Urethritis in Men: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
When To See A Doctor About Numbness, Tingling, And Weakness
SOURCES:
Harvard Medical School: "Numbness or Tingling."
Massachusetts General Hospital: "Numbness and tingling."
Mount Sinai Hospital: "Numbness and Tingling."
Mayo Clinic: "Symptoms: Numbness."
Cleveland Clinic: "Numbness: When to Call the Doctor."
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine: "What is cell phone elbow, and what should we tell our patients?"
National Multiple Sclerosis Society: "Numbness or Tingling."
Norton Healthcare: "Ongoing numbness, tingling or weakness could mean a spinal compression in your neck."
What Causes Numbness And Tingling?
Numbness and tingling typically occur due to problems with the nervous or circulatory systems. Numbness and tingling can be temporary, but persistent symptoms may result from a more severe condition, such as a stroke.
Numbness and tingling are types of temporary paresthesia. These sensations can occur after sitting or standing in a particular position or even wearing tight clothing for too long. This puts pressure on nerves and blood vessels, reducing sensation.
Long-term, severe, or disabling numbness and tingling is usually a sign of neurological conditions or nerve damage. The treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
Read on to learn more about what can cause numbness and tingling.
Numerous conditions can cause numbness and tingling.
Multiple sclerosis (MS)Numbness and tingling are some of the most common and early symptoms of MS.
MS often causes mild to severe numbness and tingling on the skin or certain parts of the body, including the:
The numbness and tingling symptoms of MS are rarely disabling or permanent. However, severe numbness can make it difficult for a person to use the numb body part, which may interfere with everyday activities.
For example, numb hands can make holding things, typing, or self-care hard or impossible. If someone has numb feet or legs, walking and driving can be dangerous.
People with numbness and tingling in their face may also mistakenly bite their tongue or inner mouth.
DiabetesPeople with diabetes may experience diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage. It can occur over time as the metabolic effects of diabetes in the bloodstream damage nerves.
One-third to one-half of people with diabetes have peripheral neuropathy, which typically causes numbness and pain in the feet and legs, or less commonly, in the hands and arms.
Peripheral neuropathyAside from diabetes, other conditions can cause peripheral neuropathy.
Vitamin B12 deficiency, or pernicious anemia, can cause nerve damage due to low red blood cell levels and reduced oxygen circulation. This can cause peripheral neuropathy.
Excess alcohol consumption can cause peripheral neuropathy, affecting the hands and feet.
A range of medications can also cause peripheral neuropathy, such as:
StrokeSudden numbness in the arm, leg, or face is an early symptom of stroke.It is most likely to affect one side of the body.
Other symptoms of stroke can include:
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or mini-strokes, can cause numbness and other symptoms of stroke. Symptoms usually only last a few minutes.
Autoimmune encephalitisAutoimmune encephalitis refers to a group of conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain.
Inflammation can cause numbness or weakness in parts of the body or partial paralysis in the arms or legs.
O symptoms of autoimmune encephalitis can vary. Examples include:
Inflammation in the spinal cord can cause a band-like sensation across the torso, as well as weakness in the legs and sometimes arms.
It can also cause pain and bladder or bowel dysfunction.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and fingers. It occurs when the median nerve, a major nerve in the arm, becomes compressed in the space where it travels through the wrist.
Back and neck damageBack and neck injuries can cause nerve damage or compression, resulting in numbness and tingling.
Magnesium deficiencyMagnesium helps regulate many systems in the body, including proper nerve function. Severe magnesium deficiencies, or hypomagnesemia, can cause numbness and tingling.
HypocalcemiaCalcium is vital to proper nerve function and blood flow. Hypocalcemia, or calcium deficiency, can cause numbness and tingling in the fingers.
Panic attacksPanic attacks, or sudden overwhelming periods of fear and anxiety without real danger, can cause a range of symptoms, including numbness or tingling in the hands.
Raynaud's phenomenonRaynaud's phenomenon is a condition that affects blood circulation. It can cause fingers to appear white. It can also cause numbness and pain.
HypothyroidismHypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, happens when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. It can cause numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers as a result of CTS.
Other symptoms of hypothyroidism can include:
Migraine with aura can cause numbness or tingling. Migraine aura refers to symptoms a person might experience before migraine occurs.
