Sensation in fingers and toes

[evanm]

I'm trying to figure out this feeling I get in my toes and fingers sometimes.  It is always at night and the best way to describe it is an extremely irritating sensation in my fingers, and sometimes it is in my feet as well.  It isn't tingling and it isn't painful it just drives me crazy.  I sometimes go to great lengths to distract myself from the sensation, but nothing has worked yet.  I've never seen anything like this mentioned on any medical reference site, I'm assuming because I'm not explaining it correctly.

So my question is, why is this happening, what is it, and how do I get it to stop?

[Lama Chahine, MD]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.


Without the ability to examine you and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of your symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

If your symptoms only occur in the limbs while you are at rest (sitting or lying down) and are worse in the evening and at night compared to the morning, and improve with movement (shaking the legs or walking around) your symptoms may be consistent with restless legs syndrome, a disorder that is treatable with a specific type of medication. There are some identifiable causes to this disorder, such as iron deficiency, and it is more common in woman. However, in other patients, there is no identifiable cause. Discussion of this possibility with your physicians is recommended as restless legs syndrome is a highly treatable disorder with specific medications.

Another less likely possibility based on your description is a neuropathy. A neuropathy is a generic term for some sort of dysfunction of the peripheral nerves. There are many potential causes and specific tests required to diagnose it, but the cause is sometimes treatable and the uncomfortable symptoms helped with specific medications.

Discussion of your symptoms with your primary doctor (internist/family physician) is recommended.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.

[evanm]

Thank you very  much for your answer.  I've been doing a lot of searching on the internet I came across Restless Leg Syndrome, but I wasn't exactly sure if my symptoms match.  But, that information plus your answer is a tremendous help.  I have an appointment with my primary care physician very soon so I'll bring it up with him as well.

Thanks again!

Sincerely,

Evan