What does it mean when your finger turns white and numb?

Raynaud’s disease causes smaller arteries that supply blood flow to the skin to narrow in response to cold or stress. The affected body parts, usually fingers and toes, might turn white or blue and feel cold and numb until circulation improves, usually when you get warm.

When should I worry about a numb finger?

If numbness in your hands persists for more than a short while, you should seek prompt medical attention. It could be a sign of a serious medical condition. It is especially important to seek prompt attention if your symptoms are accompanied by any of the following: Numbness in other parts of your body.

Why do I suddenly have Raynaud’s?

Why does it happen? Raynaud’s is usually triggered by cold temperatures, anxiety or stress. The condition occurs because your blood vessels go into a temporary spasm, which blocks the flow of blood. This causes the affected area to change colour to white, then blue and then red, as the bloodflow returns.

Can carpal tunnel cause white finger?

Such symptoms can are often diagnosed as Vibration White Finger (VWF), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) or even Raynaud’s Phenomenon. If you suspect you have HAVS you should make an appointment to see your GP and usually he/she will refer you to a Vascular or Hand specialist who can perform the necessary tests.

Which nerves affect which fingers?

The three main nerves traveling through the wrist and into the hand are: Median nerve, which provides sensation for the palm and goes into the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. Ulnar nerve, which provides sensation in the outer edge of the hand and goes into the ring and pinky fingers.

What is white finger caused by?

This condition is aggravated by exposure to cold. When a person has Raynaud’s phenomenon, exposure to cold abnormally reduces blood circulation, causing the skin to become pale, waxy-white or purple. The disorder is sometimes called “white finger”, “wax finger” or “dead finger.”

How do you treat white fingers?

Treatment for VWF typically involves reducing or managing its symptoms. Some doctors may recommend antihypertensive medications such as calcium channel blockers to improve peripheral blood circulation. However, this treatment may not work for everyone. Chronic cases of VWF may require pain relievers.

What white fingers mean?

Why are my fingers and toes always cold and white?

Raynaud’s Disease: The Reason Behind Cold, White Fingers And Toes. There’s a medical reason behind cold fingers and toes, when a chill seems to instantly turn extremities white. The May issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter explains the likely cause: Raynaud’s (ray-NODES) disease, a disorder of the blood vessels.

Why do my fingers go numb when I Wake Up?

Although people might experience discomfort while their fingers are numb and cold, it’s fairly harmless. Doctors haven’t identified any particular reason why this happens. Secondary Raynaud’s signifies there is a link between these symptoms and another medical condition – usually an autoimmune disease like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

What does it mean when your fingers turn white while running?

White fingers while running may indicate a circulatory problem. Blood vessels are constricted, limiting blood supply. Fingers may then turn blue due to lack of oxygen, then finally red as hands regain blood flow and return to normal color.

What are the symptoms of poor blood circulation in the fingers?

Numbness—when people complain about numbness in the fingertips or the entire hand, it usually means they have some level of poor blood flow in the fingers. Discoloration—fingers turn pale, blue, or purple. Cold—a cold sensation in the fingers and other areas of the body is common with poor circulation.