All The Possible Causes Of Tingling Feet

Today's post from medicalnewstoday.com (see link below) is one for those people experiencing strange symptoms in their feet or legs for the first time. You may have heard of neuropathy (nerve damage) and may assume that the tingling is the first sign of nerve damage but there are many other possibilities too. This article goes through the various possible causes of these strange new symptoms and reinforces the need to go to a doctor and get it checked out. Treatment is a whole other ball game but first it needs to be established what's wrong with you and (hopefully discovering) what's behind it. Once you have a diagnosis, then you can proceed further but it's risky to jump to conclusions. If it turns out that you have neuropathy then you can look further on this blog for all the options open to you but until you know that for sure, getting tested is the wisest option.

What could cause tingling in the feet or hands?
Last reviewed Fri 6 April 2018 By Lana Burgess Reviewed by Seunggu Han, MD

Most people feel tingling in their feet or hands occasionally. Tingling in the feet or hands may feel unpleasant, but the cause is not usually serious. However, If the feet or hands tingle often, this may be the result of an underlying condition.

There are many reasons why someone may experience tingling in their feet and hands, most of which are temporary.

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

Surgery is another option if none of these treatments are effective.


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

Treatment for toxin exposure needs to be carried out urgently and will depend on the substance. 

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

A doctor can ensure there is nothing else wrong if someone is pregnant and they experience tingling sensations.


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

Other symptoms of RSI may include:
pain
aching
tenderness
stiffness
throbbing
weakness
cramp

Treatments for RSI include:
anti-inflammatory drugs
cold packs
elastic supports

There is a selection of cold packs and elastic supports available for purchase online. 

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:
dizziness
shortness of breath
fatigue
headache
digestive problems
chest pain
nausea
enlarged liver

Vitamin deficiencies can be treated by eating a more healthful diet or by dietary supplements.

Vitamin B supplements are available for purchase online.

What is peripheral neuropathy?
Nerve damage caused by peripheral neuropathy may be the cause of tingling sensations. Learn more about it here.
Read now 
 
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

If someone suspects they may have MS, they should speak to their doctor who can help to reach a diagnosis.

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

Anyone who suspects they may have an infection should speak to a doctor so that they can do the appropriate tests. These often involve a blood test.

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

Anyone who suspects they may have a problem with their kidneys should speak to their doctor for tests to reach a diagnosis.

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:
lupus
celiac disease
rheumatoid arthritis

To diagnose an autoimmune disease, a doctor may:
ask about medical and family history
carry out a physical examination
run blood tests

Treatments for autoimmune diseases include medication and dietary changes. 

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

Treatments for diabetes include:
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

People should call emergency services immediately if they experience one or more of these symptoms.

Treatments for stroke include thrombolytic drugs, which help to treat any blood clots.
Takeaway and visiting a doctor

People who experience tingling in their feet or hands regularly should speak to their doctor. They should also tell their doctor about any related symptoms. The doctor can help reach a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

People should call emergency services without delay if they suspect they or someone else may be having a stroke.

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