8 Effective Home Remedies For Tingling In Hands And Feet

Tingling in hands and feet, commonly known as pins and needles sensation is experienced by all of us at some point in our lives.

Be it from sitting for hours on end or from sleeping on our arm for too long, this sensation is temporary and goes away on its own. Medically referred to as paresthesia, it can also be caused by severe damage to the nerves and requires immediate medical attention if it persists for a long time. Sometimes the tingling sensation may be accompanied by numbness, weakness, or pain in your hands and feet. Uncomfortable and annoying, it can disrupt your daily activities. In this article, we explore the various causes, symptoms, and a few natural remedies on how to stop the tingling sensation in the body. Scroll down to know more.

Quick Tip

Cypress oil can be yellow or dark blueish-green in color, based on the variety of cypress used. While the yellow oil has a medium consistency, the blueish-green oil has a very low viscosityⁱ  The resistance of a thick fluid to a change in its shape and the opposition of the liquid to easy flow. . You may use any of these depending on the consistency you prefer.

2. Massage

Massage therapy is a great option to reduce the constant tingling in your body. It may stimulate the nerves and may restore their normal functioning. Massaging also improves blood circulation and may help maintain your nervous health (4). A 2009 randomized controlled trial published in the International Journal of Neuroscience examined how massage pressure affects the autonomic nervous system. 20 healthy adults were randomly assigned to receive either moderate-pressure or light-pressure massage, while their heart rate variability (HRV) was measured using electrocardiograms. The moderate-pressure group showed increased parasympathetic activity, indicated by higher high-frequency (HF) HRV and a lower low-to-high frequency (LF/HF) ratio, suggesting a shift towards relaxation. In contrast, the light-pressure group exhibited a sympathetic response, with lower HF and a higher LF/HF ratio, indicating a stress-like reaction. The findings suggest that moderate-pressure massage promotes relaxation, while light pressure may have the opposite effect (5).

Note: A massage may relieve the tingling sensation caused by nerve compression or tension. However, it may not address any severe underlying issues. Also, massage therapy should be administered by a qualified professional who can tailor the treatment to your specific needs and medical history. It should be considered a complementary approach to your overall healthcare plan.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid and exhibits strong anti-inflammatory properties (6). Hence, it may help repair your nerves. It is also a rich source of nutrients that can boost your energy and accelerate your recovery.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of warm water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water.
2. Mix well and add some honey to the mixture.
3. Drink this solution on a daily basis.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this once daily. 

Note: Apple cider vinegar may interact with certain diuretic and diabetes medications or lead to allergic reactions in some individuals. Its effectiveness may vary depending on the cause of the tingling sensation. If you choose to use apple cider vinegar, it is crucial to follow the recommended guidelines for dilution and consumption. It should be used cautiously and in conjunction with medical advice rather than as a standalone remedy for medical conditions.

4. Warm Compress

Warm compresses are a great way to increase blood circulation in the affected hand and leg. A study published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics investigated how temperature changes affect blood circulation in human skin using laser Doppler flowmetry. When the skin was heated to 40°C, blood flow initially spiked, then briefly decreased before gradually increasing up to 10-15 times the normal level within 30-40 minutes. After returning to 32°C, blood flow momentarily dropped but then briefly increased before declining. Conversely, cooling the skin to 5°C caused an initial drop in blood flow, followed by a temporary increase before declining again after prolonged cooling (7). Improved circulation enhances the functioning of the nerves and helps in combating the tingling sensation.

You Will Need

A warm compress

What You Have To Do

1. Take a warm compress and place it over the affected area.
2. Leave it on for 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Repeat thrice.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times daily. 

Note: A warm compress may relieve the tingling sensation caused by nerve compression or tension, but it is a temporary measure that may not address the underlying issue. Follow recommended guidelines for the duration and frequency of warm compress application as prolonged or excessive use may lead to skin problems.

5. Ginkgo Biloba Herbal Tea

Ginkgo biloba is another possible potent remedy to treat numbness and tingling sensations in your body.

It may have anti-inflammatory properties, which may improve blood circulation (8). Both properties may help repair damaged nerves.

You Will Need

• 1-2 teaspoons of ginkgo biloba tea
• 1 cup of water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Add a teaspoon of ginkgo biloba tea to a cup of water.
2. Bring it to a boil in a saucepan.
3. Simmer for 5 minutes and strain.
4. Allow the tea to cool a little before adding honey.
5. Drink it up.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this tea 2-3 times daily.

