Altered sensation

What is Altered Sensations 

Altered sensation in the hand or arm refers to changes in the way you perceive touch, pressure, temperature, or pain. This can manifest as numbness, tingling, pins and needles, or a burning feeling. Some people may experience a complete loss of sensation, while others might find that their hands become overly sensitive.

Common Symptoms

  • Numbness: A reduction or complete loss of feeling in one or both hands.
  • Tingling: Often described as “pins and needles,” this sensation can be continuous or intermittent.
  • Burning: A feeling of warmth or heat, often described as a burning sensation.
  • Hypersensitivity: Increased sensitivity to touch, where even light pressure can cause discomfort.
  • Weakness: This may often be an associated symptom.  A decrease in strength or ability to grip objects.

Possible Causes 

Altered sensation in the hands can be due to a variety of causes, ranging from temporary issues to more serious underlying conditions.

  • Nerve compression or injury
    • This is the most common cause of tingling hand or arm.
    • Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common condition causing this in the hand.
    • Lying on a limb or placing it in an extreme position for a prolonged period can cause altered sensation in the hand or arm. Usually this is temporary and quickly gets better. However if a person is intoxicated (drugs or alcohol) they may not perceive the nerve symptoms and can be in such a position for hours resulting in actual nerve damage.
  • Circulation problems
    • This can affect the major arteries to a limb or the very tiny vessels that are the end branches of the larger arteries.
    • Raynaud’s disease is a condition affecting the very tiny vessels causing them to shut down and cause a white finger and tingling.
    • Blood vessel narrowing can affect the major arteries to a limb resulting in poorly healing wounds, ulcers, loss of sensation and discolouration of the limb. In extreme and unusual cases this can result in gangrene of the hand or fingers.
    • A stroke (which is a blockage of blood vessels to a part of the brain) may also lead to altered sensation in the hand or arm. However it will be associated with more obvious signs of weakness, difficulty speaking, facial drooping and sometimes severe headache.
  • Injury
    • Fracture (broken bone) or dislocation of a joint can restrict circulation or compress nerves.
  • Systemic conditions
    • A systemic condition is one which has a widespread effect on a person’s body affecting may tissues and organs.
    • A common example of a systemic condition is diabetes. This is especially so for poorly controlled diabetes which can result in nerve damage.
    • Rheumatoid arthritis is another relatively common condition. This can affect many joints and tendons in the hand & arm and elsewhere in the body. Additionally it may also have an effect circulation, the immune system and the heart.
  • Systemic nerve conditions
    • These are nerve conditions which can affect many areas of the body & limbs. These include hereditary neuropathies. It also includes rare conditions like multiple sclerosis.
  • Drugs - certain medications may have side-effects on peripheral nerves in their hand and arm. Commonly chemotherapy drugs have this side-effect.
  • Vitamin/mineral deficiencies
    • B12 & folate - can have widespread symptoms but may also result in altered sensation in hand & arm.
    • Other B vitamins
    • Calcium
    • Magnesium
  • Toxin exposure
    • Toxins, poisons and chemicals can cause peripheral neuropathy. This can happen through drug or chemical abuse or through exposure to industrial chemicals in the workplace or in the environment (after either limited or long-term exposure). 

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hand pain or discomfort begins with a detailed history and physical examination. Depending on the suspected cause, the following investigations may be suggested:

  • X-rays: To detect fractures, dislocations, or signs of arthritis.
  • MRI or Ultrasound: For a detailed view of soft tissues, tendons, and nerves. This can also be done for the cervical spine to diagnose nerve entrapment.
  • Nerve Conduction Studies: To assess nerve function and diagnose conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Blood Tests: To check for vitamin or mineral deficiencies. This may also be used in cases of toxicity. 

Treatment Options

The treatment of course depends on the cause. Broadly speaking, non-surgical treatments are the usual start for most conditions. This can simply be advice. Frequently, rest, activity modification, supports, splints, hand therapy, casts are used. Sometimes medications or  injections are offered.

Surgical treatment is when non-surgical options have not worked. Occasionally depending on the condition, surgery may be the first line of treatment. This is for example in displaced fractures or severe carpal tunnel syndrome.

When to See a Health Professional

You should consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

  • Persistent or worsening numbness or tingling.
  • Altered sensation that is accompanied by weakness or loss of coordination.
  • Sudden onset of symptoms, especially if associated with other signs like difficulty speaking, facial drooping, or severe headache, as these could be signs of a stroke.
  • Symptoms following an injury or accident.

Conclusion

Altered sensation in the hands can be a temporary inconvenience or a sign of a more serious condition. Understanding the potential causes and seeking appropriate medical advice can help you manage symptoms effectively and address any underlying issues. Sanjay Miranda says If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance and treatment.

Contact Us 

If you have concerns about altered sensation in your hands or need to schedule an appointment, please contact our clinic. Don’t let your hand or arm problem steal the life you deserve & desire.