Tingling in arms and legs primarily occurs due to nerve damage. However, interference in normal blood circulation in the arms and legs can also cause this problem. To know more about causes of tingling in arms and legs read on...
Tingling in arms and legs is defined as an abnormal sensation similar to pricking needles and pins. This unusual feeling can occur anytime, even at night, and disturb normal sleep. Tingling might remain constant or come and go throughout the day. The pain associated with tingling sensation can make activities like walking, uncomfortable to perform. Read more on tingling in legs.
Tingling in Arms and Legs - Causes
There are several medical conditions that can cause this abnormal feeling in arms and legs. Use of certain medications is also responsible for cause arm and leg pain. Other causes are given below:
Peripheral Neuropathy
Tingling in arms and legs can also be a symptom of peripheral neuropathy. This condition that causes nerve damage, results in painful or burning sensation in arms and legs. More specifically, this condition causes damage to the nerves, located in the arms and legs. As sensory nerves are also damaged, it can also cause numbness in arms and legs. Many a times, this unusual sensation in arms can interfere with normal sleeping patterns. Trauma such as accidents, certain medicines (chemotherapy drugs), exposure to toxic materials, are some of the factors that cause peripheral nerve damage. Uncontrolled diabetes and even diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, can bring peripheral neuropathy.
Compromised Blood Flow
When leg arteries are partially blocked due to build up of cholesterol, normal blood flow to the leg is disrupted. Blockage of leg arteries is an indication of lower extremity arterial disease, in which the inner lining of the artery wall becomes thick and rough. Over time, the arteries harden and become narrow, causing circulation problems in the extremities. Decreased blood flow will ultimately trigger pain and tingling in arms and legs while walking.
Circulation problems can also occur when the arms or legs are subjected to undue pressure for prolonged periods of time. For instance, legs or arms remaining under heavy load for even a short time can interfere with normal blood circulation and lead to tingling in arms and legs. Resting in an awkward position is one of the common reasons that cause blood flow disturbance in legs and arms.
Sciatica
Injury to the sciatic nerve is one of the most common causes of tingling in arms and legs. The sciatic nerve travels from the spinal chord, passes through the hip and buttock area, and finally terminates in the lower part of the leg. Any health problem such as herniated disk or spondylolisthesis that causes compression or irritation in any portion of the sciatic nerve, may lead to back pain that is commonly accompanied by tingling in arms and legs. Read more on sciatica
Fibromyalgia
People suffering from fibromyalgia often complain about numbness and tingling in arms and legs, and it is typically marked by fatigue and joint stiffness. People with fibromyalgia experience pain in the muscles and ligaments, which is not localized and can affect multiple sites on the body. Although old people are at increased risk of fibromyalgia, physical trauma can also trigger this disorder.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS is a condition in which the infection fighting cells of the immune system damage the protective covering of the nerves, thus causing a decline in the functioning of the nerve. If the nerve in the legs and arms are affected, obviously it can cause pain in these body parts. Intermittent episodes of tingling in arms and legs is quite common among people with multiple sclerosis. The aching leg associated with multiple sclerosis can considerably interfere with normal activities.
To know more tingling in arms and legs read:
- Left Arm Tingling - Possible Causes for Tingling in Left Arm
- Tingling Hands: Possible Causes for Tingling in Arms
- Tingling in Hands and Feet