Hands and Feet

[guzzler]

For some time I have been having numbness, tingling and pain in primarily my right hand, but sometimes my left. I was checked for Carpal Tunnel. I was told I was borderline.
However, I seem to get these strange pains in my torso, legs and feet. I'm starting to think it's a Vascular problem. Yesterday after walking 30 minutes, my right foot had a burning sensation. I examined my foot and noticed the veins looked weaker and there were also very thin red ones I had never seen.
I am wondering what this may be and who I should see concerning it.
I also have lightheadedness, and heavy breathing while exercising ( walking at a mild-moderate pace ).
I have some balance and gait issues as well.

[Carol in PA]

B 12 deficiency can cause neuropathy, which is what your symptoms sound like.
Deficiency can cause a type of anemia marked by fewer but larger red blood cells.
It can also cause walking and balance disturbances, a loss of vibration sensation, confusion, and, in advanced cases, dementia.

Are You Vitamin B 12 Deficient?
by Judy McBride, ARS
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/aug00/vita0800.pdf


Effective Treatment for Neuropathic (Nerve) Pain
by Jacob Teitelbaum MD
http://www.ei-resource.org/expert-columns/dr.-jacob-teitelbaums-column/effective-treatment-for-neuropathic-pain/
(If the internet address is removed, you can google for the title of the article, and author.)


Wishing you the best,
Carol

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

From what you described, I believe that it is indeed reasonable to suspect a vascular problem.  The muscles usually get painful when it is starved of blood.  The arteries supplying these muscles of the legs may be clogged (plaques, cholesterol, etc). Or the veins may not draining the muscles properly due to stasis or thrombosis.  You can ask your doctor about tests fo assess the arteries (angiograms) or the veins (venous doppler) to assess if there are problems.  If you are smoking, it is better to quit since this will really aggravate the situation.  Vascular problems can also explain the easy fatigability and lightheadedness since this may all cause blood starvation to the different organs.  

Regards and God bless.