Sudden Numbness: Why does numbness suddenly occur in hands and feet? Expert explains the reason | News India

Many people face the problem of sudden numbness or tingling in hands and feet. This is often ignored, but it can be a sign of many serious diseases. Therefore, if you feel numbness in hands and feet frequently or for a long time, you should immediately contact a doctor.

Dr. Vineet Banga, Director of Neurology and Head of Neurointervention at Fortis Hospital (Faridabad) explains that sometimes this symptom can be due to common reasons like wrong posture or temporary nerve compression, but there can also be a serious neurological problem behind it. Therefore, it is very important to have correct information about these symptoms and consult a specialist if they persist or worsen.

Common causes of numbness in the hands and feet

Numbness in the hands and feet can have many causes, ranging from temporary conditions to long-term disorders. Some common causes include:

1. Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral nerve disorders occur when the peripheral nerves that transmit signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body are damaged. Diabetes is the main cause of this condition, but it can also result from injury, infection, and exposure to toxins.

2. Carpal tunnel syndrome

This is a specific type of neuropathy in which the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed. It can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and can get worse over time if left untreated.

3. Vitamin deficiency

Deficiency of vitamins B12, B6, and E can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. This deficiency can be prevented by maintaining a balanced diet or taking supplements recommended by a doctor.

4. Multiple sclerosis (MS)

It is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing neurological symptoms such as numbness and tingling. MS can damage nerves in the brain and spinal cord, causing a loss of sensation in various parts of the body.

5. Cervical radiculopathy

This condition occurs when there is pressure on a nerve in the neck, often caused by a herniated disc or bone spurs. This causes pain, numbness, and tingling that may radiate down the arms.