"My Hands and Feet Keep Tingling"... Dismissing It as Just Poor Circulation Can Be Dangerous [Kok! Health]

Burning Sensations and Numbness: Warning Signs of Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetes, Vitamin Deficiency, and Autoimmune Diseases Among Many Possible Causes

Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet is a common symptom that most people experience at least once in their lives. If the discomfort is brief and goes away, it is easy to dismiss it as insignificant. However, if the symptoms are recurrent or persistent, they should not be attributed solely to simple blood circulation issues. In particular, if numbness, burning sensations, or reduced sensation in the tips of both the hands or feet gradually develop, 'peripheral neuropathy' should be considered.

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Peripheral neuropathy refers to a condition where the peripheral nerves are damaged due to various causes. While damage can occur to a single nerve, it is more common to see the polyneuropathy form, which starts at the tips of both feet and gradually progresses upward. Peripheral nerves are divided into sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves depending on their function, and the symptoms vary depending on the type of nerve affected.

The most prominent symptom is numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Patients often describe their symptoms as “tingling at the tips of the feet,” “as if being pricked by needles,” or “burning or stinging sensations.” In addition to sensory disturbances, symptoms related to motor nerves, such as muscle weakness and muscle cramps, may also occur. Autonomic nerve dysfunction can cause dizziness, abnormal sweating, digestive issues, and urinary problems, making early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause critically important.

One of the most common causes is diabetes. When blood sugar remains high for a prolonged period, the tiny blood vessels and nerve fibers in the peripheral nerves can be damaged, resulting in numbness and pain. Other causes are wide-ranging and include vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, kidney disease, liver disease, autoimmune diseases, hereditary disorders, infections, cancer treatments, medications, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Diagnosis begins with a neurological examination. Doctors check which areas are affected, whether it is on both sides or just one, when the symptoms started, and whether pain, muscle weakness, or balance issues are present. It is also important to check for diabetes, alcohol consumption, current medications, and family history. If necessary, blood tests are performed to assess blood sugar, vitamin levels, thyroid function, kidney and liver function, and signs of inflammation or autoimmune diseases. Nerve conduction studies and electromyography are used to evaluate the presence and severity of peripheral nerve damage, and in some cases, skin biopsies, genetic tests, or imaging studies may be added.

The key to treatment is identifying and managing the underlying cause. If diabetes is the cause, controlling blood sugar is the priority; if a vitamin deficiency is found, supplementation is provided. If medications or toxic substances are responsible, adjustments or discontinuation are considered as much as possible. In cases of autoimmune peripheral neuropathy, immunotherapy may be necessary.

Professor Sohn Jeongmin, a neurologist at Korea University Ansan Hospital, warned, “The recovery rate of peripheral nerves varies depending on the degree and cause of damage, and once damaged, nerves often regenerate slowly or not at all. If peripheral neuropathy is left untreated, not only do numbness and pain worsen, but balance issues and muscle weakness can also develop, making normal walking difficult.” He added, “Even if the symptoms do not seem severe now, it is important to find and manage the cause early rather than taking the symptoms lightly. If numbness in the hands and feet or other suspicious symptoms are repeated or gradually worsen, you must see a neurologist for a proper diagnosis.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.