Causes of numbness and tingling in hands or legs

Numbness and tingling in the hands or legs, also known as paresthesia, can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. Some potential causes of numbness and tingling could be:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist can lead to numbness and tingling in the hands. Repetitive hand movements or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Peripheral neuropathy: This condition involves damage to the peripheral nerves, which can result from diabetes, alcohol abuse, certain medications, infections, or autoimmune diseases.
  • Herniated disc or spinal stenosis: Compression or irritation of nerves in the spine, often due to a herniated disc or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), can cause numbness and tingling in the legs.
  • Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves, leading to disruptions in nerve signaling and potential numbness and tingling.
  • Stroke: Lack of blood flow to the brain can cause stroke, which may manifest with numbness or weakness on one side of the body, including the hands and legs.
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome: This is a rare autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, resulting in weakness, numbness, and tingling.
  • Peripheral artery disease: Reduced blood flow to the extremities due to arterial blockages can cause numbness and tingling in the legs.
  • Vitamin deficiencies: Deficiencies in certain vitamins, such as B12, can lead to peripheral neuropathy and symptoms of numbness and tingling.
  • Infections: Infections like Lyme disease, HIV, or shingles can affect the nervous system and cause sensory disturbances.
  • Toxic exposure: Exposure to certain toxins or chemicals, such as heavy metals, can damage nerves and result in numbness and tingling.
  • Trauma or injury: Physical injury to nerves, either through accidents or surgery, can cause temporary or long-term numbness and tingling.

Numbness and tingling can be non-specific symptoms depending on the situation of each patient, and there are multiple other causes of numbness and tingling in the hands or feet, so, if you suffer from these types of symptoms, it is necessary to visit a doctor.