For a while now, I have noticed that my right hand and most of the arm has been “going to sleep” at times, for some reason. I have also had experiences where the bottom of my feet feel like the skin suddenly became too tight for my feet, but when I touch my feet, everything seems fine. Today, I was watching a video by Dr. Berg about a shortage of vitamin B+, especially B12, can cause this because of nerve damage to the myelin sheath in the spinal column. He suggested that we take the methylcolbalamin type of B12, rather than the cyanobalamin, and when I checked mine, it was the wrong kind; so I just ordered some of the right kind from Amazon to see if it helps. One of the things that I have been reading is that fermented foods/drinks, like the milk kefir and also the kombucha have extra B vitamins in them from the yeast activity. I have not noticed my feet bothering me since i started taking more of both of these, but I am still having the arm tingling, but maybe not as much.
I apparently read something similar a few months ago. I’ve mentioned the problems I have with my back and legs, my left leg especially. I decided to start trying B-12 supplements. If you try it, I don’t think it’s very expensive IIRC, buy the sublingual type that dissolve under your tongue. It turns out that they’s a component of saliva that binds to B-12 and prevents it from being destroyed by digestive fluids. You can take large amounts because your body will simply dispose of what it doesn’t use. Having said all that, for me, it has unfortunately not made any difference. My leg still drives me crazy. It you try it, I would be curious if it helps you. I think what I read said it helps with diabetic neuropathy. My neuropathy is caused by physical trauma so not much anything seems to help. Hydrocodone helped a lot but unfortunately, that’s no long term solution. Here’s the one I take. https://horbaach.com/products/b12-methylcobalamin-1000mcg-400-sublingual-tablets
It makes sense to me that mine can be from something happening in my spinal column, because I am also suddenly getting shorter. I understand that each year, we shrink a little, and I have gone from 5’5” to 5’3” over the last few years; but this year, the nurse measured me and said I was only 5”0. I thought she measured wrong, but when my daughter was just here, and giving me a hug, she explained that I am now shorter than she is, and she is 5’1”; so it appears that my back is actually getting shorter, faster. I will definitely be reporting back about whether the extra B12 helps or not, plus I am now having more fermented foods, which have extra B+ vitamins; so I am hoping that it helps. I notice the arm going to sleep mostly when I am knitting, but also when I am swimming, and at other times, and it seems to just come and go.
Sublingual B12 is a good way to go, for as we age, our stomach lining sometimes deteriorates due to just life. This citation mentions Intrinsic Factor produced by the stomach lining, and also mentions the glycoprotein mentioned in @Thomas Windom's post above present in human saliva. B12 deficiency shows up first in the MCV and MPV if you have had a recent CBC. Both will be high or borderline high if you have B12 deficiency or the beginnings of it. Sublingual administration is a good way to take your B12 supplements. I would also try alpha-lipoic acid for the neuropathy for a couple weeks to see if that helps also.
Perhaps you have a pinched nerve in your neck, Yvonne, since you have tingling and numbness in your arm?? I have been taken b12 sublingual liquid for about 2 months. I haven’t noticed anything different from taking it, except I have a little more energy. I have some tingling and slight numbness in my right leg. It starts in my butt and runs down to my foot. Some days I think it has gone away and other times I think it will never go away. I think it is sciatica or piriformis that is being pinched, or nerve entrapment of some kind, but I have no pain. I have had it for about a year. I went to the chiropractor, I do leg exercises, and I went to a massage therapist. I got the most benefit from a massage therapist. I still have tingling and it is annoying at worst. I don’t have any balance issues nor am I a diabetic. So I am still seeking.
I agree about sciatica. Have you checked your gait? A couple weeks ago I had what appeared to be a sciatica nerve pinch. Figured it would go away, but it didn't. This morning I started walking with my feet farther apart than normal—directly below the hips. It's gone away, so far. Women tend to walk with their feet too close together. Think of how John Wayne walks. And try not to sit too long with your legs crossed. I can't break that habit.
When we were young, we would still get a tingling in an arm or leg if it had gone to sleep or more accurately, we were positioned in such a way that circulation to that part of the body was diminished. That's what makes me think it's circulation to the extremities. I get a tingling to my little finger on the right hand.
I don’t think I have a gait problem that I am aware of. No foot drop, weakness, or pain. The chiropractor did some dry needling and showed me some exercises to do, and also told me not to cross my legs. It is hard not to do, but I have disciplined myself not to cross my legs after decades of doing so. It feels awkward and uncomfortable at times not to cross my legs, but I forge on.
I visit Bergs site quite often. Last time was B-1 deficiency. Peripheral Neurophey, my lower legs legs and feet are numb, thats why walking is so important. Even when I don't feel like it.
I do too because direct pressure on my leg muscles distracts from the ache. Even in bed, I try to put pressure on them with extra pillows. I tried one of those weighted blankets and it helped some but was too warm.