Causes of Hand & Foot Numbness During Exercise

Numbness in your hands and feet during exercise is not a normal sensation, although this experience is not uncommon. Hand and foot numbness usually results from pressure or swelling around a peripheral nerve, dietary issues or a temporary problem with blood flow. In most cases, the numbness is temporary, although any lingering sensations should be evaluated by a physician.

Low Blood Flow

During exercise, low blood flow to your hands and feet may trigger sensations of numbness. Frostbite may cause low blood flow to your extremities while exercising in cold weather outdoors. Dressing appropriately for the weather reduces the risk of developing numbness caused by frostbite. Atherosclerosis, which is a form of heart disease, may also cause low blood supply to your hands and feet during moderate or strenuous exercise.

Nerve Injuries

Injuries to nerves in different parts of your body cause pain and numbness in your hands and feet. A herniated disk in your spine may cause feelings of hand and foot numbness during exercise due to excess pressure on the nerve exerted when the disk slides out of its correct position. An injury in your neck may also cause hand and foot numbness during exercise. Tobacco and alcohol use also cause nerve injuries that lead to hand and foot numbness during periods of exercise. Neuropathy is a common cause of foot numbness that manifests during exercise in people with diabetes.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome results when excess pressure on the median nerve in either wrist interferes with the nerve's proper functioning. This pressure results in feelings of numbness and difficulty with movement during exercise. Carpal tunnel syndrome is most common in individuals who perform repetitive movements with their hands. Exercise such as racquetball, handball, table tennis and tennis involve repetitive hand movements and may cause carpal tunnel syndrome. People who perform repetitive tasks such as typing or sewing for their job or as a hobby may also develop hand numbness during exercise. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends wearing a wrist splint while exercising to lessen numbness in the hands.

Dietary Issues

Certain types of dietary deficiencies and other dietary issues are common causes of hand and foot numbness during exercise. Low blood levels of calcium, potassium or sodium lead to numbness and tingling during exercise. A lack of vitamin B-12 or other vitamin deficiencies also cause hand and foot numbness during physical activity. Physicians treat low vitamin levels with vitamin supplements. Drinking an electrolyte solution before, during or after exercise helps replace low levels of calcium, potassium and sodium.