Numbness means loss of feeling; tingling is the pins-and-needles sensation. Most of it is harmless pressure on a nerve, but numbness that comes on suddenly down one side of the body is a medical emergency.
See a doctor if
- GO TO HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY: numbness or weakness that comes on suddenly in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body — with drooping of the face, difficulty speaking or understanding, or loss of balance. This can be a stroke, treatment works best within a few hours, and every minute counts. Call 112. Do not wait to see if it passes
- GO TO HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY: numbness around the genitals, buttocks or inner thighs, or loss of control over the bladder or bowels — this can be cauda equina syndrome and is a surgical emergency
- Numbness or tingling after a fall, accident or head injury
- Tingling that comes with weakness, or with difficulty walking or gripping
- Numbness that is spreading, or that has not settled within a few days
- Tingling in both feet that has come on gradually, particularly if you have diabetes — this needs checking rather than accepting
- Tingling with a rash in a band on one side of the body, which can be shingles
Common causes
These are causes doctors commonly see. This list cannot tell you which one applies to you.
- Pressure on a nerve from sitting, kneeling or lying awkwardly — the everyday 'foot gone to sleep', which settles within minutes of moving
- Vitamin B12 deficiency, a common and easily treated cause of tingling in the hands and feet, particularly in vegetarians and in people on long-term metformin or acidity medicines
- Diabetes, where long-standing high blood sugar damages the small nerves — usually starting in both feet and creeping upwards
- A pinched nerve in the neck or lower back, which typically gives tingling down one arm or one leg rather than both
- Carpal tunnel syndrome — tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers, often worst at night
- An underactive thyroid
- Low calcium, which causes tingling around the mouth and in the fingers
- Fast, shallow breathing during anxiety or a panic attack, which causes tingling in both hands and around the lips
- Some medicines, and heavy alcohol use over years
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when my hands or feet keep going numb?
If it happens only in one position and goes within minutes of moving, it is almost always simple pressure on a nerve and nothing to worry about. Tingling that keeps returning, comes on for no reason, or affects both feet is different — the common treatable causes are vitamin B12 deficiency, diabetes and an underactive thyroid, and all three are found with straightforward blood tests.
When is numbness an emergency?
When it comes on suddenly down one side of the body, particularly with a drooping face, slurred speech or weakness in an arm. That is a possible stroke and needs an ambulance immediately, not a wait-and-see. The other emergency is numbness around the genitals or buttocks with loss of bladder or bowel control, which needs surgery urgently.
Can vitamin B12 deficiency cause tingling?
Yes, and it is one of the commonest causes worth looking for in India. It typically gives tingling in both hands and feet, sometimes with tiredness and a sore tongue. Vegetarians are at higher risk, as are people who have taken metformin or acidity medicines for a long time. A blood test finds it and treatment is usually straightforward.
Why do my fingers tingle at night?
Tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers that wakes you, and eases when you shake the hand, is the typical pattern of carpal tunnel syndrome — pressure on a nerve at the wrist. It is common in pregnancy, in thyroid disease and in people who do repetitive hand work. It is worth having examined, because treating it early works better.
Does diabetes cause numbness in the feet?
It can. Years of high blood sugar damage the small nerves, usually starting as tingling or numbness in both feet and slowly moving up. It matters more than it feels: numb feet stop warning you about cuts and blisters, which is how serious foot problems begin. Anyone with diabetes and numb feet should have them examined and should check them daily.
What to do next
Note when the symptom started, how it has changed, and anything that makes it better or worse. Take that information — and a list of your medicines — to your doctor. It makes the consultation considerably more useful than trying to recall it on the spot.
If any of the warning signs above apply to you, do not wait for an appointment. Go to a hospital, or call 112.