10 Causes of Tingling Hands and Feet Which Everyone Should Know
Tingling in the hands and feet is a common symptom among people of all ages. In most cases, numbness in feet and hands is caused by harmless things, but sometimes it can be provoked by certain dangerous conditions. In most cases, tingling in the hands and feet occurs due to impaired blood circulation or nerve damage. However, before starting any treatment consult your family doctor to get a proper diagnosis in order not to miss possible systemic disorders.
What are the causes of tingling in hands and feet?
1. Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that is characterized by damage to the nerves outside of the spinal cord and brain. This disorder often occurs with age. According to experts, peripheral neuropathy affects up to 20 million Americans and most of them are elderly. If you also experience sharp or burning pain, lack of coordination and muscle weakness in your feet consult your foot doctor.
2. Type two diabetes
Often numbness and tingling in the limbs are one of the first symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, which occurs when blood sugar levels are too high for too long. This condition is also accompanied by burning and pain the hands and feet.
3. Vitamin deficiency
E, B1, B6, B12, and P vitamins are necessary for the proper function of the nervous system. A lack of B12 may be one of the causes of peripheral neuropathy. However, an excess of vitamin B6 can also cause tingling in the hands and feet.
4. Alcohol abuse
Alcohol abusers often suffer from vitamin deficiency caused by an unhealthy diet. In addition, alcohol consumption can cause damage to peripheral nerves which is also called alcoholic neuropathy.
5. Certain infections
Numbness and tingling in the limbs can be a symptom of Lyme disease, chickenpox, herpes simplex, herpes zoster or viral (Epstein-Barr), and HIV or AIDS.
6. Toxin poisoning
In some cases, tingling in the hands and feet can be provoked by poisoning by salts of heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury, thallium, and certain industrial chemicals.
However, some medications may also cause tingling in the limbs, for example, some herbal medicines, chemotherapy drugs for lung cancer, as well as some antiviral agents and antibiotics.
7. Certain diseases
Such autoimmune diseases as lupus, hypothyroidism, cancers, blood diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis can also be accompanied by tingling in the hands and feet.
8. Inherited disorders
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is an inherited disorder that damages the peripheral nerves. People with this condition usually experience numbness in the feet, hands, and arms, very or highly arched feet, and muscle weakness.
9. Injuries or excessive physical exertion
Sometimes injuries or excessive physical exertion may cause a pinched nerve in the back which is accompanied by pain, decreased range of motion, and tingling in the feet. Treatment for a pinched nerve involves physical therapy, medication, rest, and less frequently, surgery.
10. Smoking
Nicotine reduces the blood flow, worsens nerve problems, and increases circulation problems which may result in tingling in the hands and feet. In addition, smoking can impair skin wound healing due to impaired blood flow.
If you have regular tinging in the hands and feet, consult a therapist. You may require certain blood tests, electromyograms, and cerebrospinal fluid research which will help identify antibodies associated with peripheral neuropathy. Depending on the results, your doctor will plan the most appropriate treatment.
