A burning sensation in the hand can be caused by nerve compression like carpal tunnel, neuropathy, or injury. See a doctor if it persists.
Common causes
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Peripheral neuropathy.
- Diabetes.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Ulnar nerve compression.
- Cervical spine issues.
- Raynaud’s.
Home care
Rest, splint the wrist and avoid repetitive motion.
See a doctor
If burning persists, spreads or comes with weakness.
Emergency
Sudden burning with chest pain. Call 911.
Nerve and circulation causes
A burning hand can result from nerve compression (carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy), peripheral neuropathy (diabetes, alcohol, B12 deficiency), cervical spine nerve root irritation, Raynaud’s, erythromelalgia, or skin problems like eczema and contact dermatitis. Carpal tunnel affects 3 to 6 percent of adults.
- Diabetic neuropathy often causes burning in both hands and feet.
- Nerve root compression in the neck causes burning that runs down the arm.
- Hot flashes, sunburn and chemical exposure can burn skin on the hand.
- Shingles gives burning pain before a one-sided blistering rash.
Care
Rest, wrist splints at night, ergonomic changes and stretching help carpal tunnel. See a doctor for burning that is persistent, associated with weakness, numbness, swelling or skin changes. Check blood glucose, B12 and thyroid levels. Burning with chest pain, sudden weakness or trouble speaking is an emergency, since it may indicate a stroke or heart attack.
Nerve and circulation causes
Burning hands can come from carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, cervical spine problems, diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, Raynaud’s, thyroid disease, or alcohol. Carpal tunnel affects about 3 to 6 percent of adults.
Care
Wrist splints at night, ergonomic changes and treating underlying causes help. See a doctor if burning persists, with weakness, or in both hands.
Carpal tunnel and nerve conditions
The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel and compression causes tingling, burning and numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers, especially at night. Cubital tunnel syndrome affects the ring and little fingers. Cervical radiculopathy can send burning down the arm. Diabetes causes glove-and-stocking neuropathy.
Diagnostics and treatments
Tests include Phalen and Tinel signs, nerve conduction studies and ultrasound. Splinting in neutral position at night helps many, steroid injections give weeks of relief, and surgery has a success rate over 90 percent. Check B12, thyroid and glucose. Burning with swelling, color change and hypersensitivity after injury may be complex regional pain syndrome, which needs early treatment.
Based on data from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
