to a vascular condition, such as a vascular malformation, causing reduced sensation to pain and fine touch in the ulnar aspect of the arm.
Case ReportRigorous JournalFormication, tactile hallucinations, delusional parasitosis, and Morgellons: Enough to make your skin crawl.
Morgellons is a parasitic disease that causes itching, burning, prickling, tingling, or "pins and needles" sensations in the body, often in the form of small, circular, scaly lesions.
Anatomic distribution of sensory symptoms in the hand and their relation to neck pain, psychosocial variables, and occupational activities.
Numbness and tingling in the first three digits of the hand can be distinguished from other hand parts, with distinct associations to sensory disturbances, work activities, and mental health.
Observational StudyWorking hand syndrome
Working hand syndrome (WHS) is a new occupational disease characterized by pain, numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in the hands, but no muscle weakness or deep tendon reflex abnormalities.
Observational Study
Very Rigorous Journal[Tingling in the hands].
Tingling in the hands can be caused by various conditions, and thorough neurological examination is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Case ReportClinical Reasoning: A 67-Year-Old Woman With Progressive Tingling Sensations and Imbalance
Progressive numbness, tingling, and weakness in hands and feet may be a sign of a neuromuscular disorder, but the patient had no family history of neuromuscular disorder.
Case ReportRigorous JournalMulticenter randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of frozen gloves for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Wearing frozen gloves during chemotherapy may reduce some neuropathy symptoms in the hands, potentially improving quality of life, but one-third of the study group discontinued before the end of treatment.
RCTELECTRICAL SIGNS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF CARPAL TUNNEL AND RELATED SYNDROMES*
Electromyographic diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome can be improved by detecting early changes in the muscles supplied by a specific motor nerve or its branches.
Highly Cited