Numbness, Tingling or Itching in Hands or Feet

There are many causes of numbness, tingling, or itching in the extremities including disc problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes and any type of nerve entrapment or impingment. A through orthopedic and neurological examination should be performed to rule out any of the above structural causes.

In the elderly population, who are achlorhydic, B12 deficiency is very common. B12 deficiency can have a long-term irreversible neurological complications. Assess for the presence of hypochlorhydria and grate what you find, to increase the absorption of B12 in these peoples. For those who are deficient consider injectible B12. Consider additional supplementation of folic acid, another vitamin that can have neurological complications when deficient.

Reference: Weatherby, D. (2004). Signs and Symptoms Analysis from a Functional Perspective. Jacksonville, OR: Bear Mountain Publishing