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Most people have experienced pins and needles or tingling sensations in their hands, arms, or feet. This sensation usually goes away on its own and happens because of a temporary position that causes limbs to “fall asleep.” However, if tingling in arms and feet becomes a regular occurrence, scheduling an appointment with a neurologist in New York can help discover if the sensation indicates a medical problem.
Neurologists call consistent tingling or numbness in your limbs peripheral neuropathy. This symptom often accompanies other problems like muscle weakness or extreme sensitivity. Below are the most common causes of tingling in arms and feet.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Commonly felt as a tingling in your fingers and hand, carpal tunnel syndrome refers to the compression of the median nerve in your wrist. While some cases of carpal tunnel develop due to accidents or injuries, many people suffer due to their occupations. Repetitive motions, such as typing or using your hands to perform the same daily work, often result in carpal tunnel syndrome.
A 2008 National Institute of Health study found that 68% of blue-collar and low-level white-collar workers are more likely to develop carpal tunnel due to their jobs. Visiting the best neurologist in NYC can help determine whether your tingling hands come from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Pinched Nerve
Pinched nerves occur much like carpal tunnel syndrome. After suffering an accident, injury, or another incident that inflames the nerves or surrounding muscles, the resulting irritation interrupts normal nerve function. A pinched nerve can cause you to feel tingling in any limbs but most often in the hands or feet.
Since some nerves spread far throughout the body, certain pinched nerves can cause radiating pain or numbness. For example, spinal nerves suffering from inflammation often send numbing sensations from your back to your foot.
Diabetes
Most patients think of diabetes as an illness that only causes blood sugar problems. However, diabetes can produce nerve damage in your hands or feet, causing tingling and numbness. Other symptoms may include muscle weakness, frequent urination, and constant thirst.
Diabetes can also attack your blood vessels, the vital highways that keep your nerves in good condition. The CDC states that 50% of diabetes patients suffer from nerve damage, but with proper care, patients can slow or stop nerve damage development.
Pregnancy
As you progress in your pregnancy, your body produces and retains extra fluids along with the growing size of your baby. These new constraints can cause pressure on your nerves, causing tingling, numbness, or shooting pains. While uncomfortable, this type of nerve damage often dissipates after giving birth.
Vitamin Deficiency
Suffering from low amounts of specific vitamins can cause tingling in arms and feet. Depending on which vitamin you need, you may experience other symptoms such as:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: Rashes, cognitive problems
- Vitamin E deficiency: Coordination issues
- Folate deficiency: Depression, weight loss
Seeking a neurologist in NYC can help you discover what vitamins you lack. Fortunately, most vitamin deficiencies clear up by introducing nutritional changes, vitamins, or injections into your lifestyle.
Heavy Alcohol Use
A 2017 Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that around 65% of heavy drinkers developed alcohol-induced peripheral neuropathy. Besides an excessive amount of alcohol in their system, patients presented with other drinking-related symptoms that cause neuropathy, such as malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. Patients can sometimes stop or reverse nerve damage by quitting drinking, engaging in better nutritional habits, and attending physical therapy or chiropractic visits.
Medications
Taking medications can sometimes alter how your body functions, especially with serious medical conditions like cancer, blood pressure problems, and certain infections. These changes may affect your blood vessels, and muscles or cause direct damage to your nerves. Consult a neurologist to discover if the tingling in your arms and feet comes from your medication.
Toxin Exposure
While the United States has made many strides in limiting toxin exposure, they haven’t completely eliminated it. Some ways you may fall victim to toxin exposure include:
- Working in production, manufacturing, or construction
- Accidental exposure due to improper work or home conditions
- Using certain glues and solvents without proper protective gear
- Drug use, including methamphetamine, heroin, and opium
As your body soaks up dangerous toxins, you damage your blood vessels and nervous system, causing tingling and numbness in your limbs. These neurotoxins may cause irreversible damage, though in some cases, neurologists can help you regain control of your body.
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders cause your immune system to attack your own body’s cells instead of focusing solely on invading infections, bacteria, or other harmful cells. These medical conditions often present with tingling in the limbs, especially your hands and feet. As your immune system tries to protect you, it attacks your nerves and blood vessels, restricting blood flow and causing inflammation to your nerves.
Examples of autoimmune disorders that can cause peripheral neuropathy include the following:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Celiac disease
Regular neurologist visits can help you control and delay the onset of nerve damage while guarding against other autoimmune symptoms.
Find Out if Your Tingling Sensations Indicate a Medical Problem with the Best NYC Neurologist
Living with peripheral neuropathy creates a lower quality of life and, if neglected, may allow a more serious health condition to continue developing. Understanding the cause of the tingling in arms and feet starts by attending an appointment with a licensed neurological professional. At Medical Clinics of New York City, we offer patients access to the best neurologists in New York with experience in diagnosing and treating all types of neurological conditions.
Our team of professional neurologists can treat tingling in arms and feet, whether it developed from a medical condition, car accident, or work-related injury. You’ll receive a warm welcome from our friendly staff, find out what’s causing your tingling sensations, and learn how we can help you improve your quality of life. Call 1-877-465-7360 to learn more about our neurology office today.
Additionally, our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may also be available.
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