Medical expert of the article
New publications
Numbness of legs and hands
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Numbness of the legs and hands is a very common problem today. During this phenomenon, there is a sensation of tingling, chilliness, constriction and burning.
It can occur both on the upper and lower limbs. Therefore, it is important to determine the cause of this phenomenon and begin to eliminate it. After all, unpleasant symptoms can lie in wait for a person everywhere.
Causes of numbness in legs and hands
The causes of numbness in the legs and arms can be both completely harmless, and due to the presence of serious health problems. Therefore, it is worth noting all the possible options.
Numbness can arise from uncomfortable posture when sitting or lying down. This process is accompanied by a slight tingling, which quickly disappears if a person changes posture.
Pinching the nerve often leads to numbness. This phenomenon is caused due to problems with the spine. So, the main cause may be the presence of osteochondrosis. To get rid of this unpleasant symptom in this case will not be so easy.
Carpal tunnel syndrome. For this, the phenomenon is characterized by numbness of the first, second and third fingers of the hand. This is due to the fact that with this syndrome, the nerve is squeezed, which passes in the area of the hand. Part of the cause of this phenomenon can be a long work at the computer. First, fingers begin to grow dumb, and then tingling occurs, gradually turning into severe pain.
Lack of vitamin B12. This component is involved in metabolic processes of nerve fibers. A small amount of it in the body leads to rapid fatigue and the manifestation of general weakness. Possible violation of sensitivity, heart rate and the appearance of irritability.
Raynaud's disease. This phenomenon is characterized by paroxysmal circulatory disorders of the arteries. It often appears in the field of feet and hands. The disease can occur against a background of stress, and is also due to hereditary factors.
Obliterating endarteritis. This disease affects the arterial vessels, often directly the lower extremities. Vessels significantly narrow, and this leads to a violation of blood circulation.
Neuropathy. This disease affects the nerves. It is caused by metabolic disorders or intoxication. For this, the phenomenon is characterized by the appearance of spontaneous pain.
Ischemic stroke often causes numbness in the legs and hands.
Symptoms of numbness in the legs and hands
Symptoms of numbness in the legs and hands are not limited to just tingling and burning. In fact, there are quite a few signs. So, in many cases, numbness is associated with pain manifestations or may be accompanied by impaired sensitivity.
Often, this phenomenon is accompanied by anxiety, burning sensation, itching, frequent urination and increased numbness during movement. This is not all symptoms. In some cases, back pain and muscle spasms are not excluded. There is pain in the neck and other parts of the body. There is also a tingling of the needle, a rash and an increased sensitivity when touched.
There are a number of other symptoms that can manifest themselves. But this is due to the presence of serious disorders in the body. So, to manifest itself may be a retardation or a brief loss of consciousness. Difficulty in breathing, some difficulties in walking and dizziness are possible.
In some cases, there is a complete loss of control over urination and defecation. There is a possible loss of vision, numbness in the head and neck, speech impairment and general weakness. In this case, numbness in the legs and hands can be caused by a serious illness, so you need to seek help from a specialist.
Numbness of fingers and toes
Numbness in the fingers and toes is a common phenomenon that simply does not occur. So, unpleasant sensations on the upper limbs, most likely, are caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. Earlier, this phenomenon was extremely rare. But, when computers became larger and the number of users increased rapidly, the syndrome began to amaze many.
Daily work with the keyboard and mouse is a big risk of development of this phenomenon. But not only people working at a computer can get carpal tunnel syndrome. This phenomenon can occur in painters, seamstresses, joiners, etc. In general, those people whose work is associated with a constant strain of hands.
This syndrome occurs because of a strong overstrain, which is accompanied by swelling of the tendon. Due to this, the nerves that are responsible for the sensitivity of the palm, as well as the middle, index and thumb are squeezed. If you do not start timely treatment, there may be a death of the muscle. In the end, a person can not flex his thumb.
Numbness of the toes can occur for a number of reasons. This is mainly due to the presence of various violations, which are of an exchange character. Call such a reaction of the body can osteochondrosis of the spine, tuberculosis, disorders in the vessels and in some cases the development of cancer. If there is a numbness in the legs and hands, you should immediately consult a doctor to determine the cause of this phenomenon.
Numbness of left arm and leg
Numbness of the left arm and leg may occur for a number of reasons. In some cases, this indicates the presence of heart problems. A similar phenomenon occurs after severe stress or a nervous breakdown.
If the numbness appeared suddenly, it is necessary to understand what could have been the cause of its development. In many cases, this phenomenon occurs against the background of existing health problems. This is mainly due to diseases of the vessels, spine and nervous system.
Call such a phenomenon can an ordinary osteochondrosis. It is characterized by a pronounced change in the spine. It develops against the backdrop of a low-activity lifestyle. As a result, there is a pinching of the intervertebral nerves in the spinal cord.
Intervertebral hernia. The core of the disk is displaced and the nerve roots are entangled between the vertebral disks. Therefore, there is an unpleasant numbness.
Atherosclerosis. This phenomenon occurs in people older than 50 years. It is characterized by numbness of the legs and the appearance of pain along with convulsions.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an infectious disease. It is characterized by the penetration of infection into the joints, which leads to their deformation and pinching of nerves. This phenomenon causes numbness in the legs and hands.
