8 Reasons Your Hands and Feet Might Be Numb

Numbness in your hands and feet is common, especially as you age. It can make everything from daily life to sleeping difficult and uncomfortable. Often described as tingling, loss of feeling or pins and needles, the condition can have many causes. Locating the source is important to treating numbness and avoiding long-term issues.

What Causes Numbness?

Kenneth Swan, M.D., chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Raritan Bay Medical Center, says that numbness is mainly a nerve issue. “Think of nerves as electrical wires,” he says. “Anywhere along that wire—from the brain to the spinal cord to the hands and feet—can be the source of the problem.

Some of the most common causes of numbness in your hands and feet include:

Spinal Issues: Discs sit between the bones of the spine. A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a disc shifts out of place; this can press on nearby nerves. Herniated discs can narrow the space around the spinal cord. This condition, called stenosis, can also cause numbness.

Poor Blood Flow: Lack of blood flow or circulation issues can cause a tingling sensation in your hands or feet. Older adults are especially prone to circulation issues.

Carpal Tunnel and Tarsal Tunnel Syndromes: Compressed nerves near your hands and feet can lead to numbness, says Meagan R. Coleman, D.P.M., a podiatric foot and ankle specialist at JFK University Medical Center. Swelling, fluid buildup and nerve damage can put pressure on these nerves. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when a wrist nerve is compressed – it affects the hand. Tarsal tunnel syndrome involves nerve compression in the ankle, causing foot and ankle pain. People with these conditions usually feel tingling when they flex their wrists or ankles.

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

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

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

Lack of B Vitamins: B vitamins, particularly B1, B6 and B12, are important to nerve health. “Patients with digestive issues or poor diets may not get enough B vitamins,” Dr. Swan says. Foods rich in B vitamins include meat, dairy and bananas.

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, such as some paints.

Treatments and Home Remedies for Numbness

If you experience numbness and tingling in your hands and feet, it’s important to see a doctor. There are treatments available that can reduce your symptoms and prevent further issues.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but includes:

• Stricter blood sugar control: can improve diabetic neuropathy. Dr. Coleman says 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, Dr. Coleman says. “It seems obvious, but many people overlook it.”
• Staying warm: can also help, Dr. Swan says. “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."

When To See A Doctor for Numbness and Tingling in Your Hands and Feet

Talk to your doctor if you have numbness or tingling in your hands or feet that doesn’t go away or gets worse.

“Constant or worsening numbness that affects your quality of life should be evaluated by a doctor,” Dr. Coleman says. She recommends starting with a primary care physician. Your doctor may refer you to a neurologist or orthopedic expert, depending on what they suspect is causing your symptoms.

You should 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.

“Numbness is your body’s way of telling you something’s off,” Dr. Swan says. “So don’t ignore it.”

Next Steps & Resources

• Meet our sources: Kenneth Swan, M.D. and Meagan R. Coleman, D.P.M.
• Learn more about orthopedics at Hackensack Meridian Health.