From the Guidelines
Treatment for hand numbness should prioritize reducing pressure, inflammation, and supporting nerve healing, with a focus on simple home remedies and physical therapy before considering surgical intervention or prescription medications, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The most effective approach to treating hand numbness involves a combination of rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (400-800mg every 6-8 hours with food) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours, not exceeding 4000mg daily) 1. Some key considerations for treatment include:
- Resting the affected hand to reduce further strain and inflammation
- Applying ice to reduce inflammation and relieve pain
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to manage pain and inflammation
- Using wrist splints at night to help alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
- Engaging in gentle stretching exercises for the hands, wrists, and fingers to improve circulation and reduce pressure on nerves
- Considering physical therapy focusing on hand exercises and proper ergonomics to improve function and reduce symptoms For patients with diabetes, optimizing glucose control is crucial to prevent or delay the development of neuropathy, and assessing and treating patients to reduce pain related to diabetic peripheral neuropathy can improve quality of life 1. In cases where hand numbness is caused by underlying conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve compression, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve pressure on the affected nerves 1. It's essential to note that the treatment approach may vary depending on the underlying cause of hand numbness, and a thorough diagnosis is necessary to determine the most effective course of treatment. Overall, the goal of treatment is to reduce morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life by addressing the underlying causes of hand numbness and providing effective management strategies.
From the Research
Hand Numbness Treatment
Hand numbness can be a symptom of various conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The treatment for hand numbness depends on the underlying cause.
- For CTS, treatment options include:
- Medications: Gabapentin has been studied as a potential treatment for CTS, with mixed results. A study published in 2015 found that gabapentin in low doses (100 mg/day and 300 mg/day) was effective in improving symptoms of CTS, including hand numbness 2.
- However, a more recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2025 found that gabapentinoids probably do not improve CTS symptoms compared to placebo, and may cause adverse effects such as fatigue and dizziness 3.
- Other medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin B12, and pregabalin, have also been shown to be effective in treating CTS 4.
- Surgery may also be an option for treating CTS, particularly in patients with thenar muscle atrophy or those who have not responded to conservative treatment 4.
- Other treatments, such as wrist splints and physical therapy, may also be recommended to help manage symptoms of hand numbness.
- It's worth noting that CTS is more common in individuals with diabetes, and diagnosis and treatment of CTS in these patients should be carefully evaluated 5.
- A study published in 2009 found that gabapentin was partially effective and safe in symptomatic treatment of CTS patients who were refractory to other conservative measures or unwilling for surgical procedure 6.