Numbness of the right leg and arm
Numbness of the right leg and arm may be a consequence of the pinched nerves, both in the spine and in the joint itself. This phenomenon arises due to the presence of problems of the nervous and vascular system. In many cases this is due to diseases of the spine.
To numb one part of the body can also stroke. Therefore, do not hesitate to visit a doctor. After a simple numbness of one part of the body can go into the stage of complete paralysis. If a person does not provide timely assistance, everything can end in a fatal outcome.
Naturally, such cases are not so common. Basically, numbness occurs directly due to pinching of the nerve. This phenomenon is caused by the presence of certain diseases. The most common of these are: osteochondrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, intervertebral hernia, atherosclerosis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
In many cases, for these diseases, one symptom of numbness is not enough. All this is accompanied by a strong pain syndrome, increased fatigue and weakness. Therefore, treatment in a medical institution should be timely. After all, if you start numbness in your legs and arms, you can make serious problems.
Numbness of the face, legs and hands
Numbness of the face, legs and hands, most likely, is associated with diseases of nerves and blood vessels. If this phenomenon occurs exclusively on the face, then this is a problem with the vessels. If such symptoms are manifested simultaneously at other parts of the body, then it is a defeat of the central nervous system.
If there is numbness on the face on the one hand, do not rule out the development of neuralgia. For this, the phenomenon is characterized by the appearance of severe pain, as well as the twitching of individual muscles.
If the numb area turned red or a rash appeared on it, development of the shingles is not ruled out. In this case, in addition to redness, small bubbles with liquid may appear. This condition is characterized by the appearance of temperature, a decrease in appetite and general weakness.
If the numbness begins to manifest itself a few seconds before the onset of severe headache, then most likely it is a symptom of migraine. In this case, nausea and bright red dots may appear before the gases. Numbness of the legs and hands can occur both against the background of ordinary fatigue, and because of the development of a serious disease.
Numbness of hands and feet along with dizziness
Numbness of the hands and feet at the same time as dizziness is often associated with neuralgia. These are problems with the nervous system. These symptoms manifest themselves after severe stress or nervous overexcitation.
In this case, getting rid of the problem will be easy. It is desirable to be shielded from negative emotions and less nervous. The problem will recede. But, if nothing helps, then, most likely it is a question of the development of a serious disease.
It can be a pinched nerve. It is characterized not only by the numbness of the limbs, but also by the appearance of concomitant symptoms. Such as tingling, burning, itching and headache. Often there is severe fatigue and general weakness.
In this case, pull with treatment is not necessary. There is no particular danger in this, but such a state in the future can exacerbate. Then, in addition to dizziness, pain will begin to manifest itself, and even a brief loss of consciousness. Numbness of the legs and hands can not be attributed to a non-dangerous phenomenon in all cases, therefore it is not worthwhile to delay diagnosis.
Numbness of hands and feet at the same time
Numbness of the hands and feet can simultaneously indicate the presence of a serious disease. Basically, this phenomenon is associated with cardiovascular system problems, orthopedic and neurological.
So, from the side of the cardiovascular system, this can be a violation of blood flow to a certain area. This phenomenon can be caused by the following conditions: arteriovenous malformation, Buerger's disease, deep vein thrombosis, frostbites, peripheral artery disease and Reynaud's syndrome.
Numbness can also be caused by orthopedic problems. Even the most minor violations can lead to the development of this phenomenon. So, numbness is associated mainly with the whiplash injury of the neck, bone fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, herniated disc, osteoporosis and compression of nerve impaction.
The causes of unpleasant symptoms may be problems with neurology. These include alcoholism, brain tumors, hypothyroidism, myelitis, diabetic neuropathy, encephalitis, stroke, a lack of vitamins B12, etc. All this indicates that numbness of the legs and hands must be diagnosed and treated on time, in order not to aggravate the situation.
Numbness of hands and feet
Numbness of the hands and feet is very common. This symptom can occur both on the upper and lower limbs. This is mainly due to the presence of problems with the spine.
To date, computer technology is very well developed. Many people use the Internet and spend most of their time working with the keyboard. All this leads to overstrain of the brush, which is accompanied by swelling of the tendon.
This phenomenon leads to squeezing the nerves, which are responsible for the sensitivity of the palm, as well as the middle, index and thumb. If a person does not turn in time for help, this can lead to the death of the muscles, as a result of which the mobility of the thumb will be lost.
If, together with the hands, the legs are numb, then, most likely, we are talking about problems with metabolic processes. This reaction of the body can be caused by the presence of osteochondrosis, tuberculosis of the spine and disorders in the vessels. In some cases, this is due to the development of cancer. That is why the numbness of the legs and hands should be diagnosed in time.
Numbness of legs and hands as a symptom of the disease
Numbness of the legs and hands as a symptom of the disease associated with the nervous and vascular system, as well as problems with the spine. In many cases, discomfort simply does not arise, it is accompanied by some diseases.
