There are many things that can cause numbness in a person’s left hand. It can be caused by a repetitive stress movement disorder, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, or by nerve injury or disease.
Numbness in the left hand can be caused by nerve or muscle damage.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common repetitive stress movement disorder. It is caused by nerve compression and can be quite painful, although symptoms usually begin gradually. At first, an affected person may notice numbness and tingling in the hand, which is often followed by ongoing pain.
Another cause of left hand numbness can be nerve damage or disease. In these cases, the lack of sensation is often associated with pain described as pins and needles in the hand. Burning sensations are also common in these conditions.
A model of a human left hand.
If the numbness starts in the left hand and moves to another part of the body, it could be related to a circulatory, neurological, or muscular condition. A sudden loss of feeling that affects the hand and arm can be a warning sign of an impending stroke. Since a stroke can be fatal, it is imperative to seek medical help immediately if you experience this symptom.
Typing can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, which can cause numbness in the left hand.
Without an examination by a medical professional, it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine the cause of left hand numbness. While you may have symptoms of a specific disease or condition, the cause could be something completely different than you expect. To protect your health, it is important to consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.
A sudden loss of feeling that affects the hand and arm can be a warning sign of an impending stroke.
To make it easier for your doctor to diagnose numbness in your left hand, write down when the numbness occurs and record the date you first noticed it on a piece of paper. If the symptoms occur at specific times during the day, write this information down. Also record whether or not the numbness starts after a certain activity and how long it lasts. Also describe any other symptoms, even if you think they are unrelated. Don’t rely on your memory alone for this information, as many people forget things when they’re in an exam room.