Other aura symptoms can include:
Tumors can put pressure on parts of the spinal cord and brain, resulting in numbness and tingling. Tumors in the cerebral cortex (outer region of the brain) tend to cause numbness on one side of the body.
Tumors in and close to the cranial nerves tend to cause facial numbness and weakness. Tumors impacting the spinal cord can cause numbness, usually in both arms and legs.
Different conditions can cause numbness and tingling in different parts of the body.
LegsConditions that can cause tingling in the legs can include:
Learn more about numbness in the legs and feet.
ArmsConditions that can cause tingling and numbness in the arms include:
Learn more about arm numbness.
Hands and feetConditions that can cause tingling in the hands and feet can include:
Learn more about tingling in the hands and feet.
Hands and fingersConditions that can cause tingling in the hands and fingers can include:
Learn more about numbness in the hands.
FaceToothaches and infections can compress facial nerves, causing numbness in the face and mouth.
One side of the bodyConditions that are most likely to cause numbness and tingling on one side of the body include stroke and tumors. The numbness can affect either the right side or the left side of the body.
To diagnose the cause of numbness and tingling, a doctor will likely review a person's medical history, perform a physical examination, and ask questions about symptoms.
They may then order laboratory tests, such as blood tests, to confirm or rule out potential causes.
In some cases, a doctor may request further testing, such as an MRI or other imaging tests. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies can help assess the extent and type of nerve damage, especially when neuropathy causes tingling.
Treatment for numbness and tingling depends on its cause. Treating the underlying condition may help to relieve numbness and tingling.
A person's doctor can advise on a suitable treatment plan and help the individual monitor their symptoms.
In some cases, the doctor may also recommend medication to directly target nerve pain. Example include:
The doctor can advise on what taking the medication involves and answer any questions.
The best way to prevent numbness and tingling depends on the cause.
If numbness and tingling are temporary due to pressure on the nerve, then changing posture or the way a person is sitting can help to relieve symptoms.
Taking steps to address an underlying cause of persistent numbness and tingling can also help.
A person should contact a doctor if numbness or tingling is persistent or occurs without an obvious cause, or if they accompany any of the following symptoms:
People who experience certain symptoms with numbness and tingling may need emergency medical attention. These symptoms include:
Many conditions can cause numbness and tingling. Examples include MS, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, stroke, CTS, and more.
Usually, the severity, frequency, and location of symptoms depend on the cause. They can affect the legs, feet, hands, fingers, arms, or face. Symptoms may also affect just one side of the body.
Although some causes have no cure, many have symptoms that are temporary, painless, or respond to at-home care.
People with unexplained numbness and tingling should contact a doctor as early as possible. The outlook for most conditions associated with numbness and tingling improves with early treatment.
What Could Cause Tingling In The Feet Or Hands?
Tingling in the hands or feet may be due to sitting or sleeping in an unusual position. It may also be a sign of an underlying condition, such as a pinched nerve, a vitamin deficiency, or diabetes complications.
There are many reasons why someone may experience tingling in their feet and hands, most of which are temporary.
Unusual posture may put pressure on a nerve and cause a tingling sensation in the feet or hands. People often refer to this as "pins and needles."
Some causes of tingling in feet or hands are more serious and may require proper diagnosis and treatment.
A lot of causes of tingling sensations are linked to a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This is a type of nerve damage that leads to tingling and numbness in the hands and feet.
Various conditions lead to peripheral neuropathy. It affects an estimated 20 million people in the United States.
The causes of peripheral neuropathy and other reasons that feet or hands may tingle are explored here.
1. Pinched nerveA person may experience tingling in their feet or hands because of a pinched nerve in the back. This may have happened as a result of injury or swelling.
Other symptoms of a pinched nerve include pain and limited movement. Treatment for a pinched nerve can involve:
Surgery is another option if none of these treatments are effective.
2. ToxinsSwallowing something toxic or a toxin being absorbed through the skin may be a cause of tingling in the feet.
Toxins that may cause this include:
Treatment for toxin exposure needs to be carried out urgently and will depend on the substance.