Raynaud's disease. This disease manifests itself in the form of attacks associated with circulatory disorders of the arteries. Most often this is manifested in the area of the feet and brushes. The problem can arise against a background of stresses and hereditary factors. The most susceptible to the onset of the disease are people who have undergone hypothermia, infectious disease, overwork, and young women who spend a lot of time in direct sunlight. During this phenomenon, not only numbness can be felt, but also rapid freezing, as well as the acquisition of a blue shade of fingers in the cold and with great excitement. If you do not start treatment on time, the disease can affect other areas of the body: ears, nose and chin.
Obliterating endarteritis. This disease affects the arterial vessels, often the lower extremities. Vessels are significantly narrowed, which leads to a violation of blood circulation. All this is accompanied by numbness and cooling of the extremities. If the treatment is not started on time, a progressive stage occurs, which is characterized by complete closure of the vessels, resulting in gangrene.
Neuropathy. This disease affects the nerves. It is caused by metabolic disorders or intoxication of the body. In addition to numbness, itching, tingling, burning, and a feeling of tightening of the fingers and toes. There is a neuropathy in rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, etc. It is not excluded the numbness of the legs and hands in ischemic stroke.
Who to contact?
Diagnosis of numbness in legs and hands
Diagnosis of numbness in the legs and hands should be performed by an experienced physician. First of all, a general blood test is performed. Thanks to it you can identify iron deficiency anemia. It is the decrease in the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin in the blood that can lead to the appearance of numbness. General analysis allows you to determine the level of vitamin B12.
Not the least role is played by X-rays and computed tomography. These methods can identify fractures of bones that can damage the nerves. In addition, there is the possibility of identifying osteochondrosis, herniated discs, arthritis and other diseases.
Electroneuromyography. This technique is used to determine the site of nerve damage. It allows to determine the tunnel carpal syndrome and neuropathy of the ulnar nerve.
Widely used and ultrasound Doppler examination of blood vessels. They are good at diagnosing vascular diseases. These include deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, as well as atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities. All this causes numbness in the legs and hands.
Treatment of numbness in legs and hands
Treatment of numbness in the legs and hands directly depends on the disease to which it was caused. If this phenomenon occurs periodically and it is associated with a specific work, then it will be much easier to remove it.
In order for an unpleasant symptom to manifest itself extremely rarely, it is enough to move more. Perfectly suitable for walking, fast walking, lifting and lowering the stairs, etc. All this will allow the muscles to warm up and prevent their stagnation.
If the work is monotonous, it is desirable to regularly take short breaks. It's enough just to make several inclines or walk around the room.
When the activity of a person is connected with a permanent job at the computer, it is recommended to periodically rotate and shake movements with brushes. This will remove numbness and prevent the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Trying to fix the problem yourself is not recommended. Indeed, the cause of this phenomenon can serve as a serious disease. Therefore, the first thing is to see a doctor and go through a full diagnosis.
To get rid of numbness it is possible and alternative means, but only in the event that there are no serious problems with health. So, 2 l of milk and a liter of water are poured into the enameled container, then 50 grams of honey and 600 grams of salt are added. All this is heated to 60 degrees and the received fluid drops hands for 10 minutes. A similar procedure with legs. The course of treatment is 10 days. It is important after the procedure, it is immediately to lie down in a warm bed.
If the numbness of the extremities is very disturbing, you can use Efkamon ointment. You need to rub it every day before going to bed. After that, wool socks are put on their feet, and their hands are wrapped in a handkerchief. For complete relief, you need to use 10 tubes of the drug.
You can resort to independent treatment only if the doctor did not find a serious reason for the numbness of the legs and hands.
Prevention of numbness in legs and hands
Prevention of numbness in the legs and hands plays a significant role. So, in order that an unpleasant symptom is not taken by surprise, it is worth doing some physical exercises on a daily basis. They will not only prevent the appearance of numbness, but also get rid of this sign.
After the person has woken up it is necessary, not rising from a bed to raise fists upwards and to compress them about 50 times. Then it is necessary to extend the limbs along the trunk and repeat the exercise again.
Turning to face the wall you need to stand on your toes and raise your arms up. In this position, you need to hold out a minute. Repeat this action 5-7 times.
The palms are pressed against each other, the fingers are crossed and then compressed and unclenched. You need to repeat this exercise 30 times. It perfectly develops the hands.
It is advisable to perform a set of exercises daily. This will help prevent the numbness of the legs and hands and prevent its development in the future.
Prognosis of numbness of legs and hands
The prognosis of numbness in the legs and hands is positive, but only if the treatment was started on time. The fact is that such a symptom can be caused by ordinary fatigue. But in many cases, it indicates the presence of a serious disease.
That is why the further course depends on how quickly a person starts quality treatment. Run the problem in no case it is impossible. If it is a Raynaud disease, untimely assistance can lead to a limited thumb movement.
Leaving the problem with the spine is also not worth it. In the future, this will lead to an aggravation of the situation. The prognosis can be positive only if the help is provided on time. Often people do not hurry to go to a medical facility, so the problem becomes more extensive. In some cases, the removal of an unpleasant symptom requires surgery. Therefore, if there is numbness in the legs and hands, you should immediately seek help.