Expert answer:
Tingling in the extremities of the body (hands, feet or fingers) may be sign of compression of some nerve or lack of blood supply at the site. Some causes of tingling of extremities, according to location:
Tingling in the hand:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: It is an injury that affects the median nerve and is usually caused by repetitive efforts, such as manual work, typing, among others. Typically the tingling is felt on the index fingers, middle finger or thumb;
- Ulnar nerve compression: It's the same nerve that causes that "shock" sensation when you hit your elbow. It could happen when you have your elbow bent and leaned on the table for a long time. In this case, it affects the minimum or ring fingers;
- Herniated disc, parrot beak, muscle tension: These conditions can affect the nerve roots located in the neck and cause tingling in the hands or arms;
- Tingling in the foot:
- Compression of the fibular nerve: It can occur when crossing the legs, causing tingling in the side of the foot;
- Diabetes: In this case, the tingling mainly affects the sole of the foot and occurs due to the excess of glucose in the blood, which causes the nerves to stop sending stimuli to the brain;
- Muscle tension: Deep muscles located in the gluteal region can cause sciatic nerve clamping and tingling in the lower limb;
- Herniated Disc: It can affect the roots of the nerves located in the lumbar spine and cause tingling in the leg, thigh or foot;
What should be done in case of tingling at the extremities of the body, observe if the sensation happens when changing position. If the tingling persists, it is best to consult a neurologist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment of the cause.
