Tingling or Numbness in Your Arms or Legs — Why Seeing Your GP Matters

Understanding tingling and numbness

Tingling, “pins and needles,” burning sensations, or numbness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet happen when nerves are irritated, compressed, damaged, or affected by an underlying medical condition. Sometimes symptoms are temporary, but persistent or unexplained changes deserve medical review. Early assessment helps protect function, identify reversible causes, and reduce long-term risk.

What it may feel like

You may experience reduced sensation, patchy numbness, crawling or buzzing sensations, weakness, heaviness, clumsiness, altered grip, or changes in balance. Symptoms may come and go, affect one limb or both, remain localised, or gradually spread. Even if discomfort feels mild, new, persistent, or unexplained nerve symptoms should be taken seriously.

Common causes

Causes vary widely and may include nerve compression (for example, carpal tunnel or pinched nerves), spine-related problems, diabetes and blood sugar changes, thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disease, migraine, infections, medication effects, metabolic problems, or reduced circulation. Sometimes symptoms follow injury, pressure, or repetitive strain. Occasionally, neurological or stroke-related causes are involved — which is why assessment matters. Sometimes no single cause is found, and that is still clinically meaningful.

When symptoms need urgent care

Call emergency services or seek urgent care immediately if numbness or tingling occurs with:
• sudden weakness on one side of the body
• difficulty speaking, face droop, severe headache, or vision changes
• sudden loss of bladder or bowel control
• rapidly worsening numbness or paralysis
• fever with severe back pain or new neurological symptoms

These may indicate a serious condition and require prompt review.

When to see your GP

Book a GP appointment if tingling or numbness:
• lasts more than a few days
• keeps returning
• gradually spreads or worsens
• is associated with pain, weakness, balance problems, or falls
• affects sleep, work, driving, or daily function

Earlier review is especially important for people with diabetes, immune conditions, neurological history, significant back or neck pain, recent injury, pregnancy, or unexplained weight loss.

Work, posture, and everyday strain

Some nerve symptoms relate to workplace strain, repetitive movements, tool or keyboard use, poor posture, vibration exposure, or long-term physical loading. If symptoms seem linked to work or daily activities, your GP can help assess ergonomics, arrange suitable referrals such as physiotherapy, and support workplace adjustments when appropriate.

Diabetes and nerve health

People living with diabetes can develop diabetic neuropathy, where high blood sugar over time affects nerve function — often starting in the feet with numbness, tingling, burning discomfort, or reduced sensation. This can affect balance, ulcer risk, and safety. Early discussion with your GP supports screening, blood sugar review, foot care planning, and appropriate management.

How your GP supports assessment and care

Your GP considers symptom patterns, timing, triggers, medical history, and overall health. Examination helps identify whether the issue likely involves the brain, spine, nerves, metabolism, circulation, or something else. Investigations may include blood tests, nerve testing, or imaging when needed. Care is individualised, focusing on diagnosing the cause, protecting function, relieving symptoms, and arranging neurology or other specialist referral if needed.

A culturally safe and respectful note

Some people delay care due to fear, uncertainty, stigma, or beliefs about “waiting to see if it settles.” If this affects you or your family, your concern is valid. Australian primary care aims to be respectful, confidential, and supportive. Early review helps protect your health.

A reassuring message

Tingling or numbness does not automatically mean something serious — but it should never be ignored. Seeing your GP helps you gain clarity, reassurance, and a safe plan forward. Support exists, and you do not need to manage uncertainty alone.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.