Right arm numbness or tingling is not usually associated with specific condition, so this symptom may cause confusion. Tingling or numbness in the legs, hands, feet or arms can be caused by a variety of conditions, so it is important to pay attention to additional symptoms that are occurring alongside this numbness.
Possible Causes of Right Arm Numbness
If you are undergoing right arm numbness, you may have some health problems that can cause this condition.
Drop of circulation. Some minor circumstances can cause the right arm to become numb. Standing or sitting in the same position for a long period of time can cause the circulation to drop, which can cause the limbs to become numb. Those who have been still for too long may also feel dizzy, faint or tired.
Short of nutrition. A lack of vitamin B12, potassium, sodium or calcium can cause the right arm to become numb. Certain medications may also cause the arms to become numb if they are affecting your circulation. Excessive alcohol or tobacco use can cause the nerves in the right arm to become damaged which can lead to numbness or tingling.
Certain toxins.Coming into contact with certain toxins may cause the arm to become numb. Radiation therapy can frequently cause numbness or a lack of sensation in different areas of the body, including the right arm. Toxins in seafood can also cause the arm to become numb when they are ingested. This may also cause digestive distress which can indicate that you have ingested something that is causing your body harm. Some insects including mites, spiders or ticks can bite cause the right arm to go numb when they bite the flesh. These bites should leave a red or swollen mark where the insects came in contact with the flesh.
Injuries. Injuries can lead to numbness in the arm as well. Any injury which leads to lowered circulation in the right arm may cause it to go numb. This includes conditions such as frostbite or atherosclerosis. A pinched nerve in the back or neck can lead to numbness in the hand or arm. A herniated disk may also put pressure on a nerve that leads to the arm, causing sensation in this limb to become weakened. Animal bites which strike a nerve may also cause the arm to become numb. Injuries which put pressure on the blood vessels or cause the blood vessels to enlarge can make the arm go numb. Scar tissues or infections in the right arm can lead to the vessels becoming compressed.
Herpes zoster or shingles virus. Numbness in the limbs can be caused by the herpes zoster or shingles virus. It is important to check for sores on the body which could be a sign that these diseases have been contracted. If the numbness is restricted to one side of the body, you may have suffered a transient ischemic attack, which is often referred to as a "mini stroke." If the numbness spreads to the rest of the right side of your body you may be suffering a full stroke. This may be accompanied by heart trouble or extreme dizziness.
Long term medical conditions may cause the body to become numb in the right arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome in the right wrist can cause the arm or hand to become numb. Multiple sclerosis can also lead to numbness, tingling or a lack of sensation in specific types of the body. Those who suffer from migraines or seizures may often feel numbness when an attack begins to take hold. Underactive thyroid glands or diabetes symptoms may include numbness in the limbs due to changes in the circulation that are caused by these conditions.
Treatments of Right Arm Numbness
Right arm numbness can be treated by both home remedies and medical treatments. Given below is the detailed information of these two methods.
If the numbness has been caused by an injury then home care can help relieve the symptoms.
- Gently stretching the arm or moving around can relieve numbness or tingling that is caused by the body being inactive. If the arm frequently becomes numb, set up an exercise routine that elevates the heart rate for at least 20 minutes a day.
- If some portion of the neck or back is swollen and causing your arm to become numb, apply a warm compress to the area and take anti-inflammatory medication to relieve this condition.
- Take any necessary precautions including wrapping the limb to avoid further injury to the area. Do not overwork the arm and get plenty of bed rest to promote healing.
- Those suffering from low blood sugar levels or a vitamin deficiency can adjust their diet to include more of these nutrients. Supplements in calcium, vitamin B12 or others can also be used to balance out this deficiency. If you have recently started a new medication, talk to your doctor to see if a change in your prescription is necessary to avoid this condition.
- Any numbness that comes on suddenly or is accompanied by slurred speech, loss of bladder control, loss of consciousness changes in vision, difficultly moving, weakness throughout the body or paralysis should be taken very seriously. Contact emergency medical services immediately to get help.
- If none of these side effects are present, but the numbness in your arm may have been caused by injury to the head, back or neck you should still make a point of getting immediate medical attention. Remain still until medical professionals can arrive to avoid causing additional injury.
- When the numbness in your arm lasts for a few days or does not appear to have any obvious cause you should contact your doctor to have an examination.
- When this numbness is accompanied by side effects like frequent urination, pain in the neck, arm or fingers, rash, dizziness, spasms or if the numbness becomes worse when you move, then you may be suffering from a more serious condition that will require medical attention.