Why Your Hands or Feet Go Numb: Common Causes and Warning Signs

Numbness in the hands or feet is a common symptom and, in most cases, does not have a serious underlying cause. On the programme "Realitatea Medicală", Nicole Păcuraru explains what triggers this sensation and when medical advice should be sought.

Numbness occurs when a nerve is compressed or when blood circulation is temporarily restricted in a particular area of the body. The most common situation is remaining in an uncomfortable position for a prolonged period, which puts pressure on the nerves. Nerves are highly sensitive to pressure, and when compressed, they send incorrect signals to the brain, perceived as tingling or numbness.

Normally, the discomfort disappears quickly once you change position and move around.

However, there are situations in which numbness recurs frequently without any obvious positional cause. In such cases, Nicole Păcuraru notes, the symptom may signal more serious issues, such as neuropathies or a vitamin deficiency — particularly vitamin B12. In essence, it is a sign that something is not functioning optimally in the body, whether in terms of circulation or nerve function.

The specialist's recommendation is that these signals, when they occur repeatedly, should not be ignored, as they may be among the earliest indicators of conditions that require further investigation.