Tingling in the hands and feet can be a common symptom of anxiety. The release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline, can cause sensations of tingling and numbness. When we feel these symptoms, they are usually accompanied by invasive, repetitive and continuous thoughts, which can generate conflicts. Sometimes, worries are so overwhelming that we do not understand the reasons for them and, therefore, the body also plays tricks on us.
Strange sensations such as tingling can be factors to take into account when addressing problems that may arise in this regard. In this Psychology-Online article, we will provide you with information about the Tingling in hands and feet due to anxiety: causes and treatment.
What is anxiety tingling like?
Anxiety tingling can vary from person to person, but is generally described as a tingling, numbness or itching in the hands, fingers or the feet. It can be persistent or intermittent and can affect one or both extremities. In other words, tingling is directly related to a tickling sensation in a specific area of the body.
To know that it is anxiety tingling, you must keep in mind that it is related to the the body’s “fight or flight” response to stressful situations. During anxiety, the body releases stress hormones that can affect blood circulation and nerve sensitivity. Additionally, muscle tension associated with anxiety can also contribute to tingling.
However, it is essential to clarify that the precise diagnosis of this symptom must be made by a health professional mental, since it will be in charge of evaluating the characteristics of each person based on their particularities.
Why Anxiety Causes Tingling in Hands and Feet
Anxiety can cause tingling in the hands and feet due to several physiological factors that are associated with the body’s “fight or flight” response. In this sense, one of the ways the mind makes us understand that something is not right is by numbing the extremities.
Generally speaking, anxiety tingling arises in the face of anxiety attacks. following unpleasant events that can happen to a person both at the family level and in their social and work relationships.
Next, we explain why anxiety causes tingling in the hands and feet:
- Changes in blood circulation– The “fight or flight” response activates the , which is responsible for increasing heart rate and blood pressure. This can cause changes in blood circulation, such as a redistribution of blood flow to muscles and vital organs, which can affect circulation in the extremities and cause tingling in the legs from anxiety.
- Hyperventilation: Anxiety causes breathing to become rapid and shallow, known as hyperventilation. Hyperventilation can alter carbon dioxide levels in the body and trigger symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or “pins and needles” sensations in the hands and feet.
- Muscle tension: Anxiety can also cause muscle tension as the body prepares for action. Prolonged muscle tension can compress nerves and cause sensations of tingling or numbness.
It is important to note that if you experience tingling in your hands and feet due to anxiety, it is advisable to consult a health professional to obtain a proper diagnosis. This way, you will be able to rule out other underlying causes and receive better treatment or management of your symptoms.
Treatment for tingling in the hands and feet due to anxiety
Despite the difficulties of tingling in the hands and feet due to anxiety, the truth is that there are currently clinical approaches to address underlying anxiety that causes this symptomatology. The importance of knowing its qualities allows us to establish strategies to address the causes of this symptom.
So how do you get rid of tingling hands and feet due to anxiety? In the following points, we will display the most relevant treatments:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): is a treatment approach commonly used to treat anxiety. A trained therapist can work with you to identify and change the patterns of thinking and behavior that cause anxiety. CBT can help you develop effective coping skills and reduce the intensity and frequency of your symptoms. In this article you will see.
- Medication: In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications to help manage anxiety and associated symptoms, such as tingling. Commonly prescribed medications for anxiety include antidepressants and . However, it is important to note that this should only be taken under the supervision of a professional of mental health who works in conjunction with a clinical psychologist.
- Relaxation techniques:, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation, can help relieve tingling in the body due to anxiety. These techniques calm the mind and body, decreasing the stress response and improving blood circulation.
- Regular exercise– May be beneficial in reducing anxiety and improving overall health. Exercise releases endorphins, mood-boosting chemicals, and also helps reduce muscle tension. Find activities you enjoy, such as walking, running, swimming, or yoga.
- Stress management: Identifying and addressing your stressors can be helpful in reducing anxiety and tingling. Consider using stress management techniques such as time planning, setting limits, delegating tasks, and practicing self-care.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Fiestas-Teque, L., Vega-Dienstmaier, J. (2012). Physical symptoms in patients with anxiety and depression disorders who attend the outpatient psychiatry clinic of the Cayetano Heredia National Hospital. Journal of Neuro-Psychiatry, 75 (2), 47-57.
- Navas Orozco, W., Vargas Baldares, MJ (2012). Anxiety disorders: targeted review for primary care. Medical Journal of Costa Rica and Central America LXIX, 604 (3), 497-507.