If you've ever sat on your foot for too long, you know the feeling of your foot "falling asleep." It's an annoying, unsettling sensation caused by a lack of blood flow to the area. When it's caused by circulation that's been temporarily cut off, sensation typically returns to the area within a few minutes. Unfortunately, sometimes this sensation can persist for other reasons. If you experience tingling or numbness in your fingers or toes, there are several possible causes. Here are three things that may be causing your symptoms:
1. Diabetes
Diabetes can worsen your circulation, leading to tingling in your extremities. Your doctor will be able to diagnose diabetes using a simple blood test to check your blood sugar. If diabetes is to blame, changing your diet and exercise habits can help you get your condition under control. Your doctor may tell you to monitor your blood glucose levels at home using a special meter. Insulin injections may be required to manage your diabetes.
2. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that degrades the nerves in your brain and spine. Numbness in your hands and feet is one of the first symptoms. This is a chronic condition with no cure, but proper treatment can help you manage it and allow you to have a higher quality of life. A nervous system specialist will be able to diagnose MS.
3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The carpal tunnel is a space located inside your wrist. Nerve run through that space, bounded on either side by bone and tendon. When you perform repetitive tasks, your carpal tunnel can become inflamed. This causes pain and puts pressure on your nerves. In some cases, this can lead to a tingling, numb feeling in your fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated with rest and stretches. More extreme cases may require surgery.
If you experience the feeling of pins and needles in your hands or feet, and it lasts for longer than a day, you should seek medical care. Your doctor can perform a blood test to rule out diabetes and other common causes. If they don't find the reason for your tingling hands and feet, they may send you to a nervous system specialist. Your neurologist will perform further tests with the help of an MRI and CT machine. If the problem doesn't seem to be neurological, they may perform a skin biopsy to determine if nerve damage is to blame. Your doctors will work with you to find the cause of your numbness so they can treat it.