Tingling or Peripheral neuropathy in hands, feet, or both is an extremely common and bothersome symptom. Such tingling can sometimes be benign and temporary. For example, it could result from pressure on nerves when our arm is crooked under our head as we fall asleep. Or it could be from pressure on nerves when we cross our legs too long. In either case, the “pins and needles” effect — which is usually painless — is soon relieved by removing the pressure that caused it.
But in many cases, tingling in the hands, feet, or both can be severe, episodic, or chronic. It also can come with other symptoms, such as pain, itching, numbness, and muscle wasting. In such cases, tingling may be a sign of nerve damage, which can result from causes as varied as traumatic injuries or repetitive stress injuries, bacterial or viral infections, toxic exposures, and systemic diseases such as diabetes.
Such nerve damage is known as peripheral neuropathy because it affects nerves distant from the brain and spinal cord, often in the hands and feet.
There are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy. Over time, the condition can worsen, making you less mobile and even disabled.
Causes of Tingling
Diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy, accounting for about 40% of cases. In diabetic neuropathy, tingling and other symptoms often first develop in both feet and go up the legs, followed by tingling and other symptoms that affect both hands and go up the arms. About two-thirds of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nerve damage. In many cases, these symptoms are the first signs of diabetes.
In another 30% of peripheral neuropathy cases, the cause is unknown, or “idiopathic.”
The remaining 40% of cases have a variety of causes such as:
Nerve entrapment syndromes
These include carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve palsy, peroneal nerve palsy, and radial nerve palsy.
Systemic diseases
These include kidney disorders, liver disease, vascular damage and blood diseases, amyloidosis, connective tissue disorders and chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances (including hypothyroidism), and cancers and benign tumors that impinge on nerves.
Vitamin deficiencies
We need vitamins E, B1, B6, B12, and niacin for healthy nerves. A B12 deficiency, for example, can lead to pernicious anemia, an important cause of peripheral neuropathy. But too much vitamin B6 also can cause tingling in the hands and feet.
Alcoholism
People who have alcoholism are more likely to lack thiamine and other important vitamins because of poor dietary habits, a common cause of peripheral neuropathy. Alcoholism itself also cause nerve damage, called alcoholic neuropathy.
Toxins
These include heavy metals such as raw lead, raw arsenic, raw mercury, raw thallium etc, and some industrial and environmental chemicals. They also include certain allopathic medications — especially chemotherapy drugs used for cancers, many antiviral and antibiotic drugs.
Infections
These include Lyme disease, shingles (varicella zoster), cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr, herpes simplex, and HIV and AIDS.
Autoimmune diseases
These include chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Inherited disorders
These include a group that may have sensory and motor symptoms; the most common type is known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Injury
Often related to trauma, nerves can be compressed, crushed, or damaged in other ways, resulting in nerve pain. Examples include nerve compression caused by a herniated disk or dislocated bone.
Multiple sclerosis. The disease causes our body’s immune system to attack the fatty myelin sheath around nerve fibers in our brain and spine. Tingling in the hands and feet is a common symptom.
Diagnosis
For diagnosis a physical exam and an extensive medical history will address patient’s symptoms, work environment, social habits, alcohol use, toxic exposure, risk of HIV or other infectious diseases, and family history of neurological disease.
Tests required for diagnosis are:
- Blood tests. These can include tests to detect diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, liver or kidney dysfunction, other metabolic disorders, and signs of abnormal immune system activity.
- An examination of cerebrospinal fluid. This can identify antibodies associated with peripheral neuropathy.
- An electromyogram (EMG), a test of the electrical activity of muscle.
- Nerve conduction velocity (NCV).
Other tests may include:
- Computed tomography (CT).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Nerve biopsy.
- Skin biopsy to look at nerve fiber endings.
Allopathic treatments for Tingling
With allopathic medication, if the peripheral nerve cells have not been killed, they can regenerate.
Although there are no allopathic treatments for inherited types of peripheral neuropathy, some of the acquired types can be improved with treatment. For example, good blood sugar control in diabetes can help keep diabetic neuropathy from getting worse, and vitamin supplements can help in peripheral neuropathy in people with vitamin deficiencies. General lifestyle recommendations include keeping weight in check, avoiding exposure to toxins, following a doctor-supervised exercise program, eating a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking etc which constricts blood supply to blood vessels supplying nutrients to peripheral nerves.
In some cases, tingling and other symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may be eased with prescriptions developed for treating seizures and depression.
Homeopathic treatment for Tingling
Produces contraction of the unstriped muscular fibers, hence a constringent feeling throughout the whole body. This produces an anemic condition, coldness, numbness, petechiae, mortification, gangrene. Successful treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis and treatment of the cause of the tingling.
