Feeling tingling in your hands and feet from time to time isn’t unusual. It can occur after sitting for too long, crossing your legs, or sleeping in an improper position with your arm.
But when that “pins and needles” sensation lingers, spreads, or returns often, it may signal a deeper issue with your nerves.
Knowing when to take it seriously and when to see a neurologist helps you catch issues early and protect your nerve health.
Everyone’s felt that quick burst of pins and needles after sitting still too long or leaning on an arm. It’s harmless when it fades within seconds.
However, tingling that persists, recurs frequently, or affects both sides of the body may indicate a more serious condition.
Nerves carry messages between your brain, spine, and body. When these signals are blocked or irritated, they create sensations such as tingling, numbness, or burning.
Sometimes the cause is simple, such as pressure on a nerve. Other times, it points to an underlying condition like diabetes, thyroid imbalance, or a problem with blood flow.
If tingling starts suddenly, appears with weakness, or affects your face or one side of your body, seek medical attention immediately.
These symptoms can signal a stroke or another urgent neurological issue.
For ongoing or unexplained tingling, it’s best to schedule an evaluation with a neurologist who can pinpoint the cause and begin treatment before lasting nerve damage occurs.
Tingling is the body’s way of saying something isn’t right in the communication between nerves and the brain. It often begins in the hands and feet because those nerves are farthest from the spine, where signals start.
When those nerve pathways get compressed, inflamed, or damaged, you might feel tingling, numbness, or a “buzzing” sensation.
Short-term tingling typically results from pressure on a nerve or restricted circulation. But when it becomes chronic, doctors look deeper for causes such as:
Each of these problems affects the nerves differently, but all share one thing in common: early detection gives you the best chance to protect nerve function and stop symptoms from spreading.
Tingling that lingers or worsens deserves attention, especially when it interferes with daily life. You should schedule an appointment with a neurologist if you notice:
A neurologist specializes in determining why your nerves are reacting in this way.
They use advanced tests, such as nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), or MRI scans, to locate where the signal is being disrupted.
At that point, your doctor can determine whether the problem stems from a nerve injury, a metabolic disorder like diabetes, or something more complex involving the brain or spine.
Identifying the root cause early helps you avoid complications such as permanent nerve damage or muscle weakness.
Neurology Specialists of Jacksonville can help patients uncover the underlying causes of these sensations and guide them toward treatment that restores comfort, mobility, and peace of mind.
Tingling in your hands and feet may seem like a small annoyance, but it’s often your body’s way of signaling a deeper issue.
Ignoring it can allow nerve damage to progress, making recovery harder later on. The good news is that early testing and treatment can prevent long-term complications and restore comfort.
At Universal Neurological Care, our team takes the time to uncover what’s really happening with your nerves and create a care plan that fits your life and health goals.
If tingling or numbness has become part of your daily routine, don’t wait for it to get worse.
Schedule your consultation today and start finding answers that bring relief.
Not always. Short-term tingling often comes from reduced blood flow or pressure on a nerve, such as when you sit in one position too long. Persistent or spreading tingling, however, usually indicates nerve irritation or injury and warrants evaluation by a neurologist.
Yes. High stress or anxiety can trigger physical sensations, including tingling in the hands, feet, or face. These symptoms often ease once the body relaxes, but if they continue or worsen, it’s best to rule out other causes.
Neurologists may recommend blood tests, imaging studies (such as MRI or CT scans), or nerve tests, including electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction tests. These help pinpoint whether the problem stems from nerve compression, inflammation, or another underlying condition.
It depends on the cause. Tingling from posture or temporary nerve pressure typically fades quickly. But chronic tingling tied to diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or neurological disorders won’t resolve without targeted treatment.
