Tingling feet, lower arms and hands at night

[karolis]

Hi Doctor, recently I have occasional tingling feet, lower arms and hands at night, in combination with sensitive lymph nodes (I suspect, they are not swollen, might be muscles). Could this be stress/ anxiety/ fright related? Im very worried about a possible Hiv infection, which the experts say is irrational and I got tested negative after 9,5 weeks but nevertheless it is seriously freaking me out, especially at night it happens during the day no tingling.

Thanks for your time and effort!

[Sara Khan]

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.

I don't have enough information about your past medical history. However, pertaining to neurology, such symptoms are often seen in a condition called small fiber neuropathy. This basically is inflammation or damage to the very small nerve fibers which supply our skin. Characteristically it can present with burning, tingling, numbness and pain in the hands or feet, or anywhere in the body. It can be intermittent or constant. Sometime people have other symptoms like low blood pressure, palpitations, urinary problems, nausea, diarrhea or other gastrointestinal complaints.

Usually we test for a cause with multiple blood tests, to rule out infectious, inflammatory, metabolic or autoimmune causes. But more often then not, no cause is found, and it is treated symptomatically.

You should see a neurologist for a full work up and neurological exam. It could be a very simple thing like a vitamin deficiency or thyroid problem which could be treated with relief of symptoms.

I hope this helps.

Although HIV is one of the causes we check for, I doubt it is a cause if it has been repeatedly negative.

[karolis]

Thank you for your help, my doctor had my blood investigated, everything is normal she says, also got the 12 week hiv test back negative, my stress is now dying down thank god. Still got an occasional tense feeling in my armpits and groins, but don't think those are my lymph nodes....
Again, thanks!