There are a number of reasons you may experience tingling or numbness in your hands and feet during exercise: poor circulation, diabetes, low potassium levels and nerve injury. If you have any of these conditions, seek medical advice before starting a workout program.
Electrolytes
When you work out, it's important to drink plenty of water to compensate for the liquid you lose due to activity and sweating. If you become dehydrated, it can cause numbness and tingling in your arms and legs. This is because you're losing electrolytes. Electrolytes include calcium, magnesium sodium, potassium and hydrogen carbonate. Their role is to keep the kidneys and hormones balanced. They also play a role in muscle contraction, so if your electrolyte levels are low, you may experience weakness and tingling sensations. Sports and energy drinks can help you maintain an adequate level of electrolytes while you work out.
Potassium
Potassium deficiency may cause numbness and tingling when you work out -- particularly in the legs, where it can lead to severe cramps, says Side Effects Guide. To avoid potassium deficiency, make sure you eat plenty of potassium-rich foods such as bananas, tomatoes, avocados, parsnips, beets, swede and turnip.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Another cause of numbness or tingling during or after a workout can be nerve damage caused by diabetes. Diabetic neuropathies can occur over time throughout the body. According to the NDIC, 60 percent to 70 percent of diabetes sufferers experience a form of neuropathy. The best way to avoid it is to maintain your blood glucose levels within the normal range. This helps protect all of the nerves in your body and prevent peripheral tingling.
Warning
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience paralysis along with numbness or tingling, confusion, a brief loss of consciousness, blurred vision, slurred speech, difficulty walking or moving, or if you have lost control of your bladder or bowels. If you experience numbness and tingling frequently during or after working out, talk to your doctor.
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