Frequent tingling, numbness, or a "pins and needles" sensation in your hands or arms could be a sign of a nerve-related issue. These symptoms are often linked to conditions treated in orthopedics, particularly by a hand and arm specialist.
"As orthopedic arm and hand specialists, we often see patients with nerve-related symptoms that can be relieved with the right diagnosis and care," says Gregg A. Vagner, MD, Orthopedics at ARC Cedar Park Building B, ARC Medical Park Tower Orthopedics, and ARC South 1st. "Don't ignore ongoing discomfort—early evaluation can lead to better outcomes."
Common orthopedic causes of numbness and tingling in arms and hands
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common reason for numbness and tingling in the hands. It happens when a nerve in the wrist gets pinched, often from repeated activities like typing or using hand tools. Many people notice their hands "falling asleep," especially during the night.
- Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerves in the neck): When a nerve in your neck gets pinched or irritated, it can cause pain, numbness, or a pins-and-needles feeling in your arms or hands. This is called cervical radiculopathy. The symptoms often start around the shoulder and travel down the arm.
- Cubital tunnel syndrome: Cubital tunnel syndrome affects the ulnar nerve—the one you hit when you bump your "funny bone." When this nerve is compressed at the elbow, it can cause numbness and tingling in your ring and pinky fingers. Resting your elbow on hard surfaces or keeping it bent for too long can make symptoms worse.
- Overuse injuries: Repeating the same motions—whether from work, sports, or hobbies—can put stress on your arms and hands. Over time, this can irritate nerves and lead to tingling, weakness, or changes in sensation.
- Fractures or dislocations: A broken bone or dislocated joint in the arm, wrist, or shoulder can press on or damage nearby nerves. This can result in numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected area.
- Rotator cuff or shoulder tendon injuries: Damage to the rotator cuff or other shoulder tendons may not directly cause numbness, but inflammation or swelling in the area can put pressure on nearby nerves. This can lead to tingling or changes in sensation that travel down the arm.
"You don't have to accept the discomfort of frequent numbness, tingling, or that "falling asleep" feeling in your arms or hands," says Dr. Vagner. "An orthopedic specialist or advanced practice clinician (APC) can identify the cause and recommend treatments that improve comfort, restore function, and enhance your quality of life."
About Dr. Vagner
Dr. Vagner specializes in arm/elbow care and hand care as well as orthopedic care for adult and pediatric patients. He has a Fellowship in Hand, Upper Extremity and Microvascular from the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Make an appointment today
Dr. Vagner sees patients ages six years and older. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Vagner through ARC MyChart, or by calling: