Have you ever experienced a tingling sensation in your hands and feet? It might feel like pins and needles, or an itch that’s hard to scratch. This type of tingling is called paresthesia, and it can be caused by a variety of different things.
Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. It may be caused by problems with the nerves, blood vessels, or muscles, such as nerve damage, poor circulation, and vitamin deficiencies.
In this blog post, we will go over some of the most common causes of paresthesia in the hands and feet, as well as treatments and prevention tips.
Learn more about the causes of tingling and how to treat it here.
What Causes Tingling in Hands and Feet?
Tingling in the hands or feet can have a wide range of causes. Some of the potential causes are significant, therefore it’s best to see a doctor about it.
Potential causes include diabetes, nerve damage, certain medications, and vitamin deficiencies.
1. Diabetes
Yes, diabetes can cause you to experience tingling in the hands and feet. This is because high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves and decrease circulation, both of which lead to tingling sensations.
Additionally, people with diabetes are at higher risk of developing neuropathy, or nerve damage, which can also cause a tingling feeling in the hands and feet.
It’s important to manage diabetes properly to reduce your risk of complications like neuropathy.
2. Nerve Damage and Compression
Nerve damage or compression is a common cause of tingling in the hands and feet.
This can be caused by a pinched nerve, such as when the nerve is compressed due to surrounding structures, like bones or tendons.
Nerve damage can also occur due to injury, infections, diabetes complications, and autoimmune diseases.
Tingling may also be caused by pressure on the nerves from sitting or standing for long periods.
3. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the nervous system, causing a wide range of symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is tingling in the hands and feet.
This can be caused by damage to the nerves in the limbs, which can lead to reduced sensation or even paralysis.
In some cases, tingling may be accompanied by other symptoms such as muscle weakness, vision problems, or fatigue.
Multiple sclerosis is thought to be an autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues.
The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may play a role.
There is currently no medication that will reverse the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS), however, there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and reduce the progression of the disease.
4. Hypothyroidism
In patients with hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland fails to produce an adequate amount of the hormone thyroxine.
This hormone is responsible for regulating metabolism, so when levels are low, it can cause a host of problems, including fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
One of the less well-known symptoms of hypothyroidism is tingling in the hands and feet.
This tingling sensation is caused by nerve damage that occurs as a result of hormonal imbalance.
The nerves are unable to send signals properly, leading to numbness, tingling, or even pain in extreme cases.
If you’re experiencing this symptom, it’s important to see your doctor so they can run some tests and determine if you have hypothyroidism.
Treatment typically involves taking synthetic thyroid hormone pills to bring levels back to normal. In most cases, this will resolve the tingling symptom as well.
5. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can cause tingling in the hands and feet. The median nerve, which travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, becomes compressed, leading to the syndrome.
Pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and fingers are all signs of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The condition is often caused by repetitive motions of the wrist, such as typing or using a mouse. Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome may include splinting, steroid injections, or surgery.
6. Alcoholism or Drug Use
Alcohol abuse or drug use can also cause tingling in the hands and feet.
This is because alcohol and drugs, particularly stimulants, can affect blood circulation and damage nerve cells, resulting in sensations of tingling.
Quitting these substances is essential for overall health, but it may be necessary to seek medical help to stop using them safely.
7. Certain Medications
Several medications can cause tingling in the hands and feet as a side effect.
These include some blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, certain antidepressants, and certain cancer treatments.
In most cases, the tingling is not severe and goes away once the person stops taking the medication.
However, in some rare cases, the tingling can be severe and persistent.
If you experience any tingling in your hands or feet after starting a new medication, be sure to tell your doctor so they can evaluate whether or not the medication is causing the problem.
8. Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause tingling in the hands and feet.
This is because vitamin B12 plays an essential role in nerve cell health, and a lack of this vitamin can lead to damage to the nerves.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can usually be treated with supplements or injections, and a doctor may recommend eating foods that are rich in vitamin B12 to keep the condition from returning.
9. Other Nutritional Deficiencies
Other nutritional deficiencies, such as folate, iron, calcium, or magnesium, can cause tingling in the hands and feet.
Low levels of these vitamins and minerals can lead to nerve damage and can cause this unpleasant sensation.
It’s important to get nutrient testing to determine which particular nutrient deficiency you may be suffering from.
If you are deficient in a certain vitamin or mineral, your doctor may recommend supplementation with the appropriate nutrient or changes in your diet to help increase your levels.
It is important to speak to your doctor about any tingling or numbness that you are experiencing in your hands and feet. Your doctor will be able to help determine the cause and provide treatment if necessary.
Treatment Options
There are many possible causes of tingling in the hands and feet, so it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause. Depending on what’s causing the problem, there may be several ways to treat it.
For example, if tingling is caused by diabetes, treatment will focus on managing blood sugar levels. If nerve damage is causing tingling, treatment may include physical therapy, medication, or surgery.
Again, treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause. If you are experiencing tingling in your hands and feet, see a doctor to determine the cause and he or she can start the appropriate treatment.
Prevention
There are many things you can do to prevent tingling in your hands and feet. Here are a few tips:
- Exercise regularly: Doing so will promote better blood flow and maintain healthy nerves.
- Eat a healthy diet: This will help your body get the nutrients it needs to function properly.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking can damage your blood vessels and nerves, which can lead to tingling in your extremities.
- Get enough sleep: This will help your body and nervous system to rest and recover from the day’s activities.
- Manage stress levels: Stress can worsen tingling sensations in your hands and feet, so it’s important to find ways to relax and reduce stress in your life.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Wearing shoes that are too tight or ill-fitting can put pressure on your nerves and cause tingling. Make sure to wear well-fitted shoes with plenty of room for your toes.
- Check your medications: Many medications can cause tingling in the hands and feet as a side effect, so speak to your doctor if you think this might be the case.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These substances can increase your risk of tingling in your hands and feet.
See a doctor if you experience any other symptoms or if the tingling persists for more than a few days.
Many different things can cause tingling in the hands and feet, but there are some steps you can take to prevent it from occurring.
By exercising regularly, eating healthy, managing stress levels, wearing comfortable shoes, avoiding certain substances, and checking your medications, you can help reduce the risk of tingling in your extremities.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience any tingling in your hands or feet, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Tingling can be a symptom of many different conditions, some of which can be serious.
Your doctor will be able to determine the cause of your tingling and provide treatment if necessary. They may also recommend lifestyle changes or physical therapy to help prevent further episodes of tingling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a variety of reasons from minor to serious can cause tingling in the hand and feet.
It is important to consult your doctor if you experience any kind of tingling sensation as it could indicate an underlying condition that needs medical attention.
Make sure you keep track of when and where the tingling occurs, as this will help your healthcare provider diagnose the issue accurately.
With proper diagnosis and treatment, many causes for tingling can be corrected so that you don’t have to worry about feeling uncomfortable sensations in your hands or feet anymore.
