Numbness & Tingling
Numb hands and feet — a signal from your nerves
Source : EBS Health "Myeongui" (30 Jul 2026)
Numbness in the hands and feet has many causes. More common than poor circulation is dysfunction of the peripheral nerves.
When there genuinely is a peripheral circulatory problem — the cause people usually assume — the main symptoms are colour change in the fingers and toes and mild aching rather than numbness. The extremities feel cold, and in the cold they may blanch white.
Causes of numbness in the hands and feet
| Peripheral nerve abnormality | If bilateral: diabetic or alcoholic peripheral neuropathy · If unilateral: cervical or lumbar radiculopathy (disc disease or spinal stenosis), carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve syndrome, restless legs syndrome |
|---|---|
| Peripheral circulation | Atherosclerosis, Raynaud's disease, Buerger's disease, thoracic outlet syndrome |
| Systemic health problems | Thyroid hormone and electrolyte imbalance, renal failure, anemia |
The diagnostic process is as follows
The tests below are not all performed as a matter of course; they are selected and carried out as needed after consultation.
Careful history-taking and physical examination
We infer the cause from the location, character, and course of the numbness.
Blood Test
We identify the various causes associated with the numbness.
Nerve conduction and EMG
Assesses peripheral nerve function and the presence and degree of spinal nerve root dysfunction.
Peripheral atherosclerosis testing
Evaluates atherosclerosis and stenosis in the peripheral vessels.
※ This is general medical information provided for understanding only. Actual diagnosis and treatment are determined by a specialist after examination, based on the individual patient's condition.
