Tingling of hands and feet are quite common. It could be both benign and for a short period of time. For instance, sleeping on the hand could result in numbness of the shoulder or hand. It could be pressure on the nerves if the hand or leg is in the same position for a considerable period of time. This feeling is called the ‘pins and needles’ effect. It is painless and once the pressure if off the pain goes away.

At times the tingling and numbness can be severe or chronic. The other symptoms that go along with it are pain, itching, numbness and muscle wasting. If the tingling continues it could lead to nerve damage and this damage is known as peripheral neuropathy

Causes of Tingling in hand and feet

The most common cause of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes. It has been found that over thirty per cent of cases of peripheral neuropathy, the tingling sensation move up into the legs. It is also known that over two thirds of the people with diabetes have mild to severe form of peripheral neuropathy.

Nerve entrapment syndrome: These include carpal tunnel syndrome and radial nerve palsy

Systematic diseases: These include kidney and liver disorders, vascular damage and blood diseases, hormonal imbalance and cancer both benign and malignant as in both the nerves are affected.

Vitamin deficiencies; The deficiency of vitamins is the major cause of problems in the nerve functioning. Vitamin E and B complex vitamins are very necessary for the proper functioning of the nerves. However too much of Vitamin B6 can cause tingling in the hands and feet.

Alcoholism; Due to a thiamine deficiency alcoholics can have tingling in the hands and feet. This also because of the poor dietary habits alcoholics maintain. It is also believed that Alcoholism itself can cause nerve damage and by medical terms is called alcoholic neuropathy.

Infections: These can include shingles, HIV and Aids.

Toxins: Peripheral neuropathy can be cause by heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury and thallium. Chemotherapeutic drugs used for cancer treatment can also cause nerve damage.

Diagnosis of Tingling Hands and Feet

For this one will have to undergo a physical exam and take an extensive medical history such as work and social habits, alcoholic intake, toxic exposure and risk of HIV or other infectious diseases. Also family history of neurological disease needs to be looked into. Along with these the following tests will also be needed to be conducted:

Blood Test: These tests are conducted to detect diabetes, vitamin deficiency, liver or kidney dysfunction etc.

An examination of the cerebrospinal fluid will be conducted to identify anti bodies associated with tingling in the hands and feet.

An EMG is conducted regarding activity of muscle.

Treatments of Tingling Hands and Feet

Accurate diagnosis and treatment will help in finding the underlying cause of the tingling of hands and feet. As long as the peripheral nerve cells have not been killed there are chances of regeneration. If there is good blood sugar control in diabetes then it cam slow down the progress of diabetic neuropathy. Even Vitamin supplementation can correct peripheral neuropathy. This is good for those who suffer from vitamin deficiency.

One’s lifestyle needs to be maintained like managing one’s weight, avoiding exposure to toxins and following the doctor’s program. Eating a balanced diet and limiting or stopping intake of alcohol can go a long way in recovery of the nerve problem. Smoking is definitely out as it constricts the blood supply to the blood vessels.

Home remedies for Tingling Hands and Feet

Numbness in hands and feet can be quite uncomfortable. Hence here are some homemade remedies for Tingling Hands and Feet.

• Warm Compress is easy and simple to apply in the concerned place. It will help to increase the blood supply to the affected area. If one wants a heating pad can also be used. This should be done for five to seven minutes.
• Massage can help in a big way. Massage increases blood circulation to the affected area thus lessening the numbness. It also stimulates the nerves and muscles. Massage should be done for at least five minutes.
• Exercise improves blood supply and oxygen to all parts of the body. This helps in preventing any numbness or tingling to occur in any part of the body especially the hands and feet. Foot and hand exercises should be done for at least for fifteen minutes every day. Cardio vascular and aerobic exercises should be done for thirty minutes for at least five days a week.
• Walking, jogging cycling and swimming are excellent exercises to increase blood circulation. However always remember to warm up ten minutes before starting on these exercises. It is also very important to wear the right gear and a good pair of shoes when one commences these exercises.