Tingling in the hands or feet may be due to sitting or sleeping in an unusual position. It may also be a sign of an underlying condition, such as a pinched nerve, a vitamin deficiency, or diabetes complications.
There are many reasons why someone may experience tingling in their feet and hands, most of which are temporary.
Unusual posture 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.
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
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 cause 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
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.
Studies have shown that up to 66% of people who are classified as long-term alcoholics experience alcoholic neuropathy. Treatments focus on helping the individual reduce or stop their excessive drinking.
4. Anxiety
People who experience anxiety may hyperventilate, which
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
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- talking therapy
- anti-anxiety medication
- well-being activities, such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness
5. Pregnancy
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
- shoulders
Other symptoms of RSI may include:
- pain
- aching
- stiffness
- throbbing
- weakness
- cramp
Treatments for RSI include anti-inflammatory drugs and cold packs.
7. Vitamin deficiency
Deficiency of vitamins E, B-1, B-12, or niacin may cause tingling in the hands or feet. This can also happen with vitamin B-6 toxicity. These vitamins are vital for nerve function.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency may lead to peripheral neuropathy. Other symptoms
Vitamin deficiencies
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.
This tingling can be attributed to demyelination in the brain and spinal cord, which is the breakdown of the protective covering of nerve fibers. This leads to disruptions in nerve signal transmission.
Other symptoms of MS include:
- vision problems
- muscle stiffness and spasms
- fatigue
- trouble balancing
- bladder issues
- sexual dysfunction
- cognitive issues
If someone suspects they may have MS, they should speak with their doctor, who can help them reach a diagnosis.
Treatments for MS include:
- short courses of steroid medication
- symptom-specific treatments
- disease-modifying therapies
9. Medication
Certain medications
Medications that may cause this symptom include those that treat:
10. Infections
Certain infections cause nerves to become inflamed. This inflammation may lead to tingling in the hands or feet.
Infections that
- HIV and AIDS
- hepatitis B and C
- Hansen’s disease (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
Other symptoms of kidney failure include muscle cramps, itchy skin, and swollen ankles, feet, or hands.
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
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
Treatments for autoimmune diseases include medication and dietary changes.
13. Diabetes
Diabetes causes high blood sugar, which
Other diabetes symptoms include:
- feeling very thirsty
- urinating frequently
- fatigue
- blurred vision
- slow healing cuts
- unexplained weight loss
Treatments for diabetes include:
It’s reported that
14. Peripheral artery disease
Peripheral artery disease or PAD affects the circulatory system, causing blood vessels to become narrower. This
PAD may result in a stroke or heart attack due to plaque buildup in the arteries if it is left untreated. Treatments
15. Stroke
Tingling in the feet or hands may be a sign of a stroke.
Symptoms come on suddenly and
- 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
Below are some commonly asked questions about tingling in the hands and feet.
What is tingling in the hands and feet a symptom of?
Tingling in the hands and feet can be a symptom of many conditions, such as:
- alcoholic neuropathy
- anxiety
- pregnancy
- repetitive strain injury
- vitamin b12 deficiency
- multiple sclerosis
What deficiency causes tingling in the hands and feet?
Several vitamin deficiencies
A lack of B vitamins, in particular,
When should a person go to the ER for tingling hands and feet?
If tingling in the hands and feet is accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms, a person may be having a stroke:
- numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side
- confusion
- trouble speaking, understanding, and walking
- blurred vision
- dizziness
- loss of balance
- loss of coordination
In this case, a person should call emergency services or go to the emergency room immediately.
Can heart problems cause tingling in the hands and feet?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease of the blood vessels outside the heart and brain. This condition
People who experience tingling in their feet or hands regularly should speak with 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.