Have you ever experienced your hands suddenly going numb or tingling for no clear reason? That pins-and-needles feeling—also known as paresthesia—can be strange, but it’s often harmless and temporary. Still, when it happens frequently, it might be your body’s way of telling you something needs attention.
In many cases, hand numbness is caused by simple things like pressure on a nerve or reduced blood flow. Sleeping in an awkward position, leaning on your elbow for too long, or resting your wrist on a hard surface can all compress nerves. When that happens, it may cause brief tingling or numbness that usually goes away once you move or change positions.
However, if the sensation happens regularly or lasts longer than a few minutes, it’s worth taking a closer look.
One common cause is carpal tunnel syndrome. This happens when the median nerve in your wrist gets compressed—often due to repetitive movements like typing or using tools. People with this condition may feel tingling, weakness, or a slight burning sensation in the thumb and first few fingers, especially at night or after long periods of hand use.
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