What Causes Numbness and Tingling Extremities?

By Fiorella M. | Updated: Aug 02, 2016

Ladies

Loss of feeling anywhere on your body can cause a reaction of panic. Many people ask, “Why can't I feel my feet?” The most basic reason is lack of circulation. When blood flow is cut off to certain parts of your body, you will experience a lack of feeling - otherwise known as numbness. Before total numbness occurs, you will feel tingling in your extremities. If you are someone who exercises regularly and doesn't sit at a desk all day without moving, there are other reasons causing this to occur.

Numbness occurs when blood flow is cut off to certain parts of your body.

Why Do My Extremities Tingle?

Did you suffer an injury at some time in your life? A previous injury may have caused damage to your nerves. If this is the case, you may be prone to a life of occasional numbness that occurs without warning. Tingling extremities are common in injuries where bones are dislocated.

Also, due to hormone fluctuation during menopause, many women experience tingling extremities. This is because estrogen has an effect on the central nervous system. Finding a way to balance your hormones is the best solution to relieving the pain caused by numbness and tingling.

Diabetics also experience numbness and tingling. Blood sugar levels that tend to rise and fall in people with diabetes can cause painful tingling in the body. This is also known as diabetic neuropathy.

A vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient to the body. If you are deficient in vitamin B12, you may experience tingling extremities and numbness from time to time. Lacking B12 can also lead to anemia, a condition where the body does not possess enough healthy red blood cells and oxygen is not able to flow through the body properly.

How Can I Manage the Symptoms?

A simple way to avoid tingling extremities is to constantly move your body. If you sit at a desk throughout the day, take frequent breaks to stretch or go for a walk. Regular exercise is the easiest and most beneficial way to maintain oxygen flow in the body and to the brain. Exercise can reduce anxiety and stress as well, two things that can also restrict blood flow and cause numbness.

Other ways to manage the symptoms includes cutting things out of your diet that contain alcohol and caffeine, and making sure to drink plenty of water. A good night sleep will also help reduce stress and promote a healthy body.

If you are experiencing menopausal tingling extremities, hormone-regulating-herbal supplements or phytoestrogenic supplements (e,.g., black cohosh) can help to balance your body and hormones.

While numbness can be uncomfortable and even cause alarm, it does not always need medical attention. Read more about relieving menopause symptoms and tingling extremities.

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