If a person sits or sleeps in an unusual position, it 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.
Possible causes of tingling
Peripheral neuropathy has a number of causes.
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 nerve
A 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:
- rest
- medication
- physical therapy
2. Toxins
Swallowing 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:
- arsenic
- thallium
- mercury
- antifreeze
3. Alcohol
Alcohol 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. Anxiety
People 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:
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- talking therapy
- anti-anxiety medication
- well-being activities, such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness
5. Pregnancy
Tingling in the feet is common for people who are pregnant.
Tingling 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:
- tingling in the feet fails to go away
- the limbs feel weak
- feet or limbs swell up
6. Repetitive strain injury
Repetitive 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:
- wrists and hands
- forearms and elbows
- neck and shoulders
- pain
- aching
- tenderness
- stiffness
- throbbing
- weakness
- cramp
- anti-inflammatory drugs
- cold packs
- elastic supports
7. Vitamin deficiency
Deficiency 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.
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8. Multiple sclerosis
Multiple 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:
- vision problems
- pains
- spasms
- fatigue
- dizziness
- trouble balancing
- bladder issues
- sexual dysfunction
- cognitive issues
Treatments for MS include:
- short courses of steroid medication
- symptom-specific treatments
- disease-modifying therapies
9. Medication
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:
- cancer
- AIDS
- HIV
- seizures
- heart conditions
- high blood pressure
10. Infections
Certain infections cause nerves to become inflamed. This inflammation may lead to tingling in the hands or feet.Infections that may cause this include:
- HIV
- AIDS
- hepatitis B and C
- leprosy
- shingles
- Lyme disease
A doctor can advise on the best course of treatment once they have diagnosed an infection.
11. Kidney failure
Tingling 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:
- cramping
- muscle twitches
- muscle weakness
Kidney failure can be treated through dialysis or a kidney transplant.
12. Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune 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:
- ask about medical and family history
- carry out a physical examination
- run blood tests
13. Diabetes
Insulin may be used to treat diabetes.
Diabetes 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:
- feeling very thirsty
- urinating frequently
- increased hunger
- fatigue
- blurred vision
- slow healing cuts
- unexplained weight loss
- medication, including insulin, to control blood sugar
- dietary changes
- exercise
14. Peripheral artery disease
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. Stroke
Tingling in the feet or hands may be a sign of a stroke.Symptoms come on suddenly and may include:
- numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side
- confusion
- trouble speaking
- trouble understanding
- blurred vision
- trouble walking
- dizziness
- loss of balance
- loss of coordination
Treatments for stroke include thrombolytic drugs, which help to treat any blood clots.
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