What causes numbness in the hands and feet?

Feb 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have been experiencing frequent numbness in my hands and feet recently, sometimes accompanied by a tingling sensation. I would like to know what might be causing this condition. Could numbness in the hands and feet indicate a serious medical condition?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin

Numbness in the hands and feet is a common symptom that can be caused by various factors. The following are some common causes:

1. Nerve compression: Conditions such as cervical spondylosis or lumbar disc herniation may compress nerves, leading to numbness in the hands and feet.

2. Poor blood circulation: Maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods or vascular diseases may also cause numbness in the hands and feet.

3. Central nervous system lesions: Diseases such as cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage may damage the central nervous system or spinal cord, resulting in numbness in the hands and feet.

4. Diabetes: Long-term high blood sugar and abnormal blood lipid levels may lead to metabolic disturbances, causing swelling and degeneration of nerve fibers, resulting in peripheral neuropathy and numbness in the extremities.

5. Orthopedic conditions: Orthopedic issues such as herniated cervical discs or lumbar spinal stenosis may compress local nerve roots or the cervical spinal cord, causing numbness in the hands and feet.

6. Trauma or repetitive strain injuries: Conditions such as thoracic outlet syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome may cause compression of peripheral nerves, leading to numbness in one or both limbs.

If symptoms persist without relief, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment measures.