Note: Ginkgo biloba tea may interact with certain antidepressants, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, diabetes drugs, and anxiety medications. It may also lead to an allergic reaction, headache, constipation, dizziness, heart palpitations, and stomach problems in some individuals. Its effectiveness may vary depending on the cause of the tingling sensation.

6. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt contains magnesium, which is known to reduce inflammation in the body (9). It may also help repair damaged and inflamed nerves that might be causing the tingling sensation.

You Will Need

• 1 cup of Epsom salt
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Add a cup of Epsom salt to a tub filled with water.
2. Soak in the bath for 20 to 30 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once daily. 

Note: An Epsom salt soak may relieve the tingling sensation caused by nerve compression or tension, but it may not treat the underlying issue. It may also lead to skin irritation in some individuals. If the temperature of the water is not checked properly, it may lead to skin burns.

7. Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains nutrients like manganese and potassium, both of which may help improve blood circulation in the body. It also has anti-inflammatory properties (10). These properties may make it a good remedy for fighting numbness and tingling in your hands and legs.

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• 1 cup of water

What You Have To Do

1. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a cup of warm water and mix well.
2. Consume the mixture immediately.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this mixture 1-2 times daily. 

Note: Cinnamon may interact with blood-thinning and diabetes medications or lead to an allergic reaction in some individuals. Prolonged use or excessive consumption may lead to mouth-lining irritation and sores. Its effectiveness may vary depending on the cause of the tingling sensation.

8. Yogurt

Yogurt is one of the easiest and best remedies to possibly treat the tingling sensation in your hands and feet. It is a rich source of nutrients and also contains manganese (11). These may help in enhancing the blood circulation in your body, which, in turn, may help in restoring the lost function of your nerves.

You Will Need

A bowl of plain yogurt

What You Have To Do

Consume a bowl of plain yogurt.

How Often You Should Do This

Consume yogurt at least once daily.

Note: Yogurt may interact with tetracycline antibiotics or lead to an allergic reaction in some individuals. If taken on an empty stomach, it may cause minor digestive issues, such as nausea or diarrhea. Its effectiveness may vary depending on the cause of the tingling sensation.

It is important to consider that while minor tingling sensations can be relieved using home remedies, sometimes they may hint at underlying medical conditions. Tingly sensations can be symptoms of various issues, including nerve damage, vitamin deficiencies, and medical conditions like diabetes. Addressing the root cause is crucial for effective and long-lasting relief. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to identify these underlying causes.

If these remedies take a lot of time to show results or are simply not working, consult a chiropractor who studies alternative medicine. They practice hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments that will help your body heal on its own without having to resort to surgery or medication.

Apart from following these remedies, you need to take additional care for faster and complete recovery. Here are a few helpful tips.

Prevention Tips

• Avoid repetitive movements.
• Get ample amounts of rest.
• Get up and move around every 30 to 60 minutes if you have been sitting for a long period.
• Use wrist splints at night to alleviate nerve compression.
• Avoid caffeine intake as it might aggravate your condition.
• Practice exercises like stretching, shoulder rotations, neck raises, bends, and swimming to increase blood circulation.
• Practice yoga poses like neck stretches, chin tucks, pelvic tilts, and back stretches to restore your blood supply and prevent tingling sensation.

Quick Tip

Avoid wearing poorly-fitted shoes as they can cause a tingling sensation in the feet. Choose footwear that supports your arches and has enough room to wiggle your toes.

Best Foods For Reducing Numbness And Tingling Sensation

Deficiency in vitamins is one of the many causes of the numbness and tingling you feel in your body. Hence, it is important to follow a diet rich in all the nutrients required for the proper functioning of your body.

A blogger with pernicious anemia and Graves’ disease [both autoimmune conditions] shared her experience of symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, which primarily included numbness and tingling sensations. She writes, “…I had numbness and tingling on both sides of my body (after 2 months of mostly right-sided symptoms). My upper arms and hip/thigh regions were the worst… My hips and legs were often tingly.” After unsatisfactory diagnoses, the blogger began her own research and finally her family doctor tested her to reveal a severe B12 deficiency at 115. In this she notes, “Autoimmune diseases and thyroid disease put us at increased risk for B12 deficiency! If you feel tingly or “different” it might be worth it to ask your doctor to test your levels. 300-400 is borderline and you should start supplementing. Under 300 will cause symptoms and you should be treated immediately (i).”

