08/15/2025 “Common Causes of Numbness in The Hands and Feet” By Kaylee McGrath

Opening Statement:

While I was waiting to see one of my doctors at a recent check-up, I saw this article on the common causes of numbness in hands and feet and wanted to share it with my readers. I hope you find this article useful.

Common Causes of Numbness in Hands and Feet

1.      Spinal Issues: Herniated discs, bony overgrowth (spurs) and other causes can narrow the space around the spinal cord. This condition, called stenosis, can also trigger numbness

2.      Poor Blood Flow: If you’ve ever felt your hands or feet “fall asleep,” you know how a lack of blood can cause tingling. Older adults can be especially prone to circulation issues.

3.      Carpal Tunnel and Tarsal Tunnel Syndromes: Compressed nerves near your hands and feet can cause numbness. Swelling, fluid buildup and nerve damage can all put pressure on these nerves. People with these syndromes usually feel tingling when they flex their wrists or ankles.

4.      Morton’s Neuroma: In addition to numbness, this painful nerve issue can feel like a marble in the ball of your foot. Symptoms stem from tissue buildup around a nerve.

5.      Diabetes: People with diabetes struggle to keep their blood sugar level. High blood sugar can damage nerves, causing numbness called peripheral neuropathy.

6.      Autoimmune Disorders: When the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues, as in people with multiple sclerosis, it can damage nerves and cause numbness.

7.      Lack of B Vitamins: B vitamins, particularly B1, B6 and B12, are vital to nerve health. Foods that are rich in B vitamins include meat, dairy and bananas.

8.      Toxins: Lead and mercury are toxic to the nervous system. These metals are in the environment

and some foods. You can limit your exposure by avoiding high-mercury fish and lead-based

products like some paints.

Treatment and Home Remedies for Numbness

·       By recognizing the signs and seeking treatment, patients can ease numbness in their hands and feet and often prevent further issues.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

·       Stricter blood sugar control can improve diabetic neuropathy.

·       Capsaicin cream, an over-the-counter treatment made from chili peppers, can also help,

but it must be applied with gloves.

·       Physical therapy, splints or surgery may help with nerve compression.

·       A wider shoe can ease foot numbness caused by tight footwear.

·       Keeping warm can also help. When you get cold, your body sends less blood to your hands and feet to protect your vital organs. Wearing warm clothing or turning up the heat at home can relieve numbness caused by cold sensitivity and circulation issues.

·       Talk to your doctor if numbness doesn’t go away or gets worse. Get medical help right away if you suddenly feel numb and have other neurological symptoms, like trouble speaking, muscle weakness or loss of balance. These could be signs of a stroke or other emergency. Many physicians recently noted that “numbness is your body’s way of telling you something’s off, so don’t ignore it”.

Source of Information: Medical Publication “Health U Magazine”

Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!