Most people tend to ignore pins and needles that cause a tingling sensation in the hands and feet. However, Dr Sudhir Kumar, senior consultant neurologist, Institute of Neurosciences, Hyderabad says Although pins and needles is not quite common in general population, people above 40 and suffering from diabetes and vegetarians are at a high risk. Almost two out of three diabetics are known to be suffering from this condition. Although these people belong to high risk group, here are some common causes of tins and needles you need to know.
Diabetes: One of the most common causes of pins and needles is diabetes as the nerves in the feet and hands (skin) is affected in people with uncontrolled blood sugar levels. This in turn causes the nerves to not respond well to the stimuli. It can affect other parts of the body but hands and feet (known to the glove and stocking area) are more susceptible to nerve damage, in case of diabetics.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: According to Dr Kumar, Vegetarians are at high risk of suffering from pins and needles as they lack vitamin B12 in their diet. This is of concern, as more and more people are turning vegetarians. As vitamin B 12 plays a key role in proper functioning of the nerves in the brain, deficiency of this vitamin leads to nerve problems such as pins and needles.
Alcoholism: People who drink heavily (more than 2 drinks per day) and do not consume a diet rich in nutrients might suffer from tingling sensation in the hands and feet. Also, heavy drinking leads to deficiency of thiamine and other nutrients. But this is not a common cause as the effects can be seen only on a long term basis.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: If your work routine involves sitting for long hours or working on computers for all day long, then you must be worried. As the median nerve present in the breast region gets compressed. This in turn leads to pins and needles in the palms and fingers. Here's everything you need to know about carpal tunnel syndrome.
Infections: Did you know even unhygienic and unsanitized places can cause tingling sensation in the arms and feet? This is quite common in people living in villages and remote areas as these people are more prone to infections. Also, old people and those suffering from leprosy might be at an increased risk of pins and needles.
Toxins and chemicals: When it comes to toxins and chemicals, mercury, arsenic and lead are the more common ones. People working in blast furnaces are exposed to lead which in turn cause nerve damage. Whereas mercury waste dumped into sea water is consumed by fish which in turn causes accumulation of mercury in people eating them. And people working in arsenic industries or patients exposed to arsenic are known to experience nerve damage and in turn cause pins and needles.
Vasculitis: An autoimmune disease, vasculitis is more common in women than in men, especially those in their 20s 40s. In this condition, there is lack of blood supply to different parts of the body due to inflamed nerves. When tingling sensation is coupled with joint pain or swelling, hair loss and skin rash, you should get tested for vasculitis.
The medications are usually prescribed for few months until the symptoms improve. While you are on medications, here are few remedies you can try at home for some relief.
Vitamin B12 intake: Improve your intake of vitamin B12 in your diet. You can even take supplements of this vitamin (as you do not need prescription for the same). However the normal daily recommended dose of vitamin B 12 id 20 microgram per day, those suffering from pins and needles should take 500 1500 microgram (0.5 1.5 milligram) of vitamin B12 supplements. You can take them at any time of the day irrespective of your meals.
Blood sugar control: As diabetics are at a high risk of suffering from this condition, it is important to keep your blood sugar levels under control. Hence, follow a proper diet plan, exercise and take your medications on time to deal with pins and needles. Here's a diet plan for people suffering from diabetes.
Warm water remedy: Whenever you feel tingling sensation in your legs and hands, all you need to do is dip your hands and feet in warm water (you can even add a pinch of salt to it) for 15 30 minutes. This will not only relieve your symptoms but also help you sleep well.
Don t be anxious: Most people tend to get up in the middle of the night as they feel pain and tingling in their hands and feet. And this is due to the feeling of fear and anxiety and not because of the actual cause, in most cases,' explains Dr Kumar.
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