Numbness in feet can be a sign of a mild or a more critical condition. It can be only due to cold weather. It may be because of sprain or injury. But when this is not easily treated with warm water, hot beverage, and other things to keep your feet warmth, it may be a serious ailment. There are several serious health conditions that you should not ignore if you feel numb in feet and toes. Here are four of the most common conditions to be aware of.
1. Diabetes
One of the primary symptoms of diabetes is numbness in hands and feet. This tingling feeling is caused by neuropathy, or in other words, nerve damage. The high levels of blood glucose hinder the process of transmitting signals by the nerves. That also explains why you won’t feel anything when your feet or hands are numb. Eventually, the skin also becomes damaged. Doctors have to give treatment for the skin problem and the diabetes itself.
2. Hypothyroidism
It is a condition that mainly affects the thyroid gland, which is located below the Adam’s apple. This internal part of the neck can be overactive or underactive, and hypothyroidism refers to the latter. Naturally, this is sensitive to cold and you will likely experience a tingling feeling in hands and feet. Most women can have hypothyroidism compared to men. But it can affect any age from children to adults.
3. Raynaud’s Disease
One of the common signs of this condition is numbness. It is a disease that primarily affects the flow or supply of blood to the different body parts. In relation to numbness, the hands and feet or toes are greatly affected. There is spasm in the blood vessels, which instantly blocks blood circulation. You would see your fingers and toes to become white and then later blue if the blockage happens. In most cases, this condition is caused by extreme cold temperatures.
4. Anorexia Nervosa
This is popularly known as a type of an eating disorder. It is considered as a mental health issue that is very serious to address. Because body weight is decreased, many parts of the body become weak. The beating of the heart becomes abnormal, and the blood flow is poor. This makes the entire body to become sensitive to cold, and can likely suffer from hypothermia. Thus, numbness in fingers and toes occur.
If you experience numbness in either or both feet and hands, remember that it can be a condition that needs to be given an immediate medical attention. You may not know that it could be already serious. If it is diagnosed as one of the diseases mentioned above, your doctor can give you the proper medication and treatment. This is why it is advisable that you do not take this symptom (numbness in feet and hands) lightly. You must consult to a professional once this tingling feeling continues during the fifth day or more.