Plumbum Metallicum
Tingling sometimes with pain in extensors, forearm or upper limb, from center to periphery with partial anesthesia or excessive hyperesthesia, preceded by pain. Localized neuralgic pains, neuritis. Progressive muscular atrophy. Infantile paralysis. Locomotor ataxia. Excessive and rapid emaciation. Bulbar paralysis. Important in peripheral affections. The points of attack for Plumbum are the neuraxins and the anterior horns. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis, posterior spinal sclerosis. Contractions and boring pain. Optic nerve inflamed. Intraocular, suppurative inflammation. Glaucoma, especially if secondary to spinal lesion. Optic neuritis, central scotoma. Sudden loss of sight after fainting. Gums swollen, pale; distinct blue lines along margins of gums. Tongue tremulous, red on margin. Cannot put it out, seems paralyzed.
Spinal cord sclerosed. Lightning-like pains; temporarily better by pressure. Paralysis of lower extremities. Skin yellow, dark-brown liver spots. Jaundice. Dry. Dilated veins. Paralysis of single muscles. Cannot raise or lift anything with the hand. Extension is difficult. Pains in muscles. Wrist-drop. Cramps in calves. Stinging and tearing, twitching and tingling, numbness, pain or tremor in limbs. Paralysis. Loss of patellar reflex.
Arsenicum Album
Irritability of fiber gives the characteristic irritable weakness. Burning pains. Tingling. Ailments from alcoholism, ptomaine poisoning, stings, dissecting wounds, chewing or smoking tobacco. Trembling, tingling, twitching, spasms, weakness, heaviness, uneasiness. Cramps in calves.
Thalium Metallicum
Thallium seems to influence the endocrines, especially the thyroid and adrenaline. Most horrible neuralgic, spasmodic, shooting pains. Muscular atrophy. Tremors. Relieves the violent pains in locomotor ataxia. Paralysis of lower limbs. Pain in stomach and bowels, like electric shocks. Paraplegia. Alopecia following acute, exhausting diseases. Night sweats. Polyneuritis. Dermal trophic lesions.
Extremities – Trembling. Paralytic feeling. Tingling, lancinating pains, like electric shocks. Very tired. Chronic myelitis. Numbness in fingers and toes, with extension up lower extremities, involving lower abdomen and perineum. Paralysis of lower limbs. Cyanosis of extremities. Formication, beginning in fingers and extending through pelvis, perineum and inner thighs to feet.
Lycopodium Clavatum
Numbness, also drawing and tearing in limbs, especially while at rest or at night. Heaviness of arms. Tearing in shoulder and elbow joints. One foot hot, the other cold. Chronic gout, with chalky deposits in joints. Profuse sweat of the feet. Pain in heel on treading as from a pebble. Painful callosities on soles; toes and fingers contracted. Sciatica, worse right side. Cannot lie on painful side. Hands and feet numb. Right foot hot, left cold. Cramps in calves and toes at night in bed. Limbs go to sleep. Twitching tingling and jerking.
Natrum Muriaticum
Pain in back. Every movement accelerates the circulation. Palms hot and perspiring. Arms and legs, knees feel weak. Hangnails. Dryness and cracking about fingernails. Numbness and tingling in fingers and lower extremities. Ankles weak and turn easily. Painful contraction of hamstrings. Cracking in joints on motion. Coldness of legs with congestion to head, chest, and stomach.
Rhus Toxicodendron
Extremities hot, painful swelling of joints. Pains tearing in tendons, ligaments, and fasciae, at nape of neck, loins, and extremities. Soreness of condyles of bones. Limbs stiff paralyzed. Pain along ulnar nerve. Tearing down thighs. Sciatica; worse, cold, damp weather, at night. Numbness and formication. Paralysis. Trembling. Tenderness about knee joint. Loss of power in forearm and fingers; crawling sensation in the tips of fingers. Tingling in feet.
Phosphorus
Ascending sensory and motor paralysis from ends of fingers and toes. Stitches in elbow and shoulder joints. Burning of feet. Weakness and trembling, from every exertion. Tibia inflamed and necrosed. Arms and hands numbness, tingling. Post-diphtheritic paralysis, with formication of hands and feet. Joints suddenly give way.
Calcarea Phosphorica
Stiffness and pain, with cold, numbness, tingling. Crawling and coldness. Buttocks, back and limbs asleep. Pains in joints and bones. Weary when going upstairs. Numbness and crawling. Tendency to perspiration and glandular enlargement.
Kali Carbonicum
Backs and legs give out. Uneasiness heaviness and tearing and jerking in limbs. Tearing pain with swelling. Limbs sensitive to pressure. White swelling of knee. Tearing in arms from shoulder to wrist. Lacerating in wrist joint. Paralysis of old people, and dropsical affections. Limbs go to sleep easily, tingling. Tips of toes and fingers painful. Soles very sensitive. Itching of knee with pain. Pain from hip to knee and/or only in knees. Skin burning as from a mustard plaster.
Kalium Phosphoricum
A best nerve medicines: besides, it corresponds to states of adynamic and decay, gangrenous conditions. Marked disturbance of the sympathetic nervous system. Gangrenous sore throat. Paralysis of the vocal cords. Tingling in effected organs.
