Symptom4 min read

Numbness and tingling

SpecialtyNeurologySpecialty Endocrinology and diabetesSpecialty

Detail level

Numbness and tingling are abnormal sensations often felt in the fingers, hands and feet. Causes range from prolonged posture to diabetes and nerve disease, and some, like stroke, are emergencies.

MedlinePlus defines numbness and tingling as abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere, often in the fingers, hands, feet, arms and legs. Causes include staying in one position for a long time, nerve injury and compression (slipped disc), shingles, infection, poor circulation, electrolyte imbalance, vitamin B deficiency, certain medicines, alcohol and tobacco, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, migraine, multiple sclerosis, seizures, stroke and thyroid disorders. NIDDK and CDC list numbness and tingling in the hands or feet among the symptoms of type 2.

The assessment tests mentioned include blood tests (blood count, blood sugar, electrolytes, liver and thyroid function, vitamin B12, heavy metals), CT or MRI scans of the head or spine, angiography and ultrasound, electromyography, lumbar puncture and genetic testing (MedlinePlus). In diabetes, numbness is linked to diabetic neuropathy.

In one minute¹²³

What is it?: An abnormal sensation of numbness or tingling, usually in the extremities.
Who is usually affected?: Linked to diabetes, nerve compression, vitamin deficiencies, and neurological and vascular diseases.
Acute or chronic?: Temporary when a nerve is pressed and then recovers, and persistent if an illness lies behind it.
Main symptoms: It may be accompanied by weakness, pain or burning in the feet.
Red flags?: Yes: numbness with weakness, difficulty speaking, a change in vision or confusion.
Preventable?: Control blood sugar in people who have diabetes, and avoid prolonged pressure on the nerves.

What is it?

Numbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in the body, and are often felt in the fingers, hands, feet, arms and legs (MedlinePlus).

NIDDK and CDC list pain, numbness and tingling of type 2 in the feet or hands among the symptoms of diabetes; the details are on the diabetic neuropathy page.

Possible causes

According to MedlinePlus: staying in one position for a long time; nerve injuries (neck or back) and spinal nerve compression (slipped disc); pressure on peripheral nerves from blood vessels, tumours, scars or infection; shingles; systemic infections (HIV, leprosy, syphilis, tuberculosis); poor circulation (atherosclerosis, frostbite, vasculitis); calcium, potassium and sodium imbalances; deficiency of B vitamins (B1, B6, B12) and folic acid; certain medicines; drugs, alcohol and tobacco; chemotherapy or radiotherapy; animal and insect bites and seafood toxins; carpal tunnel syndrome; diabetes; migraine; multiple sclerosis; seizures; stroke; thyroid disorders; and Raynaud's phenomenon.

How it is assessed

MedlinePlus mentions: blood tests (full blood count, blood sugar, electrolytes, liver and thyroid function, vitamin B12, heavy metals), imaging (CT or MRI of the head and spine, angiography, ultrasound), electromyography, lumbar puncture and genetic testing.

When do you need urgent help?

Call emergency services now 998

Numbness or tingling with weakness or inability to move, after an injury, with loss of control of a limb, with bladder or bowel disturbance, with confusion or a change in consciousness, with slurred speech, with a change in vision, or with difficulty walking: seek emergency care.¹

See your doctor within days

Persistent numbness or tingling in the feet or hands in a person with diabetes, or with no apparent cause: see a doctor.²³

Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.

Common questions

Is numbness in the feet always from diabetes?

No; MedlinePlus lists many causes, including B12 deficiency and nerve compression. But diabetes is a well-known cause (diabetic neuropathy) and deserves checking.¹⁴

Questions for your doctor

Do I need a blood sugar and vitamin B12 test?
Do I need a nerve conduction study?
Could my medicines be causing the numbness?
Which emergency warning signs should I watch for?

References

1
MedlinePlus. Numbness and tingling. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003206.htm
Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
2
NIDDK / NIH. Symptoms & Causes of Diabetes. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/symptoms-causes
Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-03
3
CDC. Symptoms of Diabetes. www.cdc.gov/diabetes/signs-symptoms/
Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
4
NIDDK / NIH. Diabetic Neuropathy. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies
Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-03

Review status: Edited content · Last updated: 2026-10-06

Change log

2026-10-06 — Page created.