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What Causes Tingling Sensation And Numbness In Arms And Legs?

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Posted on Fri, 16 Jan 2015
Question: Approximately 4 weeks ago, I was diagnosed with low iron. I have tingling and numbness in my arms/hands and legs/feet. Is the tingling and numbness "normal"? And, how long before I should be able to see results as far as the tingling and numbness subsiding? How long will it take to get my levels up?
Thank you!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Tingling and numbness is not a symptoms of iron deficiency

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

you haven't provided the details, namely the results of the compelte blood count, iron and ferritin levels and perhaps total iron binding capacity as well.
Iron deficiency may cause various symptoms. Tingling and numbness are not among them. Therefore investigation for the cause is needed. The location of symptoms is important. Is it the legs? The hands? Where do you feel the tingling? The symmetry is important as well. For example a sock-like distribution on both legs.
Iron deficiency requires investigation for its cause. Serious diagnoses must be excluded like cancer for example.
Iron replenishment may increase ferritin levels and make the hematocrit return to normal within 1-2 months. Iron stores would need another 3-4 months to be fully replenished.

Please provide further details which will make me comment more.
If you'd like more information, please use your follow-up questions.
I'll be glad to answer.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

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What Causes Tingling Sensation And Numbness In Arms And Legs?

Brief Answer: Tingling and numbness is not a symptoms of iron deficiency Detailed Answer: Hello, you haven't provided the details, namely the results of the compelte blood count, iron and ferritin levels and perhaps total iron binding capacity as well. Iron deficiency may cause various symptoms. Tingling and numbness are not among them. Therefore investigation for the cause is needed. The location of symptoms is important. Is it the legs? The hands? Where do you feel the tingling? The symmetry is important as well. For example a sock-like distribution on both legs. Iron deficiency requires investigation for its cause. Serious diagnoses must be excluded like cancer for example. Iron replenishment may increase ferritin levels and make the hematocrit return to normal within 1-2 months. Iron stores would need another 3-4 months to be fully replenished. Please provide further details which will make me comment more. If you'd like more information, please use your follow-up questions. I'll be glad to answer. Kind Regards!