Foods that may possibly help fight tingling sensations in your body are:

• Broccoli – It contains phytonutrientsⁱ  Natural chemicals produced by plants that protect them from harmful insect attacks and the sun and keeps them healthy. that may help balance the hormones in your body. This, in turn, may enhance the absorption of vitamins by your body.
• Vitamin B-rich foods, like whole-grain cereals, meat, poultry, fish, milk, eggs, legumes, and nuts.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, like berries, spinach, kale, tomatoes, onions, and kale.
• Lean protein, like yogurt, fish, and tofu, may help in building and repairing tissues and nerves.

The following are some of the common causes that trigger a tingling sensation in your hands and legs.

What Causes Numbness And Tingling All Over The Body?

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, temporary paresthesia or a tingling sensation in your body is often a result of pressure on a particular nerve or brief periods of poor circulation (12).

Chronic paresthesia may be caused by:

• Nerve damage
• Estrogen imbalance
• A herniated disk that presses on the nerve
• Trauma
• Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritisⁱ  Chronic inflammatory disorder that affects joints when the immune system attacks the lining of the tissues on both sides of the tissues.
• Repetitive movement traumas or injuries
• Neurological diseases
• Kidney diseases
• Liver diseases
• Stroke
• Tumors
• Hypothyroidism
• Deficiencies in vitamins B1, B6, B12, B3, or E
• Medications like chemotherapy drugs
• Exposure to toxic substances like certain heavy metals or chemicals

Aside from the above causes, experiencing tingling hands after alcohol consumption is not uncommon. It is often associated with the aftermath of a hangover. This is because alcohol is a diuretic that can cause dehydration and result in imbalances in essential electrolytes like potassium and magnesium (13). Depletion of these electrolytes may manifest as tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers.

Additionally, alcohol can have a direct impact on the nervous system, potentially contributing to this sensation (14). Generally, this condition is temporary and resolves as your body rehydrates and recovers from the hangover. However, be mindful of your alcohol consumption and its effects on your body.

Chronic paresthesia requires immediate medical attention. The above-mentioned at-home remedies may only alleviate the symptoms, but medical treatment is necessary to treat the underlying problem. Thus, prioritize your safety and consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan if you are experiencing persistent or severe tingling. Other than the tingling and prickly sensations, paresthesia can also give rise to the symptoms listed below.

Symptoms Of Tingling Sensation

The most common signs and symptoms of the condition are:

• Numbness
• Weakness
• Burning
• Cold
• Clumsiness

Tingling sensations can have different symptoms depending on the underlying cause. For example, people with diabetes may also feel weak and in pain. Those with vitamin deficiencies might feel tired and have mood swings. Recognizing these differences is important for getting the right diagnosis and treatment.

Infographic: 5 Home Remedies For Tingling In Hands And Feet

The pins and needles sensation felt on our limbs is a common phenomenon. It might feel like a prickling sensation on the skin or throbbing around the fingers. It mostly occurs when we remain in one position for too long. This sensation goes away on its own but causes discomfort while it persists. The infographic below contains a list of the 5 easiest home remedies to quickly reduce tingling in hands and feet. Check it out.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Which doctor should I consult for numbness and tingling?

If you experience tingling sensations in your hands and feet, it is best to see a neurologist. If you can’t get hold of a neurologist, you may first consult a general physician, who will then refer you to a neurologist.

What vitamin deficiencies cause tingling in the hands and feet?

Deficiencies in vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, and E are known to cause numbness or a tingling sensation in your hands and feet.

When should I worry about tingling in my hands and feet?

It is best to visit a doctor if the tingling sensation has begun suddenly after experiencing an accident or coincides with headaches, weakness, dizziness, or numbness.

Is tingling in hands and feet a symptom of diabetes?

Yes. People with diabetes may feel a tingling sensation in their feet due to diabetic neuropathy, which affects the nerves in the extremities. Consult a doctor immediately if you also experience symptoms like muscle tone loss, bloating, and fast heart rate.

Can dehydration cause tingling?

Severe dehydration may cause a tingling sensation due to vitamin loss and electrolyte imbalance.

Can thyroid problems cause tingling in hands and feet?

Yes, severe and untreated thyroid problems may affect the peripheral nerves, leading to numbness and a tingling sensation. It may also cause a tingling scalp. If it persists, consult a doctor immediately.

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Randall HolmesDC

     

Randall Holmes graduated with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Texas Chiropractic College in 1990 with outstanding academic recognition. He is a member of the International Chiropractic Association, The Chiropractic Society of Texas, and ICA Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics.

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Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

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Dipti is a health and wellness writer specializing in holistic health practices. She graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana, and has worked closely with Ayurvedic doctors, which has given her a deep understanding of traditional remedies and their applications.

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