Tingling hands or feet, often described as having “pins and needles,” is a common concern.
However, according to Harvard Health, tingling isn’t always a cause for worry. The sensation can be due to pressure on your nerves if you are in one position for too long, and often goes away once you move. But, if the feeling is persistent and doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of something else.
1. Diabetes
Hand Surgery Specialists of Texas states that one of the most common causes of persistent tingling in the hands is diabetic neuropathy, which can occur with diabetes.
Diabetic neuropathy is the result of nerve damage caused by high blood sugar. According to the American Diabetes Association, in these cases, brain signals are unable to reach your extremities. This leaves the feeling of being “asleep” in hands, fingers or feet.
2. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
The Mayo Clinic defines multiple sclerosis (MS) as a central nervous system disease that causes the immune system to attack the nerves. This disrupts the communication between the brain and the body.
One of the most common symptoms of MS is tingling in the face, body, hands and or feet.
3. Hypothyroidism
According to Hand Surgery Specialists of Texas, hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid is underactive, and therefore can’t produce enough thyroid hormones for optimal health.
Your thyroid is responsible for functions such as your heart and digestive system, and without the right amount of thyroid hormones your body’s functions begin to slow down.
Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to more severe complications, such as nerve damage, causing tingling or numbness in your feet.
4. Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases cause your immune system to attack parts of your body, according to Hand Surgery Specialists of Texas,. Some autoimmune diseases that can cause tingling in the hands and feet are Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA.)
With autoimmune diseases, your symptoms, including numbness and tingling, can begin either gradually or suddenly and can come and go.
5. Infections
Viral and bacterial infections can affect your nervous system, and nerve damage caused by infections can commonly lead to sharp pain in the hands or feet. According to Hand Surgery Specialists of Texas, some examples of viruses that can lead to infections and causes hand and feet numbness include but are not limited to:
Common Viruses That Can Lead to Hand and Feet Numbness
- West Nile
- HIV
- Lyme disease
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Shingles
6. Pregnancy
Pregnancy can cause tingling hands and feet, which typically goes away once the baby arrives.
As a baby grows in a mother’s womb, extra weight is put on the body’s nerves, according to Hand Surgery Specialists of Texas. The numbness and tingling is not a cause for concern, although it can be quite uncomfortable.
7. Some Medications
Certain medicines, such as those that treat HIV, AIDS, cancer and certain kinds of infections, can lead to nerve damage and result in tingling of the hands, according to Hand Surgery Specialists of Texas.
Topamax, a medication used for migraines, may also cause numbness. Be sure you consult a doctor if you have any medication side effects that concern you.
8. Kidney Failure
Kidney failure may cause tingling in the hands and feet. Your kidneys get rid of toxins in your blood that can hurt the nerves, so when your kidneys aren’t working correctly, damage can occur. Some of the most common causes of kidney failure are diabetes and high blood pressure.
9. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS)
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS) can cause pain, tingling or burning in the ankle, heel or foot. The condition is caused by the compression of the tibial nerve that runs along the inside of the ankle and foot, which can cause a tingling sensation, according to My Cleveland Clinic.
For more information on tingling and numbness in hands and feet visit https://carpaltunnelpros.com/2020/04/23/tingling-in-hands-10-common-causes/.
