Tingling in arms is a common patient complaint. Here are some of the possible causes of the symptom.
- Paresthesia: This better known as the feeling of pins and needles. It may be caused by the return of blood flow to an area that has been cut off for a short time or the nerve supplying to a particular region is compressed.Though it is a temporary symptom, frequent recurrence may warrant for urgent medical attention.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: This condition is caused by the pinching of a nerve or an artery just below the collar bone. In this case the tingling may be diffuse
- Dermatone: This condition is associated with compression of specific set of nerve roots and the symptoms are limited to the area supplied by the nerve. A tingling sensation in the upper or lower arm may often be indicative of a compression at the level of C5 while compression at level of C6 may result in tingling in the forefinger and thumb. Compression of the C7 and C8 is linked with tingling sensation in the other fingers of the hand.In addition to tingling sensation, symptoms like weakness and fatigue may also be experienced.
- Tingling may also be associated with deficiency of certain nutrients like Vitamin B12, calcium and magnesium. These minerals and nutrients play a vital role in transmission of impulse and ensuring nerve health.
- Other causes include anxiety and panic attacks, Carpel tunnel syndrome and neck joint fixation.
- Certain chronic disease conditions like diabetes, lupus, etc are also associated with tingling numbness in the extremities. Often associated symptoms include sensation of burning and pain.
When Arm Tingling is Cause Of Immediate Concern
Although some of the causes of arm tingling are not life threatening, the symptom could also indicate something serious like a Stroke or a Heart Attack.
When arm tingling happens in the left arm, it may be a cause for immediate medical attention. If arm tingling comes with these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
- Coldness with profuse perspiration.
- Weakness, overall or just of the affected arm with partial or complete loss of sensation in the arm.
- Fainting or Syncope associated with spells of dizziness and disorientation.
- Chest Pains or Chest Discomfort.
- Upset Stomach with heart burns and gaseous distention.
- Jaw Pain, which is often associated with pain in the chest.
- Neck Discomfort.
- Labored Breathing with gasping for air.
- Pallor.
- One-sided paralysis.
- One-sided facial droop.
Treatment Of Tingling And Numbness In The Arms
Here are some simple remedies for the treatment of tingling in the arms,
- Increase intake of low fat milk, lean meat and fish. These are good source of Vitamin B12. In addition increase the intake of dietary calcium.
- Regular neck exercises are important to prevent cervical spondylosis. This in turn prevents nerve root compression and thereby averts the symptoms associated with tingling in the arms.
- Make lifestyle and dietary modifications to control cardiac disorders and prevent stroke. Stop smoking and limit the intake of alcohol.
I had tingling in my arms, elbow and my fingertips for about four days. I recently consulted my doctor for left sided chest pains and breathing difficulty. The doctor said it is likely to be pleurisy. I am having this trouble since 2 months and its getting worse. I am told to take an anti-inflammatory. Are the two problems connected in any way? Is there any reason to worry? At the same time, I am waiting for spinal L4-L5 disc surgery.
Since you are having left sided chest pain and breathing difficulty, you should rule out any cardiac problems. Few necessary tests such as ECG, X-ray chest will help in further diagnosing your problem.