Why are my fingers going numb?

[mckenzie]

Sometimes, it used to be very occasionally but recently it's about twice a week, my index and middle fingers go bright white and numb and cold from the tips to about half way down. Sometimes it happens on the left hand and sometimes on the right. It doesn't hurt but it just feels very cold and uncomfortable.

Any ideas please what can be causing this.
TIA

"White, cold, and numb" sounds like a circulation problem.

Does anything similar happen to your toes?

Google "raynauds" sounds like what I have

Sounds like reynauds syndrome to me.

Reynaulds. I have it too. Irritating but not uncommon. You can get drugs for it if it becomes a problem. I just wear gloves a lot and run my hands under warm water if it gets bad.

Thanks for all the replies.
Sometimes a toe goes 'askew' if that makes sense, a little like cramp but the toe sticks out at a funny angle and I can't straighten it. I'm not sure if it's cold though.
I'll google Raynauds.

Does sound like Raynauds. Might be worth chatting to your GP about this. I wrote a post very similar to yours about a year ago. Another poster advised me to see the GP. I'm glad I did as the blood test uncovered an underlying issue which may prove to be serious further down the line. Not that I want to worry you...

Looking at the photo on the NHS website, I'd say for sure that is it. The fingers shown look exactly like mine look.

Thanks guys. So much quicker than a doctors appointment

Yes, Raynauds. Bit of a nuisance, mine is worse when it's damp for some reason.

I carry a hot water bottle around at work, and in the car. Cod liver oil capsules seem to help too.

Sorry NigelMolesworth, I crossed with your post. I hope you are ok. I'm due at doctors in next month or so for an asthma check up so I'll mention it then.

No I'm fine thanks! My Raynauds is a pain(literally) but manageable. All my friends who I cycle with are always laughing at the various layers of gloves and socks I have on. I found it is sudden changes of temperature and vibration from cold steering wheels that are a particular trigger. Keeping hands and feet warm particularly wrists and ankles helps me. As for the other issue, it's only a possible issue much further down the line. Too many other things to worry about before that one gets to the top of the list!

Sounds. Very much like Raynauds which is strongly linked to Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Might be worth getting a referral - I thought my increasingly numb toes were also Raynauds but it turned out to be a rarer but treatable neuro illness. I'd speak to your GP or nurse if I was you. Good luck.