Physiotherap suggests a simple exercise to treat numbness in hands; we verify effectiveness | Fitness News

Recently, we came across a social media video physiotherap Madz Mariwa suggesting an exercise to relieve numb hands. According to him, all you have to do is bring both hands together so that the tip of each finger touches the other and then press both hands against each other. Continue to do the stretch for a minute. “You’ve never felt such relief from the numbness in your hands until you tried this stretch for one minute daily,” Mariwa said.
According to MayoClinic. org, hand numbness can be caused irritation or compression of a nerve. It can also happen in the wr, which may hinder movement.
Dr Anup Khatri, senior consultant, orthopedics, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai said that the numbness in the hand can be dressing for many and is caused various reasons. “One of them is carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve located in the wr tends to get compressed. This will make it challenging for you to hold objects. Apart from this, even, even peripheral neuropathy which is a common occurrence due to diabetes or vitamin deficiencies can lead to hand numbness and interfere with one’s daily routine,” said Dr Khatri.
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Moreover, a pinched nerve in the neck may cause numbness in the hands, requiring prompt intervention.
Likewise, repetitive strain injuries from overusing the hands can lead to temporary or chronic numbness.
Here’s what to consider (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Does this stretch work?
Dr (Major) Amit Chaudhry, senior consultant, orthopedics surgery, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said that stretching exercises like the one demonstrated in the reel can help alleviate pain and improve mobility in cases of hand numbness associated with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Still, it’s crucial to proceed with caution. “If pain worsens during or after stretching, it’s important to stop immediately and consult with a healthcare professional,” said Dr Chaudhry.Story continues below this ad

Apart from that, Dr Chaudhry also suggested resting your hands if used for repeated tasks.
Dr Chaudhry also noted that if the numbness occurs often, your doctor may recommend a few tests to confirm the cause before treatment can begin.
Hence, it is the need of the hour to consult an expert who will determine the exact underlying cause behind the hand numbness and recommend treatment. “It is okay to stretch for relief. However, only stretching will not help with hand numbness,” noted Dr Khatri.
 
 
 

 
Any stretching routine should ideally be started under the supervision of a physiotherap or a qualified healthcare provider. “They can guide you in performing the exercises correctly and monitor your progress to prevent any potential strain or further injury,” said Dr Chaudhry.
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So, maintaining a good posture, taking frequent breaks, using wr splints or braces, vitamin B12 supplements can be taken if the numbness is because of the deficiency. “For conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery may be recommended if conservative treatments fail,” said Dr Khatri.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.