How to Relieve and Prevent Numbness in the Hand

If you're experiencing numb fingers, especially in the left hand pinky and ring fingers, the most likely cause is ulnar nerve compression or entrapment.

The ulnar nerve runs from the spine, past the shoulder blades, down the arm, across the outer bend of the elbow and down the arm to the pinky and ring fingers.

Compression or entrapment, usually at the elbow, causes the pinky and ring fingers to become numb. Most right-handed people experience the numb fingers in the left hand because of common habits.

I've had this problem and after much research, learned what causes the numb fingers and how to reverse the numbness and pain.

These easy rehab moves will release the ulnar nerve and end the numbness. They worked for me and I saw relief within one week.

THE MOST COMMON CAUSE is resting the left elbow on a desk and leaning the chin in the hand while sitting at the computer. Since the ulnar nerve runs across the outer bend of the elbow, it becomes compressed by the hard desk.

Kick this habit. While you're rehabing the nerve, keep the arm dropped straight down by your side.

ANOTHER CAUSE is resting the elbow on the car door while driving.

Kick this habit. Either keep both hands on the wheel or rest the arm on your leg.

ANOTHER CONTRIBUTING FACTOR is sleeping with your arm curled up to your chest.

Kick this habit. If you naturally do this in your sleep, wrap a towel around your arm at the elbow before bed to keep it somewhat straight in your sleep, especially during the rehab phase.

REHAB MOVE 1 (A) - The first part of this move is to extend the arm straight out in front of you, palm forward, bending down at the wrist.

REHAB MOVE 1 (B) - The second part of this move is to straighten your wrist while raising your arm, bending at the elbow.

Repeat this move 3 or 4 times. Do it anytime you think about it throughout the day (at least 3 times a day).

REHAB MOVE 2 (A) - The first part of this move is to extend your arm straight out to the side, make a fist, curl the fist forward toward your body, keeping the arm straight, bending at the wrist.

REHAB MOVE 2 (B) - Now rotate the fist up, keeping the arm straight and wrist bent.

Repeat this move 3 or 4 times. Do it anytime you think about it throughout the day (at least 3 times a day).

If you kick the habits that cause the nerve entrapment and do these rehab moves several times a day, you should see relief from the hand pain and numb pinky and ring fingers in about a week.

Warnings

Extreme pain or numbness in the entire hand or arm should be seen by a physician.