Discover the causes, symptoms and treatment options for numbness of hands and feet, to recover sensitivity and improve your quality of life.

The numbness of hands and feet is a frequent medical problem that may be due to various factors. This feeling of numbness, also known as paresthesia, is characterized by a feeling of “pins and needles”, a sensation of tingling or a total loss of sensitivity in the affected areas. Although the occasional numbness of hands and feet is usually harmless and temporary, persistent or recurring numbness may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires attention.

To determine the cause of the numbness of hands and feet, it is important to take into account a series of possible factors. One of the most common causes is compression or nerve damage. A conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathy can press the nerves of the wrists or feet and cause numbness. In addition, vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin B12, can also damage nerves and cause numbness symptoms. Other possible causes are poor circulation, diabetes, hypothyroidism and even certain medications.

Contents

1. Important Information:
2. Understanding Numbness: Causes and Symptoms
3. Comparing Peripheral Neuropathy and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
4. A Common Condition: Peripheral Neuropathy
5. Numbness as a Sign of Nerve Compression
6. Uncovering the Underlying Causes: Diabetes and Numbness
7. The Role of Circulation: Poor Blood Flow and Numb Hands and Feet
8. Beyond Physical Causes: Psychological Factors and Numbness
9. Seeking Relief: Treatment Options for Numb Hands and Feet

Important Information:

• The numbness of hands and feet can be attributed to various factors, such as compression or nerve damage, vitamin deficiencies, poor circulation and certain medical conditions.
• It is important to consult a health professional if the numbness of hands and feet persists or worsens, since it can indicate an underlying condition that requires diagnosis and treatment.

If you experience numbness of hands and feet, it is recommended to go to the doctor. A healthcare professional can evaluate their symptoms, your medical history and perform the necessary tests or exams to determine the underlying cause. Treatment options will depend on the specific cause of numbness and may include changes in lifestyle, physiotherapy, pain control or medication techniques. Precocious diagnosis and intervention can help prevent subsequent complications and improve their general wel l-being.

Understanding Numbness: Causes and Symptoms

A possible cause of the numbness of hands and feet is peripheral neuropathy. This condition occurs when there are damage or dysfunctions in the peripheral nerves, which transmit information between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. Peripheral neuropathy may be due to several factors, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases and certain medications. The usual symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are numbness, tingling, muscle weakness and loss of coordination.

• Peripheral neuropathy is a potential cause for numbness of hands and feet.
• The damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves can cause this condition.
• Factors such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases and certain medications can contribute to peripheral neuropathy.
• The typical symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are numbness, tingling, muscle weakness and loss of coordination.

“Peripheral neuropathy is a frequent condition that can cause numbness in hands and feet. It is important to identify and treat the underlying cause to effectively control symptoms and prevent subsequent complications.”

Another possible cause of the numbness of hands and feet is the carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition occurs when the median nerve, which goes from the forearm to hand, is compressed or restricted in the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome may be due to repetitive movements of the hand and wrist, arthritis, hormonal changes or structural anomalies. In addition to numbness, people with carpal tunnel syndrome can experience pain, weakness and a sensation of tingling that radiates from the wrist to the fingers.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness in hands and fingers.
• The compression or restriction of the median nerve on the wrist is the main cause of this condition.
• Repetitive movements of the hand and wrist, arthritis, hormonal changes and structural anomalies can contribute to the carpal tunnel syndrome.
• In addition to numbness, people with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience pain, weakness and sensation of tingling in hand and affected fingers.

Comparing Peripheral Neuropathy and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A Common Condition: Peripheral Neuropathy

Unlike the generic numbness of hands and feet, peripheral neuropathy implies specific sensations caused by nerve lesions. This condition can be caused by various factors, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, infections, exposure to toxins and certain medications. The severity and progression of peripheral neuropathy may vary greatly: some people experience mild symptoms and others suffer from weakening discomfort.

Peripheral neuropathy is a neurological condition characterized by damage or dysfunction of peripheral nerves.

When peripheral nerves are damaged, they do not transmit sensory information effectively, which causes numbness or tingling in the limbs. In addition, people with peripheral neuropathy may experience weakness, muscle cramps and even acute and sharp pain. These symptoms can significantly affect a person’s quality of life and interfere with their ability to perform daily activities.

1. Peripheral nerves damage may be due to several causes, including
1. Diabetes: The lack of control of blood sugar levels over time can cause nerve damage.
2. Vitamin deficiencies – insufficient intake of certain vitamins, such as group B, can cause neuropathy.
3. Infections – Certain viral or bacterial infections can damage peripheral nerves.
4. Exposure to toxins – Chemical substances, such as those found in certain medications or industrial substances, can be toxic to the nerves.
2. The diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy usually includes:
• Evaluation of the medical history to identify possible underlying causes.
• Physical examination to evaluate symptoms and assess the nerve function.
• Electromyography (EMG) and nerve driving studies to measure nerve signals and detect anomalies.

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy	Cause
Numbness or tingling in hands and feet	Diabetes, vitamin deficiencies
Muscle weakness and cramps	Infections, exposure to toxins
Acute and sharp pain	Diverse causes

Numbness as a Sign of Nerve Compression

A frequent condition that can cause nerve compression is carpal tunnel syndrome (STC). The STC is characterized by the compression of the median nerve on the wrist, which causes symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the hand. This condition is usually due to repetitive movements of the hand or the prolonged use of the keyboard or the mouse of the computer. In addition, certain medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid dysfunction can also contribute to nerve compression and the consequent numbness.

