Sometimes, for example, when we assume an uncomfortable position of the body, it can happen to feel an annoying tingling in the limbs. We generally say that the hand (or foot) has fallen asleep. For example, this happens when we sleep with the arm under the rest of the body, thus exerting pressure on the nerves of the arm. Or when we keep our legs crossed for too long (again, pressure is exerted on the nerves). In these examples, the tingling is benign and temporary: after removing the cause of the nerve compression, the “little pinprick” effect disappears within minutes.
Other times, however, the tingling is associated with other symptoms such as pain, itching, numbness or muscle atrophy. In these cases the causes are not so simple to identify and can often hide more serious and debilitating pathologies. Even in light of recent studies, numbness, pain and tingling in the feet could be symptoms of autoimmune diseases and more.
Damage to the peripheral nerves
Tingling in the hands and feet is often associated with other symptoms such as pain, burning, or numbness in the hands and feet. This type of sensation commonly reflects damage to the nerves, particularly to the nerves further away from the brain and spinal cord (the nerves of the hands and feet, for example, are called peripheral). In this case we speak of peripheral neuropathy. There are over 100 types of peripheral neuropathy and the causes are not always obvious. We therefore speak of idiopathic neuropathy (i.e. of unknown cause).
Numbness, pain and tingling in the feet could be symptoms of autoimmune diseases and more
In a newly published study (Johnson SA et al, 2021), researchers investigated the main causes of tingling in the hands and feet, also known as small fiber neuropathy. In this study, the researchers retrospectively reviewed the reports of all patients diagnosed with neuropathy over a period of more than 20 years in one county in Minnesota.
First, they noticed an increase over time in the percentage of people diagnosed with the disorder. This finding could be associated with an increase in obesity in the area under consideration.
Of the subjects considered, about 50% of people with neuropathy had diabetes, compared with 22% of those without neuropathy. People with neuropathy were also more likely to have heart attacks, at 46 percent compared to 27 percent. It is based on these findings that researchers suggest screening people with small fiber neuropathy for blood sugar and heart problems. In a previous article we highlighted what the ideal blood sugar level was to ward off heart attacks and strokes.
Other causes of tingling hands and feet include autoimmune diseases, Sjögren’s syndrome and lupus, and other autoimmune diseases, toxins, alcoholism and infections.
It is therefore recommended to contact your doctor if you notice persistent tingling in the limbs, especially if associated with pain and burning.