Those who have experienced tingling or numbness in their extremities can attest to how disruptive and uncomfortable these sensations can be. Often described as a “pins and needles” feeling, persistent tingling or numbness should not be ignored, especially when combined with chronic pain. Finding out the cause of the symptom is critical because tingling and numbness can often be an early warning sign of emerging health conditions. 

If you’ve ever experienced tingling or numbness in your hands and feet or are currently dealing with the symptom, don’t panic. Not all tingling is a precursor to a severe health problem. For example, a “pins and needles” feeling upon waking or sitting is often caused by restricted blood flow and is typically temporary. The feeling will usually subside within a few minutes after getting moving. The sensation can also indicate a vitamin deficiency, which can be easily remedied if caught early. 

Regardless, frequent and unexplainable tingling and numbness should be closely monitored and brought to the attention of your primary care physician or pain care specialist.

What Causes Tingling or Numb Hands and Feet?

As discussed, various underlying health conditions can cause an individual’s digits to tingle or go numb. Just as there are many potential causes, the sensation can often vary in frequency, strength and location–all of which can be used by your doctor for a diagnosis. The Mayo Clinic even offers an online tool to help people assess their sympotoms and narrow down a list of potential causes. 

Most patients experience numbness in extremities due to peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage. Because of these damaged peripheral nerves, the brain receives incorrect signals, making it believe you are in pain – even when nothing is causing it. The causes of peripheral neuropathy and other reasons that feet or hands may tingle can include: 

• Pinched nerve
• Alcohol Consumption 
• Toxin Exposure (arsenic, thallium, mercury, antifreeze)
• Diabetes
• Infections (Lyme disease, shingles, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis, HIV)
• Autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
• Vitamin Deficiencies

Further, tingling or numbness in hands and feet can also occur during pregnancy due to outward pressure on the spine. Anxiety and new medications can also occasionally trigger this symptom.  

Why Tingling and Numbness Matter

By itself, occasional numbness in one’s extremities may not be serious because of the variety of potential causes. However, when numbness is combined with pain, it can indicate problematic health concerns like carpal tunnel syndrome or a more extreme health issue, like a blood clot or autoimmune disease.

Key Point: Don’t ignore tingling extremities or Digits

If you are experiencing persistent discomfort caused by tingling or numbness in your hands and feet – contact our team. Our expert health and wellness team can help guide you towards a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan to help you find relief. 

Patients visiting our Jacksonville practice can rest assured they are receiving the best possible care for assessing and treating foot or hand tingling and numbness, with physician guided therapies, like osteopathic manipulation, massage therapy, pain managment and even B12 shots. 

When walking through our doors, you can expect friendly, knowledgable and compassionate care, plus dependable access to your doctor. Request an appointment today or call us at 904-724-5767.