Important information:

1. The numbness of hands and feet can be a sign of nerve compression.
2. A conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and underlying diseases can cause nervous compression.

Cause	Symptoms	Treatment
Repetitive movements	Numbness, tingling, weakness	Rest, physiotherapy, ergonomic adjustments
Injury	Numbness, pain, difficulty of movement	Medical evaluation, immobilization, rehabilitation
Underlying diseases	Numbness, tingling, weakness	Treatment adapted to the specific condition

To determine the underlying cause of the numbness of hands or feet, it is essential to undergo a medical evaluation. Once the diagnosis is made, the appropriate treatment plan can be applied to relieve nerve compression and mitigate associated symptoms. Treatment options may include rest, physiotherapy, ergonomic adjustments, medical interventions or surgical procedures, depending on the severity and the underlying cause of nerve compression.

Uncovering the Underlying Causes: Diabetes and Numbness

Diabetic neuropathy is a frequent complication of diabetes that affects nerves. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, causing a loss of sensitivity in the limbs. Numbness or tingling sensation is usually the initial signs of diabetic neuropathy and, if not, it can evolve more serious symptoms such as acute pain or burning, muscle weakness and even loss of coordination.

• Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes high blood sugar levels.
• Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes that affects nerves.
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet can be an early sign of diabetic neuropathy.
• If not, diabetic neuropathy can evolve more serious symptoms.

“Patients with diabetes should be aware of the possible complications that affect their nerves, since precocity detection and treatment can significantly improve the results.”

It is essential that people with diabetes regularly control their blood sugar levels and keep them within the desired limits to minimize the risk of developing neuropathy. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can also help control and prevent complications associated with diabetes. In addition, consulting a health professional and following their advice is crucial to discover and address the underlying causes of numbness, such as diabetic neuropathy.

1. Regularly control blood sugar levels to minimize the risk of developing neuropathy.
2. Adopt a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to control and prevent complications.
3. Consult a healthcare professional to adequately and treat diabetes related numbness.

Key points:
Diabetes can cause numbness in hands and feet.
Diabetic neuropathy is a frequent complication of diabetes that affects nerves.
The early detection and treatment of diabetic neuropathy can improve the results.

The Role of Circulation: Poor Blood Flow and Numb Hands and Feet

The numbness of the limbs, such as hands and feet, is usually associated with an interruption of blood irrigation in these areas. The feeling of numbness occurs when there is an inappropriate blood flow or a nerve injury, which prevents the nerves from transmitting the signals correctly. This lack of sensitivity can lead to a sensation of tingling or punctures, which makes it difficult to carry out daily tasks or the maintenance of balance.

Causes of the lack of blood irrigation and numbness of hands and feet:

1. Atherosclerosis: disease characterized by the accumulation of plaque inside the arteries, which restricts blood flow.
2. Peripheral arterial disease (EAP): narrowing of arteries that supply blood to the limbs.
3. Diabetes: high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and affect circulation.
4. Raynaud’s disease: disorder that causes the blood vessels of the limbs to contraify excessively in response to cold or stress.

It is crucial to identify and treat the underlying cause of poor blood circulation and numbness of hands and feet. Going to the doctor to receive adequate diagnosis and treatment is essential to avoid subsequent complications.

Beyond Physical Causes: Psychological Factors and Numbness

Psychological factors can contribute to numbness in multiple ways. For example, chronic stress and anxiety can tighten muscles, which can compress nerves and restrict blood flow, causing numbness. In addition, prolonged psychological anguish can trigger the release of stress hormones, which can affect nerve sensitivity and cause abnormal sensations. In addition, people who have suffered traumas or suffer from psychological disorders such as depression or pos t-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be more likely to develop psychogenic numbness as an coping mechanism.

Psychological anguish, chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to numbness of hands and feet.

• Chronic stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension, which can compress nerves and restrict blood flow, causing numbness.
• Prolonged psychological anguish can affect nerve sensitivity and cause abnormal sensations.
• People with a history of trauma or psychological disorders may be more likely to develop psychogenic numbness.

Seeking Relief: Treatment Options for Numb Hands and Feet

One of the initial steps in the treatment of numbness of hands and feet is to address any underlying medical condition that may be causing the symptom. A conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy or carpal tunnel syndrome can contribute to numbness. If these conditions are present, it is important to work with a healthcare professional to control them and treat them effectively.

1. Physiotherapy: An effective treatment option for hands and feet numbness is physiotherapy. A qualified therapist can provide exercises and stretching that help improve nerve function and circulation. These exercises may include soft massages, movement amplitude exercises and strength training. Physiotherapy can help reduce numbness and restore normal sensitivity.

2. Medicines: Another modality of numbness treatment is medication. Depending on the underlying cause, the doctor can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms and improve nervous function. These medications may include analgesics, ant i-inflammatories or drugs aimed specifically to nervous pain. However, it is important to consult with a medical professional before starting any medication regime.

3. Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that consists of the insertion of fine needles into specific points of the body. It is believed that this practice stimulates the natural healing processes of the body and improves nerve function. Some people may find numbness relief through regular acupuncture sessions. However, it is essential to consult an acupuncturer entitled before undergoing this treatment.

• In summary, to relieve the numbness of hands and feet you have to address any underlying medical condition and explore various treatment options. Physiotherapy, medicines and acupuncture are just some examples of approaches that can be adopted to relieve numbness and improve sensitivity. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for its specific situation.
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Author of the article



Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont