Tingling sensation in hands and feet can be entirely bothersome for anyone. Very often this experience is temporary which is felt as the result of nervous pressure. It can happen while you are asleep keeping your arm under the head. Similarly it can occur when you keep the legs in crossed position for long time. Tingling in Hands and Feet do not pose any pain and can easily be relieved if you remove the pressure causing element.
Sometimes, tingling sensation can be chronic or severe. If you experience pain and itching sensation along with tingling sensation, then it can be indicative of serious nervous disorder. Peripheral neuropathy is the condition in which the nerves get partially or fully damaged causing immobility. Pressure on the nerves can occur due to bacterial infection, trauma or injury, exposure to toxic substances and systemic diseases.
It is vital for you to seek immediate medical advice if you experience tingling in hands or feet with pain and itching sensation.
Causes :
There are variety of causes for tingling or numbness in hands and feet. Sitting in the same position for long period, nerve injury, pressure on the nerves, Shingles and reduction of blood supply to extremities are some of the major reasons for tingling. Certain medical conditions like diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Stroke, nervous weakness, migraine, thyroid problem and Reynaud’s syndrome can cause this problem.
People who are exposed to radiation therapy for cancer are under the risk of getting tingling in hands and feet. Prolonged habit of drinking can also trigger nervous weakness. Lack of nutrients like vitamin B12 and increase in the potassium or calcium levels in the body can bring tingling sensation. Autoimmune disorders like lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Guillain Barre Syndrome can cause tingling in hands and feet.
Insect bite and animal bites can also trigger this sensation in many people. Consumption of certain toxic foods may cause tingling feeling in hands or feet.
Symptoms :
There would be mild to severe tingling sensation felt on the hands and legs. The symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the disease that causes it. It may or may not be associated with pain and itching sensation.
Diagnoses :
Your doctor will first collect medical history of the affected person and perform blood test profile and tests like electromyogram and nerve conduction velocity for identifying the root cause. If needed, he would do a nerve biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging test on the affected area.
Treatment :
Finding the right cause of the problem is the first step for treating tingling sensation. If the problem is caused due to peripheral neuropathy or diabetes then controlling the blood sugar level is the best treatment available.
Medications will be given for managing nervous disorders and adding supplementary vitamins in your diet can help you to overcome the problem. Further, you need to make lifestyle modifications by quitting smoking and drinking and reducing your weight. Watch your diet and practice exercise regularly.
In case the tingling sensation is due to toxic exposure or intake, you should avoid the environment and change your food habit.
For people who are getting this problem by the intake of medicines, your doctor will find suitable alternative for managing it. Numbness and tingling sensation can also land you up in accident or injury.
For mild and rare phenomenon of tingling in hands and feet, you can manage it by reducing the pressure on the nerves.
Your doctor will help you out in finding the root cause of the issue so that tingling sensation gradually disappears.
