Sensory loss; Paresthesias; Tingling and numbness; Loss of sensation; Pins and needles sensation Numbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or legs. The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves. There are many possible causes of numbness and tingling, including: Numbness and tingling can be caused by other medical conditions, including: Home CareYour health care provider should find and treat the cause of your numbness or tingling. Treating the condition may make the symptoms go away or stop them from getting worse. For example, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome or low back pain, your doctor may recommend certain exercises. If you have diabetes, your provider will discuss ways to control your blood sugar level. Low levels of vitamins will be treated with vitamin supplements. Medicines that cause numbness or tingling may need to be switched or changed. DO NOT change or stop taking any of your medicines or take large doses of any vitamins or supplements until you have talked with your provider. Because numbness can cause a decrease in feeling, you may be more likely to accidentally injure a numb hand or foot. Take care to protect the area from cuts, bumps, bruises, burns, or other injuries. If you have chronic numbness of the feet (such as from diabetes), seeing a podiatrist regularly can help prevent complications. When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalGo to a hospital or call your local emergency number (such as 911) if:
Call your provider if:
What to Expect at Your Office VisitYour provider will take a medical history and perform a physical examination, carefully checking your nervous system. You will be asked about your symptoms. Questions may include when the problem began, its location, or if there's anything that improves or worsens the symptoms. Your provider may also ask questions to determine your risk for stroke, thyroid disease, or diabetes, as well as questions about your work habits and medicines. Blood tests that may be ordered include:
Imaging tests may include:
Other tests that may be done include:
ReferencesMcGee S. Examination of the sensory system. In: McGee S, ed. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 62. Snow DC, Bunney BE. Peripheral nerve disorders. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 97. Swartz MH. The nervous system. In: Swartz MH, ed. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 21. Version InfoLast reviewed on: 5/4/2021 Reviewed by: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. What are the warning signs of neuropathy?Early signs of neuropathy. Touch and hot/cold hypersensitivity.. Sensation of wearing a tight glove or sock.. Restless leg syndrome.. Itchy or burning skin.. Pins-and-needles sensation.. Tingling.. Numbness.. Sexual dysfunction.. What diseases start with tingling in hands and feet?These include Lyme disease, shingles (varicella zoster), cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr, herpes simplex, and HIV and AIDS. Autoimmune diseases. These include chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Can heart problems cause numbness in hands and feet?1. Heart attack. Share on Pinterest A heart attack may cause tingling and numbness in one hand. If a person is experiencing a suspected heart attack, they or someone near them should seek emergency medical help.
What triggers neuropathy?Nutritional or vitamin imbalances, alcoholism, and exposure to toxins can damage nerves and cause neuropathy. Vitamin B12 deficiency and excess vitamin B6 are the best known vitamin-related causes. Several medications have been shown to occasionally cause neuropathy.
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