Numbness is an inability to feel anything when you touch your skin. Tingling is a pins-and-needles sensation, like when your foot "falls asleep." Numbness or tingling may mean that nerves have been injured or pinched, swelling is putting pressure on nerves, or blood vessels have been injured.
These pictures show the main nerves of the hand and the areas of skin that get feeling from those nerves. Different nerves in your hand can cause numbness or tingling in different areas. For example, if you have pressure on your ulnar nerve, your little finger may "fall asleep."
Current as of:
November 20, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.