Frequent Numbness in Hands and Feet: What to Watch Out For
Frequent numbness in your hands and feet may seem ordinary, but it could conceal hidden dangers, possibly indicating an underlying health condition. The causes of numbness in the hands and feet can be categorized as physiological or pathological. Numbness due to physiological factors usually subsides quickly, while numbness caused by pathological reasons may persist and not return to normal promptly. Let's explore the diseases to be vigilant about when experiencing frequent numbness in hands and feet and how to address them.
Even healthy individuals can experience temporary numbness in their hands or feet, often after maintaining a particular posture for a prolonged time or when there's external pressure on the limbs. Numbness can also be caused by various diseases, typically without a clear cause, lasting for a more extended period, and possibly recurring with varying degrees of severity, along with other symptoms.
Numbness caused by cerebral arteriosclerosis can lead to decreased energy levels, blurred vision, dizziness, headaches, and fluctuating blood pressure. Numbness in the hands and feet typically occurs in older individuals. Conditions like cervical spondylosis can cause numbness in the upper limbs, while conditions like multiple peripheral neuropathy can lead to numbness and pain in the hands and feet. Thromboangiitis obliterans can result in numbness in the feet, accompanied by sensations of coldness and intense pain.
So, which diseases should you be vigilant about when experiencing frequent numbness in your hands and feet?
Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis can cause numbness in the hands and arms due to nerve compression in the neck. Many office workers may experience numbness in their arms because maintaining a single posture for prolonged periods, such as sitting at a desk or working on a computer, can increase the risk of developing cervical spondylosis, which can compress nerves, leading to numbness.
Similar to the principles behind cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation can cause numbness in the feet. So, if you frequently experience numbness in your hands and feet that doesn't subside, it's essential to check for cervical spondylosis and lumbar disc herniation. These conditions often come with specific symptoms, such as neck or lower back pain, which can aid in diagnosis.
Diabetes
Numbness in the hands and feet is common among individuals with diabetes. Diabetic patients are constantly exposed to high blood sugar levels, which, if persistently elevated, can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of developing numbness in the extremities. If blood sugar levels in diabetics are not well controlled, over time, it can lead to instability while walking and impaired balance.
Cerebral Ischemia
Numbness in the body may also result from cerebral ischemia, which is a clear warning sign. With cerebral ischemia, numbness occurs on one side of the body but not the other. This should alert you to the possibility of cerebral ischemia. If left untreated, cerebral ischemia can progress to a stroke, which is a severe condition.
What should you do if you experience numbness in your hands and feet frequently?
Maintain Regular Physical Activity_hair milos forman
If peripheral nerve damage is the reason behind your numbness, appropriate exercise can help alleviate this symptom. This is especially crucial for older individuals since their bodies may be experiencing age-related degeneration, and maintaining a single position for an extended period increases the risk of numbness. Therefore, regular physical activity can prevent this condition from occurring.
Seek Medical Attention Promptly
When numbness in the hands and feet persists after ruling out physiological causes, it should be taken seriously. It could be an indicator of an underlying medical condition. Timely medical attention is vital because without control, these conditions can lead to more extensive damage and even paralysis.
Frequent numbness in your hands and feet may seem commonplace but may indicate serious health issues, particularly in middle-aged and older individuals. If you experience this condition, promptly consult a healthcare professional to prevent potentially severe consequences.
