Right Arm Numbness: Causes, Treatment , and Home Remedies

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Right Arm NumbnessThe numbness in right arm sensation may be brushed off as a temporary annoyance; however, any accompanying symptoms should be noted as they may indicate underlying health conditions.

Right arm numbness can occur in a partial section of the arm or affect the entire length of the arm. We will discuss several causes and actions you can take to help relieve this issue.

 

 

Right Arm Numbness Causes

Your tingling in right arm feeling may be short-lived if caused by pressure such as leaning on the arm for a long period of time. It can be seen in pregnancy, with migraines, and disorders such as multiple sclerosis, cervical disc disease, and Raynaud’s disease.

More serious cases can see a permanent numbness such as with an injury or stroke. Many of these conditions may be the source of your numbness in right arm discomfort; we will examine the related causes and symptoms.

1. Injury

An injury to the nerves in the arm, neck, shoulder, or even the back can cause a numbness sensation to set in the right arm. Injury can include compression of the blood vessels, an infection, or tissue scarring.

Incidents such as frostbite, a herniated disk, or an animal bite may cause damage to the right arm.

2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A common cause of temporary numbness of the right arm is carpal tunnel syndrome. As a specific injury to the median nerve at the wrist region, you may feel tingling and numbness in the lower arm as well as your hand and fingers.

You may also experience pain with this disorder. It is associated with pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, and common with repetitive motion seen with rotation of wrist.

3. Diabetic Neuropathy

Inflammation of nerves from fluctuating blood sugar levels can present numbness.

This is a major symptom of diabetes along with weakness, excessive thirst, and frequent urination.

4. Nutrition Deficiency

We depend on essential nutrients such as vitamins B6, B12, B5, D, and C and pure minerals potassium, calcium, and phosphorous for proper functioning. A shortage of any of these can cause numbness in any part of our body, including the right arm.

5. Toxins

Internal and external exposure to toxins can lead to tingling in right arm discomfort. These toxins range from medications and tobacco to excessive use of alcohol and radiation therapy.

Hidden toxins may be found in seafood or may be the result of insect bites.

6. Stroke

Numbness in the right arm caused by a stroke may be linked to the functions of the left side of the brain in most people. This can affect your concentration and speech.

Please note that for many left-handed people, the right side of the brain controls the language function. Other symptoms may include paralysis, severe headache, or fainting.

A stroke occurs from lack of blood supply due to damaged brain tissue. A precursor to a stroke may be a transient ischemic attack (TIA). This is a partial and temporary blockage of blood supply and numbness is a major symptom.

How to Treat Right Arm Numbness

Right arm tingling or numbness may require specialized treatment depending on the cause and the severity of the symptoms.

In severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery may be required to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

Regular physical therapy sessions can help with numbness or tenderness associated with other nerve injuries. Anti-coagulation therapy or emergency surgery to remove the blood clot may be necessary for TIAs or strokes.

When to Call a Doctor


The accompanying symptoms to seek medical attention for include:

  • Injury to head, neck, or back from an accident
  • Slurred speech
  • Vision issues
  • Mobility difficultly
  • Fainting
  • Muscle spasms
  • Rash
  • Prolonged period of numbness

Home Remedies for Right Arm Numbness

When numbness is caused by an acute injury, nutrient deficiency, or low blood sugar levels, home remedies may be effective for treating this and other minor symptoms.

1. Warm Compress

Use a heated towel, hot water bottle, heating pad, or even a warm-water soaked cloth to treat the nerves and muscle of the affected area. This will promote blood circulation and can be repeated until sensation returns.

2. Elevate Arm

Numbness in right arm caused by poor blood circulation can be addressed by simply elevating the arm above heart level for a few minutes.

3. Stay Active

You can also promote an increase in blood flow to the affected area with regular movement. The numbness may dissipate simply by performing lifting and circular exercises with the right arm. Avoid this problem by not maintaining one position for too long such as leaning the arm on a desk.

Regular moderate exercise daily can hep prevent numbness from reoccurring.

4. Massage

Increase the blood flow to the right arm with a massage to area where numbness has set in.

Use heated oil such as coconut or olive oil directly on arm and press firmly in circular motions to regain proper blood circulation.

5. Epsom Salt

You can treat numbness in right arm by soaking your feet in a bath of Epsom salts as it helps to improve blood circulation throughout the entire body by increasing magnesium levels. Add ½ cup of the salts to warm water and soak whenever you feel the tingling sensation.

6. Turmeric

The anti-inflammatory property of curcumin found in turmeric may increase blood flow to affected areas. Try applying a paste of water and turmeric powder to the area of numbness. If you have these episodes regularly, you can drink a glass of heated milk with one teaspoon of the powder daily.

Be sure to discuss any herbal remedy with your doctor, who will advise you of possible allergic reactions or drug interactions based on your medical history.

There are other home remedies and lifestyle changes to incorporate into your daily or weekly health regimen to improve blood circulation and prevent bouts of numbness in right arm.

7. Vitamin and Mineral Intake

Increase your essential nutrient intake with foods enriched with B vitamins such as eggs, fortified cereals, dairy products, fish, beans, dried fruits, and nuts and seeds.

You can also increase magnesium levels to prevent numbness by enjoying low-fat yogurt, dark-green vegetables, nuts and seeds, bananas, soybeans, fish, and even dark chocolate.

Adding cinnamon to your diet can promote blood flow. You can add it to dishes or drink a glass of warm water mixed with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder daily.

8. Avoid Circulation Stressors

There are foods and daily routines that can hinder proper blood circulation. Avoid processed food, dehydration, and the use of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco products.

Numbness in right arm or a tingling sensation can be cause for concern if it is lasting or accompanied by other symptoms.

There is always a reason for the numbness, whether it is a minor case of holding one position for too long or a pinched nerve. It can be difficult to pinpoint the source as many disorders and serious health conditions carry numbness as symptom.

Take note of all symptoms to properly treat the numbness, and seek immediate medical attention for serious issues such as loss of speech, vision, and mobility.


Article Sources (+)

“Numbness And Tingling,” Medline Plus; https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003206.htm, last accessed March 16, 2017.
“Home Remedies For Numbness In Hands And Feet,” Top 10 Home Remedies; http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-numbness-hands-feet.html, last accessed March 16, 2017.