Magnesium Phosphorica
Involuntary shaking of hands. Paralysis agitans. Cramps in calves. Sciatica; feet very tender. Darting pains. Twitching. Chorea. Writers’ and players’ cramp. Tetanic spasms. Weakness in arms and hands, fingertips tangling, stiff and numb. General muscular weakness.
Zincum Metallicum
Pain in small of back. Tension and stinging between shoulders. Spinal irritation. Tingling. Burning along spine. Nape of neck wearies from writing or any exertion. Tearing in shoulder-blades.
Extremities: Lameness, weakness, trembling, tingling and twitching of various muscles. Chilblains. Feet in continued motion; cannot keep still. Varicose veins. Sweaty. Convulsions, with pale face. Transverse pains, especially in upper extremity. Soles of feet sensitive. Steps with entire sole of foot on floor.
Agaricus Muscarious
Jerking, twitching, tingling, trembling, and itching are strong indications for Agaricus Muscarious. Delirium of fevers. Alcoholism. Lumbago with sensitiveness of spine and twitching of cervical muscles. Itching of toes and feet as if frozen. Cramp in soles of feet. Pain in shinbone. Neuralgia in locomotor ataxia. Paralysis of lower limbs, with spasmodic condition of arms. Numbness of legs on crossing them. Paralytic pain in arm followed by palpitation. Tearing painful contractions in the calves.6
Causticum
Weakness progresses gradually appeared paralysis, local paralysis, vocal cords, muscles of deglutition, of tongue, eyelids, face, bladder and extremities. Paralysis of tongue, with indistinct speech. Rheumatism of articulation of lower jaw. Sciatica, with numbness, burning and tingling.
Carbo Vegitablis
Extremities heavy, stiff; feel paralyzed; limbs, tingling, go to sleep, muscular weakness, joints weakness. Pain in shins. Cramp in soles; feet numb and sweaty. Cold from knees down. Toes red, swollen. Burning pain in bones and limbs.
Hypericum perforatum
A best choice for injuries to nerves, especially of fingers, toes and nails. Crushed fingers, especially tips. Injured nerves from bites of animals. Tetanus. Neuritis, tingling, burning and numbness. Constant drowsiness. Crawling in hand and feet. Lancinating pain.
Plumbum Metallicum
Lead paralysis is chiefly of extensors, forearm or upper limb, from center to periphery with partial anesthesia or excessive hyperesthesia, tingling preceded by pain. Localized neuralgic pains, neuritis. Hypertension and arteriosclerosis. Progressive muscular atrophy. Locomotor ataxia. Excessive and rapid emaciation. Bulbar paralysis. Tingling. Lightning-like pains; temporarily better by pressure. Stinging and tearing in limbs, also twitching and tingling, numbness, pain or tremor.
Moringa Oriflora
Moringa has many important vitamins and minerals. The leaves have about as much potassium as a banana, and about the same amount of vitamin C as an orange. It also has calcium, protein, iron, and amino acids, which help your body heal and build muscle.
It’s also packed with antioxidants, substances that can protect cells from damage and may boost your immune system. There’s some evidence that some of these antioxidants can also lower blood pressure and reduce fat in the blood and body. Rheumatoid arthritis: Moringa leaf extract lowers fluid swelling, redness, and pain (inflammation).
Secale Cornutum
A useful medicine for old people with shriveled skin-thin, scrawny old women. Contraction of the unstriped muscular fibers. Tingling of tip of tongue, hands, palms, feet, pedals etc, can bear only slightest covering. Locomotor ataxia. Formication and numbness. Myelitis. Incipient cataract, senile especially in women. Eyes sunken and surrounded by a blue margin. Livid spots on face. Spasmodic distortion.
Paralysis of bladder. Retention, with unsuccessful urging. Enuresis in old people. Cold, dry hands and feet of excessive smokers with feeling of fuzziness in fingers. Trembling, staggering gait. Formication, pain and spasmodic movements. Numbness. Fingers and feet bluish, shriveled, spread apart or bent backwards, numb. Violent cramps. Icy coldness of extremities. Violent pain in fingertips, tingling in toes.
Skin shriveled, numb; mottled dusky-blue tinge. Raynaud’s disease. Blue color. Dry gangrene, developing slowly. Varicose ulcers. Burning sensation. Formication; petechiae. Slight wounds continue to bleed. Livid spots. Boils, small, painful, with green contents; mature slowly.
P. S: This article is only for doctors having good knowledge about Homeopathy and allopathy, for learning purpose(s).
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None of above-mentioned medicine(s) is/are the full/complete treatment, but just hints for treatment; every patient has his/her own constitutional medicine.
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Dr. Sayyad Qaisar Ahmed (MD {Ukraine}, DHMS), Abdominal Surgeries, Oncological surgeries, Gastroenterologist, Specialist Homeopathic Medicines.
Senior research officer at Dnepropetrovsk state medical academy Ukraine.
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