Numb or 'tingling' fingers

It is very common for people to experience numbness, pins and needles or tingling in their hands and fingers. These symptoms may be temporary and resolve without treatment, but in some the symptoms persist and may indicate the presence of a medical condition.

The fingers affected by the pins and needles are often be a good indicator of the likely cause.

Which digits does the numbness/pins and needles/tingling affect?

• Thumb, index or middle fingers? This is likely to be carpal tunnel syndrome

• Little / ring finger? - This is likely to be ulnar nerve compression