There are many ailments and conditions that can cause numbness in the hands and feet. Circulatory problems like poor circulation, disorders like hyperventilation disorder, and direct trauma can manifest itself as a tingling and numbing sensation. Individuals who are affected by random numbing sensations should visit a doctor, as this can be a sign of a serious problem.

Numbness in the hands and feet can be caused by hyperventilation syndrome, a respiratory ailment that can plague individuals who are prone to panic attacks. The condition is marked by shortness of breath and a tingling and numbing sensation in the body’s extremities. Individuals who are affected with the condition actually get enough air during an episode, but the body struggles to absorb the oxygen into the blood stream, which accounts for the numbness in the hands and feet.

Poor blood circulation will also cause sensations like tingling and numbness in the hands and feet. Free radicals and an unhealthy lifestyle can cause damage to the circulatory system. Once blood vessels are damaged, red blood cells will have difficulty oxygenating, thereby manifesting as numbness in various body parts. Numbness in the hands and feet can also be caused by a direct impact or trauma to the bones in these areas leading to poor circulation. Fractured bones can splint or separate inside of the body, lending for excruciating pain and numbness. Adrenaline will be released in the body, allowing for sensations to be temporarily nullified and numbed.

Pinched nerves can cause numbness in body’s extremities. Putting the arms or legs into an odd or unnatural position can unknowingly pinch a nerve, which will in turn cause tingling. Again, as with poor blood circulation, this will make it difficult for the body to supply oxygenated red blood cells. Caused by a continual pressure applied to the median nerve in the wrists, carpal tunnel syndrome prevents blood from properly reaching the extremities of the hand. Many individuals who are affected by carpal tunnel syndrome tend to experience a pain in their wrists that lingers around for a few months, with episodes of a sharp pain traveling up and down the arm.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that adversely affects the central nervous system. Parasthesia, an aggressive tingling of the limbs without an apparent long-term effect, tends to occur with individuals who are affected with multiple sclerosis. It is important to have any chronic numbness in the hands and feet examined by a physician to rule out more serious issues.