Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Are Numbness, Tingling In Baby Fingers And Feet Signs Of Osteoporosis?
Question: I have numbness and tingling in my baby fingers and feet. What does this mean? I have Osteoporosis. Could this be related?
Brief Answer:
Not due to osteoporosis
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
I do not think it is directly related to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes thinning of the bones making them more fragile and prone to fractures, but it doesn't cause such symptoms.
One hypothesis for sensation abnormalities might be peripheral neuropathy which commonly manifests abnormal sensations in the hands and feet which can progress higher up in the limbs in time. For that reason a neurological visit is recommended to test for other signs such as lowered reflexes and if the exam maintains that suspicion a test called nerve conduction studies is performed to confirm it. Neuropathy can have many different causes such as diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, alcohol, endocrine, exposure to toxins etc etc, in one forth of the cases the cause can not be found (but lets confirm the diagnosis before discussing causes).
Another possibility is related to menopause. Menopause apart from osteoporosis, causes many hormonal changes which can manifest also with tingling of the extremities. Anxiety is another possible cause which can be independent or as part of menopause hormonal changes.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Not due to osteoporosis
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
I do not think it is directly related to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes thinning of the bones making them more fragile and prone to fractures, but it doesn't cause such symptoms.
One hypothesis for sensation abnormalities might be peripheral neuropathy which commonly manifests abnormal sensations in the hands and feet which can progress higher up in the limbs in time. For that reason a neurological visit is recommended to test for other signs such as lowered reflexes and if the exam maintains that suspicion a test called nerve conduction studies is performed to confirm it. Neuropathy can have many different causes such as diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, alcohol, endocrine, exposure to toxins etc etc, in one forth of the cases the cause can not be found (but lets confirm the diagnosis before discussing causes).
Another possibility is related to menopause. Menopause apart from osteoporosis, causes many hormonal changes which can manifest also with tingling of the extremities. Anxiety is another possible cause which can be independent or as part of menopause hormonal changes.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much for answering my previous question about numbness. I have a doze for you now. In 2004 after a trip to Mexico I contracted a horrific skin disease called "Morgellons Syndrome/Disease. It has ruined my life. I have Lesions and scars all over my body. They itch and hurt. I have been to more than 10 Dermatologists. My main one wanted to put me "Orap" - an anti psychotic. I am not psychotic, I have a terrible skin disease which makes me physically sick. It has been reported world wide. In the USA California and XXXXXXX are bad. My deceased son (died of a drug overdose 1.5 years ago) were in Disneyland a few years ago and OMG we saw a man with the same thing. XXXXXXX said "Mom that guy has what you have". This skin disorder!/Disease is going to kill me. I know you probably can't help me but I am desperate and just reaching out. Thank You. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Rare disease, little therapeutic options.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional info.
I must confess that yours is not a condition I am familiar with, it is very rare. Haven't encountered this diagnosis in my practice as a neurologist or when I was a primary physician, so I can't speak based on personal experiences, only from literature.
This condition is not a well known one. Medical science hasn't been able to find any microorganisms causing it, or any indication of any autoimmune or allergic component at its origin. So it is thought that psychological factors play a role. While I understand it may sound confusing and frustrating to hear that, you must not angry of having been proposed an antipsychotic, it is because their use has shown some benefit in practice.
I can not tell you what to do with your body and I understand your fear of taking that medication. I can only say that the dosages used for this disorder are lower than those used for other conditions, so risk of side effects is lower as well. Unfortunately up to now no other alternatives are available for Morgellon's, I am sorry if I am not sounding more useful.
Rare disease, little therapeutic options.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional info.
I must confess that yours is not a condition I am familiar with, it is very rare. Haven't encountered this diagnosis in my practice as a neurologist or when I was a primary physician, so I can't speak based on personal experiences, only from literature.
This condition is not a well known one. Medical science hasn't been able to find any microorganisms causing it, or any indication of any autoimmune or allergic component at its origin. So it is thought that psychological factors play a role. While I understand it may sound confusing and frustrating to hear that, you must not angry of having been proposed an antipsychotic, it is because their use has shown some benefit in practice.
I can not tell you what to do with your body and I understand your fear of taking that medication. I can only say that the dosages used for this disorder are lower than those used for other conditions, so risk of side effects is lower as well. Unfortunately up to now no other alternatives are available for Morgellon's, I am sorry if I am not sounding more useful.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
