Numbness in feet and hands may be a mild, temporary condition that can fix on its own or may be alleviated by natural home remedy. Nevertheless, in some cases, numbness can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition for which medical attention may be needed.
Numbness is a broad term to explain an uncommon sensation in any part of the body, however most typically including the hands and feet, sometimes including the limbs. Numbness may also be experienced around the mouth or in practically any part of the body. This numbing sensation may vary from a tingling feeling, pins-and-needles sensation, to a complete absence of sensation or physical reaction to external stimulus. Numbness of the hands and feet might be harmless and temporary, such as when one is exposed to extremely cold temperature levels fingers will feel numb. One can also have episodes of numbness or tingling in the fingers and around the mouth when experiencing attacks of anxiety and even migraines. However, it might also signify a serious condition, such as a nerve damage, which can become progressive and permanent.
Numbness might likewise be associated with burning sensation, acute pains, or weakness of the arm, leg, or facial muscles. Depending upon the cause or condition that causes this symptom, numbness may signify a temporary condition or a serious disease.
Causes of Numbness in Feet and Hands
According to specialists the most common cause of numbness in the hands and feet that results in total absence of capability to feel or respond to an external stimulus is nerve damage. Nevertheless, there are lots of other physical and emotional aspects that can cause a temporary, progressive or a long-term numbness in the hands and feet.
Physical problems
Nutritional deficiencies. A bad diet that lacks vital vitamins like A, B5, B6, B12, and D, and minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus can lead to different symptoms, including numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. To identify if any of these nutritional deficiencies is the cause of numbness, blood tests might be done.
Nerve compression. Numbness is a common sensation, accompanied by heaviness of the arm or leg, after a person sits or stands in the same position for a long period of time. This is caused by extended compression of a nerve, although the tingling or pins-and-needles sensation is often short long lasting and relieved by a change in position. Repeated and extended nerve compression which results in nerve damage can cause a more serious issue that can result in pain and weakness of the hands or feet. Examples include: a) Carpal tunnel syndrome – compression of the nerves of the wrist which frequently happens in people who use computer system keyboards for extended periods, or those who use their hands and wrists repeatedly. b) Herniated disk or slipped disk – involves compression of spinal nerves that causes pain and numbness of the back, legs, and feet. c) Traumatic compression of nerves – Any distressing occasion that may lead to nerve compression and damage can cause numbness and other symptoms in the hands and feet.
Illness that involve nerve damage. There are numerous diseases that can include the nerves and lead to numbness, weakness, paralysis, or pain. These include diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and seizures, according to iytmed.com.
Conditions that result in minimized blood flow. Some conditions that are characterized by low blood perfusion can cause either temporary or permanent numbing of the hands and feet. Low temperature levels can constrict the capillary and cause numbness of the hands, feet, nose, and ears. People who suffer from Raynaud’s syndrome have a problem with circulation which causes them to feel numb when exposed to cold temperature levels.
- More serious conditions include stroke, angina, and peripheral artery disease, where there is a major decrease in blood flow to the brain, heart, or other parts of the body, resulting in weakness, numbness and sometimes, even paralysis.
- Hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid gland can result in a host of symptoms including generalized weakness, tiredness, increased sensitivity to cold and numbness.
- Other conditions can result in numbing of the hands and feet, consisting of various toxins, insect bites viral infections like shingles, alcohol addiction, and radiation therapy.
Emotional or psychological elements
Psychological or psychological factors can likewise cause numbing of the hands and feet. Acute stress and anxiety can often cause one to breathe fast or hyperventilate. Fast, shallow breathing for even a few minutes can cause tingling of the lips, hands, and feet, sometimes related to tightness and even passing out.
Migraines are often preceded by numbness, and this might also be accompanied by heaviness in the neck, around the mouth, the hands, and the feet.
Less typical causes
Less common causes of numbness of the feet and hands include HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and other autoimmune illness like Guillain-Barre syndrome and Sjogren’s syndrome.
Treatment for Numbness in Hands and Feet
Natural home remedy – Numbness that is caused by temporary nerve compression, nutritional shortage, changes in temperature, and other temporary conditions might be treated at home.
- In some cases mild cases of numbness will disappear on its own without treatment.
- A change in body position, stretching and rubbing the afflicted hand or foot will relieve numbness caused by staying in one position for a long time.
- Keeping warm, using a hot compress and some massage can promote blood circulation when one feels numb since of extreme cold.
- For symptoms of nutritional deficiency, improving the diet and taking dietary supplements can also remove tingling sensations.
- For tingling due to anxiety attacks, breathing into a paper bag and relaxing can reduce hyperventilation, stiffness, and numbing of the fingers.
Medical treatments
In some cases, however, numbness may be a symptom of a more serious condition. Treating the underlying condition after appropriate diagnosis may or may not totally ease the numbness in the hands and feet.
- In these conditions, one needs to get treatment that might involve surgical elimination of compression, repair of a nerve or medical management to enhance blood circulation.
- Autoimmune illness, hypothyroidism, infection, and other medical conditions must also be provided proper focus on reduce symptoms, consisting of numbness, weakness, and fatigue.
When to See a Doctor
Numbness may be temporary and mild, however one must seek immediate medical help in these scenarios:
- Failure to move (paralyzed) or severe weakness with numbness
- Trauma to the head, neck, and/or back, with numbness or tingling
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Loss of awareness or confusion
- Slurring of speech, changes in vision, difficulty in walking
- Chest pain
Less immediate, but otherwise important reasons to speak with a doctor include:
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet with no obvious factor and lasts for more than a day
- Frequent urination, which may indicate a spine problem
- Numbness that worsens on walking
- Numbness with nuisance, lower arms or fingers, which may indicate nerve compression
- Presence of a consistent rash, which may be connected to an autoimmune problem
- Numbness accompanied by muscle spasm, dizziness, or other unusual symptoms
- The details in this short article is for academic functions only and is not implied to make up as medical recommendations. Consult your health care company if you are in concerned about your symptoms for more info.
