Paresthesia is the medical term for the tingling, prickling, or “pins and needles” feeling that can occur under the skin. The Cleveland Clinic defines this sensation well. For instance, if you’ve ever had the experience of your hand, arm, or leg feeling “asleep,” the tingling typically goes away when you change your position.

This tingling sensation, especially in the fingers, is very common and usually not a reason to worry. However, it can become chronic in some cases. If the tingling in your fingers persists, it’s crucial to check in with a healthcare professional to find out if a more serious medical issue is at play. Once the root cause is identified, appropriate treatments for paresthesia can be implemented.

What causes tingling in my fingers?

The tingling in your fingers often arises from “a disruption or alteration in the nerve supply,” notes Dr. Ernestine A. Wright, a primary care physician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.

Paresthesia from pressure is usually short-lived and resolves on its own, according to Healthline. When certain positions restrict the nerves that service your hands and fingers, it’s normal to feel a tingling sensation akin to pins and needles. Dr. Wright explains that this sensation fades as the pressure on the nerve is relieved.

While finger tingling often isn’t alarming, it can be caused by various health conditions and autoimmune disorders that might harm the nerves, leading to feelings of tingling in the fingers, hands, and arms, as per Healthline.

When should I be concerned about tingling in my fingers or carpal tunnel symptoms?

If you often feel tingling in your upper limbs, or if it’s accompanied by sharp pains or burning feelings, it’s crucial to see your primary care doctor to identify what may be causing your symptoms, advises Dr. Wright.

According to Healthline, common triggers for tingling in the fingers include:

• Diabetic neuropathy
• A lack of essential vitamins like B12, B6, E, or folate (B9)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• A pinched nerve
• Kidney failure
• Certain medications for heart or blood pressure issues, anticonvulsants, or antibiotics

Additionally, hypothyroidism and exposure to toxins can lead to similar tingling sensations, Dr. Wright mentions.

What can help alleviate tingling in my fingers?

To address tingling in the fingers, “it’s crucial to first pinpoint the correct diagnosis,” says Dr. Hisham Awan, an orthopedic surgeon and head of the Hand and Upper Extremity Center at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

If you experience fingertip tingling, consult a physician to find out the best treatment options for your case, advises Awan. A physical examination, EMG tests, nerve conduction studies, or nerve ultrasounds might help reveal the cause of your symptoms. Whether they stem from a nutritional deficit or a side effect of particular medications, treatments can be customized to your needs.

For conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, the treatment approach depends on the severity of symptoms, Awan states. Carpal tunnel release surgery is usually a last-resort option, but it can significantly alleviate symptoms.