Numbness and tingling in hands and feet: When should you take it seriously

Do you feel occasional numbness or tingling on your hands or feet, and dismiss them as insignificant? Most people do. However, did you know that these might be our body’s signals to warn us that something is wrong? Yes, in certain cases, numbness or tingling may not be a serious issue. However, at times, it can lead to complications like not being able to feel pain at all, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Pune-based neurologist Dr Shruti Satish Vadke recently explained to a prominent national newspaper that numbness and tingling can be caused by nerve injury, inflammation, or nerve contraction. Here’s what else you need to know:

When felt on hands and feet
Stiffening of the spinal cord or vertebrae due to diseases such as spondylosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy may cause numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Those who suffer from diabetic neuropathy may also experience these symptoms. Deficiencies in vitamin B12, autoimmune diseases, infections, and exposure to toxins are some of the reasons for numbness and tingling sensations. Spinal stiffening caused by structural problems in the vertebrae leads to pain that spreads to different parts of the body, numbness, and extreme fatigue.

When should you take it seriously?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, here are the times when you should seek medical care if you experience tingling or numbness. You might experience the following symptoms alongside the numbness and tingling:
1) Shortness of breath
2) Paralysis
3) Vision, speech difficulties or changes
4) Confusion
5) Difficulty in controlling bowel and bladder movements
6) Loss of consciousness
7) Numbness in your body or face

How to make the right diagnosis?
A thorough physical examination, blood tests, and evaluation of the nervous system are necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. An MRI scan of the backbone is also recommended in some cases. The treatment procedure would be finalised based on the cause of the disease as well as its intensity. Proper medication, physiotherapy, nutrient supplements and regulating diabetes could calm down the symptoms. Meanwhile, immunotherapy and corticosteroids are effective treatments for inflammatory neuropathy. Dr Shruti added that surgeries may be recommended if the spinal stiffening is due to structural deformity.