3. AlcoholAlcohol is a toxin and can damage nerve tissue. Drinking too much alcohol may lead to a type of peripheral neuropathy known as alcoholic neuropathy.
This condition can cause pain and tingling in the limbs, hands, and feet. These symptoms happen because the peripheral nerves have been damaged by alcohol.
From 25 to 66 percent of people who are classified as long-term alcoholics experience alcoholic neuropathy, according to a study. Treatments focus on helping the individual reduce or stop their excessive drinking.
4. AnxietyPeople who experience anxiety may hyperventilate, which can cause tingling in the feet.
Hyperventilating is a common symptom of anxiety and is characterized by breathing very rapidly. This causes an imbalance in carbon dioxide and oxygen levels, which may result in the feet tingling.
Tingling in the feet and anxiety may be linked psychologically. This is why, when a person feels anxious, they may be more aware of their bodily sensations.
Anxiety treatments include:
5. PregnancyTingling in the feet is often experienced when someone is pregnant. The uterus may put pressure on the nerves in a person's legs as their baby grows. This may cause tingling, often described as "pins and needles."
Staying hydrated, changing positions, and resting with the feet up can help relieve the sensation.
Someone should see a doctor if:
A doctor can ensure there is nothing else wrong if someone is pregnant and they experience tingling sensations.
6. Repetitive strain injuryRepetitive strain injury or RSI may cause tingling in the hands. RSI happens when a person carries out repetitive activities for too long without rest.
RSI is also known as work-related upper limb disorder. It can be the result of poor posture.
RSI commonly affects:
Other symptoms of RSI may include:
Treatments for RSI include:
There is a selection of cold packs and elastic supports available for purchase online.
7. Vitamin deficiencyDeficiency of vitamins E, B-1, B-6, B-12 or niacin may cause tingling in the hands or feet. These vitamins are vital for nerve function.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency may lead to peripheral neuropathy. Other symptoms include:
Vitamin deficiencies can be treated by eating a more healthful diet or by dietary supplements.
Vitamin B supplements are available for purchase online.
8. Multiple sclerosisMultiple sclerosis or MS is a long-term condition that affects the brain and spinal cord.
Numbness or tingling in the feet is an early symptom of MS, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. People with the condition may experience tingling before diagnosis.
Other symptoms of MS include:
If someone suspects they may have MS, they should speak to their doctor who can help to reach a diagnosis.
Treatments for MS include:
Certain medications may cause tingling in the hands or feet as one of their side effects.
Medications that may cause this symptom include those that treat:
10. InfectionsCertain infections cause nerves to become inflamed. This inflammation may lead to tingling in the hands or feet.
Infections that may cause this include:
Anyone who suspects they may have an infection should speak to a doctor so that they can do the appropriate tests. These often involve a blood test.
A doctor can advise on the best course of treatment once they have diagnosed an infection.
11. Kidney failureTingling in the feet or hands may be a sign of kidney failure. Diabetes and high blood pressure both increase the risk of kidney failure.
Other symptoms of kidney failure include:
Anyone who suspects they may have a problem with their kidneys should speak to their doctor for tests to reach a diagnosis.
Kidney failure can be treated through dialysis or a kidney transplant.
12. Autoimmune diseasesAutoimmune disease may cause tingling in the feet or hands. Autoimmune disease occurs when the body attacks itself.
Autoimmune diseases that may cause tingling include:
To diagnose an autoimmune disease, a doctor may:
Treatments for autoimmune diseases include medication and dietary changes.
13. DiabetesDiabetes causes high blood sugar, which may lead to nerve damage. People with diabetes may experience persistent tingling in the feet as a result. This condition is called diabetic neuropathy.
Other diabetes symptoms include:
Treatments for diabetes include:
Peripheral artery disease or PAD affects the circulatory system, causing blood vessels to become narrower. This may lead to poor circulation, which can cause tingling in the feet or hands.
PAD may result in a stroke or heart attack due to plaque buildup in the arteries if it is left untreated. Treatments include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery.
15. StrokeTingling in the feet or hands may be a sign of a stroke.
Symptoms come on suddenly and may include:
People should call emergency services immediately if they experience one or more of these symptoms.
Treatments for stroke include thrombolytic drugs, which help to treat any blood clots.
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