Tingling May Indicate These 9 Health Conditions

The tingling sensation in extremities, such as hands, arms, legs and feet, can be uncomfortable and worrying for many people. Although sometimes it is temporary and benign, in other cases it may indicate some medical conditions that require attention.

Common causes of tingling in extremities

Poor circulation

When blood circulation in the extremities is compromised, cells do not receive adequate oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to tingling sensations.

This is especially if you have been sitting or lying in one position for a long period of time.

Pressure on the nerves

Compression or irritation of peripheral nerves, as occurs with carpal tunnel syndromemay result in tingling in the hands and arms.

The condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, suffers compression in the wrist.

Compression can also occur when a disc between the vertebrae in the spine ruptures or protrudes out of its normal position. This can compress adjacent spinal nerves. This is what is called a herniated disc.which can result in pain, tingling and weakness in the extremities.

Anxiety or stress

Emotional stress can trigger physical symptoms, including tingling in the extremities.

This is due to the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can affect blood circulation and nerve function, thereby resulting in tingling sensations in the extremities.

Here are some ways that anxiety or stress can lead to

due to the release of chemicals in the body.

Nutritional deficiencies

Tingling is a common neurological symptom in people who have vitamin B12 deficiency.

This happens because this vitamin is necessary for the maintenance of myelin, a compound that protects nerves and allows the efficient transmission of nerve impulses.

When myelin is damaged due to a lack of B12, nerves may not function properly, resulting in tingling sensations, numbness and weakness in the hands, legs, feet and other parts of the body.

Less common causes of tingling in extremities

Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetes can cause peripheral nerve damage, resulting in tingling, pain, or burning in the extremities.

Multiple sclerosis

This is an autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system and can cause tingling, weakness and numbness in various parts of the body.

Thyroid diseases

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect peripheral nerves and cause symptoms such as tingling in the extremities.

Guillain-Barré syndrome

This is a rare condition in which the immune system attacks peripheral nerves, resulting in muscle weakness, numbness and tingling.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Although it is primarily a disease that affects muscles, ALS can also cause neurological symptoms, including tingling.

Although tingling in the extremities is usually harmless and temporary, there are situations where it may indicate a more serious medical condition. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following signs.

Warning signs

• Sudden and severe tingling, especially if it is accompanied by muscle weakness or difficulty speaking.
• Persistent tingling that does not improve with changes in position or massage.
• Tingling associated with other worrying symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, mental confusion or difficulty walking.