Peripheral Neuropathy (nerve damage due to diabetes): The most important cause of chronic numbness in the hands and feet is uncontrolled diabetes. When the blood sugar level remains high for a long time, it damages the small blood vessels and nerves in the extremities of the hands and feet. This is initially felt as numbness in the feet (initially, it feels like wearing socks).
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of the ‘Myelin sheath’, the protective shield of our nerves. When vitamin B12 is lacking in the body, the health of the nerves deteriorates and severe numbness and tingling in both hands and feet starts to occur simultaneously. This deficiency is more common in people who eat only vegetarian food.
Nerve Compression:
Tingling only in the hands: People who use computers and do sewing work can develop carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a condition in which the nerves in the wrist become compressed. This can cause numbness in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger.
Tingling only in the legs: When the disc between the vertebrae in the neck and spine pushes out and presses on the nerves (Slipped Disc / Sciatica), severe numbness and pain can radiate down to the legs.
Poor Blood Circulation: When you lie on your side or sit still, the blood flow to the limbs temporarily stops. However, people with peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is a chronic condition in which fat accumulates in the blood vessels and narrows, experience severe numbness and pain when walking.
Hypothyroidism: When the body produces less thyroid hormone, fluid retention can occur. This fluid can put pressure on the nerves in the wrists and other areas, causing numbness in the hands and feet.