Tingling in hands and feet… What if it’s a nerve problem rather than a blood circulation problem?

Kim (50), who runs a Korean restaurant, frequently uses a knife to prepare ingredients. Recently, he's been experiencing numbness and weakness in his hands, and even a tingling sensation in his toes. Believing the sudden cold weather was simply a reason for poor circulation, he massaged himself every evening, but his symptoms remained unchanged. He eventually sought medical attention and was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy.

 

When numbness occurs in the extremities, such as the hands and feet, poor circulation is often the first thing that comes to mind. However, peripheral neuropathy is more likely the cause than poor circulation. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by damage to the nerves in the extremities, such as the arms and legs, due to various causes.

Professor Lee Hye-rim of the Department of Neurology at Guro Hospital of Korea University said, "When the hands and feet feel numb, it is difficult to clearly distinguish the cause based on symptoms alone, but when it is caused by poor blood circulation, symptoms such as the limbs turning blue or white may accompany it." She added, "Since it is difficult to distinguish based on symptoms alone, it is recommended to conduct related tests after a consultation." If numbness in the hands and feet caused by peripheral neuropathy is left untreated, the numbness can spread throughout the body and even lead to paralysis.

The nervous system in our body is broadly divided into the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which extends from the brain and spinal cord to the face, arms, and legs. The peripheral nervous system, which includes motor, sensory, and autonomic nerves, can exhibit symptoms such as motor dysfunction (paralysis, muscle weakness), sensory disturbances (numbness, pain), and autonomic nervous system dysfunction (sweating, urination disorders). Numbness in the hands and feet is a typical symptom of sensory disturbance.

 

Peripheral neuropathy can be divided into compressive peripheral neuropathy, which occurs when a specific area is compressed, and polyneuropathy, which causes multiple peripheral nerve abnormalities throughout the body. A representative compressive peripheral neuropathy is carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when the median nerve is compressed by the wrist ligaments. Polyneuropathy is characterized by numbness that typically begins in the feet and fingertips and gradually spreads to the trunk. This can be caused by factors such as diabetes and alcohol. In rare cases, Guillain-Barré syndrome, which occurs after infections such as colds or diarrhea, can also be suspected.

If you visit a hospital, tests such as nerve conduction studies, electromyography, and cerebrospinal fluid tests will be performed to determine the extent of nerve damage and other complications. Approximately 75% of these tests can identify the exact cause.

 

Treatment varies depending on the cause. Professor Lee Hye-rim stated, "It's important to treat the underlying cause. Medications like anticonvulsants and antidepressants are necessary to manage symptoms and prevent pain-related declines in quality of life." She added, "Sometimes, procedures like nerve blocks are performed, and in cases with clear structural abnormalities, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, surgical treatment may also be considered."

 

Peripheral neuropathy can be prevented by modifying lifestyle habits. Professor Lee Hye-rim stated, "It's best to actively manage diabetes, a common underlying condition, avoid alcohol, and avoid tight clothing and shoes that impede blood circulation and postures that put pressure on the nerves." She added, "Early detection of peripheral neuropathy has a good prognosis, so it's important to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear."

 

Meanwhile, if numbness in the hands and feet worsens, is accompanied by lip numbness, headaches, dizziness, weakness in the limbs, or numbness on only one side, it could be a stroke, not peripheral neuropathy. In this case, you should immediately seek medical attention and undergo a checkup. Unlike peripheral neuropathy, stroke occurs suddenly. Numbness in the hands and feet can also be caused by cervical disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or extreme stress.

 

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My mom sometimes gets numbness in her hands and feet.

On that day, make sure to have a massage

Foot bath in hot water too

 

These days, you always wear socks.

Are you wearing thin socks at home too?

Always wear it

 

They say the warming effect is good for numbness in the hands and feet.