Top 5 Causes of Numbness in Hands and Feet You Should Recognize
Experiencing tingling in your hands and feet can be caused by various factors, from nerve compression and vitamin deficiencies to diabetes and thyroid issues. Accurate diagnosis through medical testing is crucial for proper treatment. Recognizing the signs and understanding common causes can help in early intervention and relief. Seek medical attention if numbness persists or worsens to prevent possible complications and ensure optimal nerve health.
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Feeling tingling or numbness in your hands and feet occasionally is common. Usually, this occurs due to maintaining the same posture for long periods, such as sleeping awkwardly or crossing legs for extended times. Blood flow slows, causing temporary numbness that subsides with movement. But if these sensations are frequent or persistent, seeking medical advice is essential. Doctors may recommend blood tests, EMG, CT scans, or MRI to identify underlying issues.
Test outcomes can reveal if the symptoms are harmless or linked to more serious concerns. Here are common reasons for tingling in extremities:
Common causes include:
Compressed nerves: Pinched nerves in the neck or back, often due to arthritis, injury, or poor posture, can cause numbness and tingling in the limbs. Pain may radiate from the spine to the extremities.
Vitamin shortages: Deficiencies in vitamins B1, B6, B12, E, and niacin are vital for nerve health. Lack of these can lead to numbness, fatigue, and anemia. Excess B6 intake may also induce tingling sensations.
Value of diagnosis is high, with tests confirming whether symptoms are benign or indicate serious conditions. Additional causes include:
Diabetes: High blood sugar damages nerves, causing tingling originating in the feet and potentially spreading upward to the hands and arms in insulin-resistant or diabetic individuals.
Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid results in symptoms like dry skin, weight gain, fatigue, and tingling sensations.
Alcohol abuse: Excess alcohol intake can injure nerves and lead to deficiencies in vital vitamins like thiamin, contributing to numbness and tingling symptoms.
