Tingling Hands or Feet? It Could Be Neuropathy—Here’s What to Know
Experts Explain Causes, Warning Signs, and When to See a Doctor About Nerve Damage
Watan-Do you often feel pain, tingling, or numbness in your hands or feet? These may be potential signs of neuropathy, a general term referring to dysfunction in the nerves of the limbs, says Eva Feldman, professor of neurology at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, USA.
The risk of neuropathy increases with age, partly due to the gradual loss of nerve cells over time, and the decreasing efficiency of the remaining ones. According to Anne Louise Oaklander, associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, nerve cells become less capable of recovery if damaged by injury or underlying health conditions.
Common causes of neuropathy include:
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Chronic diseases like diabetes
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Autoimmune disorders
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Certain chemotherapy treatments
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Untreated thyroid dysfunction
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Kidney disease
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Obesity
Another key factor is vitamin B12 deficiency, which is believed to affect at least 20% of adults over age 60, notes Dr. Kunal Desai, assistant professor of neurology at Yale School of Medicine.
How to Recognize Neuropathy Symptoms
Key signs include tingling or pain in the hands and/or feet. Dr. Feldman says patients often describe it as:
“A crawling ant sensation, prickling, or burning feeling.”
Other warning signs:
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Numbness in hands or feet
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A sense of imbalance
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately, especially if you have a chronic condition like diabetes or are undergoing specific chemotherapy treatments.
How Neuropathy Is Diagnosed
Your primary care doctor will examine your hands and feet for cracks or skin damage, test reflexes, and possibly use tools like:
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A tuning fork (to check vibration sensitivity)
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A pinprick test (to evaluate pain sensitivity)
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Muscle strength tests
If initial results suggest nerve dysfunction, you may undergo nerve conduction tests. If those are abnormal, blood tests can help identify contributing conditions like diabetes.
In cases where symptoms appear on one side only or are worse on one side, Dr. Feldman advises seeing a neurologist to rule out more serious diseases like ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
Conclusion:
Neuropathy is more common and treatable than many people realize—especially if detected early. If you experience persistent tingling, burning, or numbness, don’t ignore the signs—seek professional medical advice.
