Top 10 Causes of Tingling in Fingertips Overview

Last Updated: December 08, 2022

Published By: MediFind Medical Staff

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What causes tingling in fingertips?

Tingling in the fingertips is a common symptom of neurologic conditions but may also be indicative of a few other common conditions. The MediFind Medical Team has summarized 10 potential causes of tingling in fingertips below in order from most likely to less likely based on our data. Learn more about how MediFind works here. You can also enter your symptoms into MediFind’s Symptom Checker to receive more customized results.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that involves excessive pressure being placed on the median nerve, which controls movement and feeling in the hand. Some people naturally have a small carpal tunnel which makes carpal tunnel syndrome more likely. Repetitive hand motions or power tool usage may lead to tendinitis or bursitis which can also narrow the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually treated by a hand surgeon. Find a hand surgeon near you here.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that is caused as a complication of diabetes. Nerve damage can be caused by the combination of lower blood flow and higher blood sugar. Nerves in the legs and feet are affected most, however some people with diabetic neuropathy may experience numbness or tingling in the fingertips. Diabetic neuropathy is usually treated by an endocrinologist. Find an endocrinologist near you here.

Alcoholic Neuropathy

Alcoholic neuropathy is nerve damage that is associated with drinking large amounts of alcohol. Excessive alcohol drinking may also cause malnutrition or a B-vitamin deficiency that may lead to tingling in fingertips. Alcoholic neuropathy is usually treated by a neurologist. Find a neurologist near you here.

Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction

Ulnar nerve dysfunction is a type of nerve problem that occurs along the ulnar nerve, which travels from the shoulder to the hand. The ulnar nerve is important for movement of the arm and hand, and damage may lead to numbness or tingling in the fingertips. Ulnar nerve damage is common in individuals with diabetes or those who have had elbow fractures or dislocations. Ulnar nerve dysfunction is treated by a neurologist. Find a neurologist near you here.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

B-vitamins, especially vitamin B12, have been linked to proper nerve functioning. Without the proper amount of B-vitamins, some people may experience fatigue, memory trouble, or more rarely, tingling in fingertips. Vitamin B12 deficiency is usually treated by a nutritionist. Find a nutritionist near you here.

Hyperventilation

Hyperventilation is rapid breathing that results in a lower amount of carbon dioxide in the blood. Hyperventilation can be caused by emotional responses such as anxiety or panic attacks, or it can be caused by various medical causes including pneumonia, ketoacidosis, or lung disease. Along with symptoms such as lightheadedness or difficulty breathing, hyperventilation may cause tingling in fingertips. Hyperventilation is usually treated by a primary care doctor. Find a primary care doctor near you here.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that involves muscle pain throughout the body. Besides tenderness and fatigue, some people with fibromyalgia may also experience numbness or tingling in various parts of the body, including the fingertips. Fibromyalgia is usually treated by a rheumatologist. Find a rheumatologist near you here.

Ganglion Cyst

Ganglion cysts are non-cancerous growths that can form on or around the wrists and hands. Depending on the position of the cyst, it can press on a nerve, possibly causing pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands and fingers. Ganglion cysts are usually treated by a primary care doctor. Find a primary care doctor near you here.

Arthritis

Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint. There are many types of arthritis that affect different parts of the body, but symptoms commonly include joint pain, joint swelling, or numbness and tingling. Arthritis is usually treated by a rheumatologist. Find a rheumatologist near you here.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system damages the tissue that covers nerves in the body. This can lead to permanent nerve damage, which can present as numbness or tingling in the affected body parts. Multiple sclerosis is usually treated by a neurologist. Find a neurologist near you here.

Understanding the Results

These results are based on the most likely conditions for a 45 year old woman who is not pregnant, and is living in the United States. Our data shows that 96% of the time, this symptom is related to one of the 10 most likely causes. Location and age can also contribute to different results. Use our Symptom Checker to add your information and get your custom results.

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Differences in Age Groups

Tingling in the fingertips can occur in children. However, it is much more likely to occur in older adults. Many conditions that relate to nerve damage are more common among older individuals.

Differences among Men and Women

Although women tend to have more nerve receptors than men, there does not appear to be a significant difference among conditions that would cause fingertip tingling in men and women.