Numbness is a sensation where you can’t feel anything in the affected area. It’s sometimes described as a prickling sensation or pins and needles. It can affect any part of your body, but fingers and legs are the most common areas.

It’s not typically a serious condition, but it can be uncomfortable and may indicate an underlying health problem. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common causes of numbness in your fingers and legs and what you can do about it.

Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. This can cause pain, tingling, or numbness.

A pinched nerve in the neck or back can cause numbness in the fingers or legs, respectively. The numbness can be temporary or chronic. Common causes of a pinched nerve include:.

Herniated disk
Bone spurs
Injury
Repetitive motions
Poor posture
Arthritis

You can relieve a pinched nerve by resting the affected area, applying ice or heat, taking over-the-counter painkillers, or doing yoga or stretching exercises. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend physical therapy or surgery.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, is compressed or pinched at the wrist.

This can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the fingers and hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often caused by repetitive motions, such as working on a computer or playing an instrument.

You can treat carpal tunnel syndrome with rest, icing the area, taking painkillers, or using a wrist splint. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerve.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when nerves that carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body are damaged. This can cause numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the hand, feet, or legs.

Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by a variety of factors, including:.

Diabetes
Alcoholism
Infections
Autoimmune diseases
Toxins
Medications

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on the underlying cause. For example, if peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes, treatment may involve managing blood sugar levels.

If it’s caused by a medication, your doctor may recommend changing your medication.

Vitamin Deficiency

Vitamin deficiency can also cause numbness in your fingers and legs. For example, vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage that leads to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities.

Other vitamins, such as vitamin D and vitamin E, can also cause numbness if you’re deficient.

The best way to treat vitamin deficiency is to identify the underlying cause and supplement the deficient vitamin with a dietary supplement.

For example, if you’re deficient in vitamin B12, your doctor may recommend taking vitamin B12 injections or supplements. In addition, you can add vitamin-rich foods to your diet to help prevent future deficiencies.

Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is a condition where the spinal nerve roots that connect to the spinal cord become damaged or compressed. This can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities.

Radiculopathy is often caused by a herniated disk or spinal stenosis.

Treatment for radiculopathy depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, physical therapy can help relieve the symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the affected nerve root.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It occurs when the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers, causing damage to the nerves.

MS can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities, as well as other symptoms such as muscle stiffness, vision problems, and problems with coordination and balance.

There is no cure for MS, but there are medications that can slow the progression of the disease and improve symptoms. In addition, physical therapy and occupational therapy can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for people with MS.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It’s often characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Fibromyalgia can also cause numbness and tingling in the fingers and legs.

Treatment for fibromyalgia typically involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

For example, your doctor may recommend antidepressants to improve sleep and reduce pain, or they may recommend physical therapy to help relieve muscle pain and stiffness.

Raynaud’s Disease

Raynaud’s disease is a condition where the blood vessels in your fingers and toes narrow in response to cold or stress, which can cause numbness, tingling, and pain. Raynaud’s disease is more common in women and in people who live in cold climates.

Treatment for Raynaud’s disease involves keeping the affected extremities warm, avoiding cold temperatures, and managing stress. In some cases, medication may be necessary to help improve blood flow to the affected areas.

Conclusion

Numbness in the fingers and legs can be caused by a variety of factors, including a pinched nerve, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, vitamin deficiency, radiculopathy, MS, fibromyalgia, and Raynaud’s disease.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve rest, medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or surgery.