The sensory nerve of fingers is brachial plexus nerve formed by the nerve roots of cervical spinal cord in the cervical axillary branch, and then distributed to hands and fingers through upper arms and forearms to become peripheral nerves. When the nerves in these parts are damaged, inflamed and compressed, finger numbness will occur.

Common diseases that cause finger numbness are as follows:

(1) Peripheral neuritis. Finger peripheral nerve causes inflammation and finger numbness due to poisoning, infection, vitamin B 1 deficiency, finger blood supply disorder and other reasons. Most fingers of both hands occur at the same time, which can often be recovered after removing the cause. For example, oral administration or injection of vitamin B 1 and acupuncture can accelerate its recovery.

(2) Ulnar nerve injury. Injury or tumor of ulnar nerve in forearm and upper arm can cause numbness of ipsilateral little finger and ring finger and some finger movement disorders. Most of them gradually recovered about half a year after injury. However, patients with tumors or severe compression often need surgery.

(3) Median nerve injury. The median nerve of forearm and upper arm causes numbness of palm, thumb, index finger and middle finger due to trauma, tumor and compression. Wrist is the most prone to injury or tenderness, which is called wrist joint syndrome.

(4) Radial nerve injury. The radial nerve in the middle and lower part of the lateral forearm is fragile. At this time, the back of thumb and forefinger will be numb, and fingers and wrists will droop.

(5) Brachial plexus injury. The lesion or injury of axillary or neck can cause inflammation of ulnar nerve, median nerve and radial nerve, make one or two fingers numb, and gradually develop into upper arm, forearm and even upper limb movement disorder. Some patients have no numbness or pain in their hands when they droop, indicating that the lesions are mild.

For the above diseases, besides treatment, the neck and upper limbs should be properly exercised. Exercise should be gradual, do it gently first, then strengthen it gradually and persevere.

Thumb numbness in middle-aged and elderly people may be due to poor local blood circulation, which will generally disappear soon. If the numbness lasts too long or the symptoms get worse gradually, it may be a sign of stroke if it temporarily improves or is ineffective after treatment. At this time, we must not be careless. We should go to the hospital for examination and treatment.