What are the causes of numbness in hands and feet?
Mar 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, possible causes of numbness in the hands and feet may include improper posture, cold exposure, multiple peripheral neuritis, multiple sclerosis, cervical spondylosis, and others. Symptomatic management usually involves general treatment and medication. It is recommended to regularly consume foods rich in vitamin B complex, calcium, and magnesium, such as whole wheat bread, milk, and nuts, which can nourish the nerves and help maintain normal muscle function.
Under normal circumstances, possible causes of numbness in the hands and feet may include improper posture, cold exposure, multiple peripheral neuritis, multiple sclerosis, cervical spondylosis, and other conditions. Symptomatic management may involve general treatment and medication. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and undergo appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Improper Posture
Maintaining the same posture for a prolonged period, such as sitting or standing for long durations or compressing the hands and feet during sleep, may lead to poor local blood circulation and cause numbness in the extremities. Symptoms typically improve significantly after changing posture or engaging in appropriate physical activity, and are not usually accompanied by other symptoms. It is recommended to adjust posture regularly and move the hands and feet to promote blood circulation.
2. Cold Exposure
Cold environments may cause blood vessels to constrict, slowing blood circulation and reducing adequate blood supply to the nerve endings in the hands and feet, resulting in numbness. Severe cold exposure may even lead to tissue necrosis. It is recommended to keep the hands and feet warm, avoid prolonged exposure to cold environments, and engage in aerobic exercise to promote blood circulation.
3. Multiple Peripheral Neuritis
Multiple peripheral neuritis may be caused by factors such as poisoning, infection, or malnutrition. This condition leads to damage of nerve fibers and abnormal nerve conduction function, resulting in numbness that may be accompanied by limb weakness and muscle atrophy. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as mecobalamin capsules, acetaminophen tablets, and carbamazepine tablets to alleviate symptoms.
4. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease primarily caused by the combined effects of autoimmune reactions, viral infections, and other factors. The immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath of nerve fibers, disrupting nerve signal transmission and causing numbness in the hands and feet. Symptoms may include blurred vision, muscle weakness, and balance disorders. It is recommended to follow a doctor's instructions for treatment using medications such as recombinant human interferon beta-1b for injection, glatiramer acetate injection, and dimethyl fumarate enteric-coated capsules.
5. Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a condition based on degenerative pathological changes in the cervical intervertebral discs, which may be related to factors such as developmental cervical spinal stenosis and chronic strain. Damage or degeneration of the cervical spine may compress nerve roots, affecting nerve conduction and causing numbness in the upper limbs. Symptoms may include neck pain, shoulder and back discomfort, and in severe cases, reduced arm strength. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as aceclofenac tablets, Jingfukang granules, and mecobalamin tablets to alleviate symptoms.
It is also recommended to incorporate foods rich in B vitamins, calcium, and magnesium, such as whole wheat bread, milk, and nuts, into the daily diet to nourish nerves and help maintain normal muscle function.
