What is Numbness and Tingling?

Numbness and tingling are pathologic sensation. Numbness and tingling are usually complained of by patients as a "pins and needles" sensation. Numbness is loss of body or part of body's sensation. Tingling is pricking, tingling, or buzzing sensation over body skin. There may occur anywhere in the body but most frequently Numbness and tingling in hands, Numbness and tingling in feet, Numbness and tingling in fingers, Numbness and tingling in arms and Numbness and tingling in legs.

These are usually reversible due to compression of the nerves or impaired circulation, e.g., sitting for a long time. Recurring or persistent numbness and paresthesias, but not, is indicative of pathology, e.g., nerve injury, deficiency of a vitamin, impaired circulations, or chronic illness such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
It must be resolved so that it can be treated later because the symptom can vary from benign to manifestation of a catastrophic medical condition.

Causes of Tingling and Numbness

Tingling and numbness or paresthesia arise as the consequence of an infinitely long list of causative agents. Numbness and tingling causes and solutions must be known. They are transient benign symptoms or must be emergently evaluated by a physician.

1. Nerve Compression0

Most common cause is nerve compression. It may be due to long sitting, knee flexion, or sleeping in arm-in-a-trunk position. Nerve compression due to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or herniated spine disc are a few among numerous general causes for repeated symptoms.

2. Poor Circulation

Numbness and tingling due to poor circulation can rob nerve tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Numbness and paresthesia are caused by PAD, clots, or compressive dressings that block off flow.

3. Diabetes (Diabetic Neuropathy)

Persistent blood sugar levels rising year after year for several years can actually ruin nerves in diabetic patients, fingers, and toes. Diabetic Neuropathy and numbness is the most common uncontrolled or undiagnosed prolonged diabetes complication.

4. Vitamin Deficiencies

Deficiencies such as B12, B6, or E are neurotoxic. Deficiency of B12 can lead to very severe damage to nerves if not addressed on time.

5. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis is an auto-immune disorder that damages the insulating layer over the nerves covering the brain and spinal cord, i.e., myelin sheath. The disease may be triggered as paresthesia or Numbness and tingling in face or arms.

6. Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Half-body numbness at presentation suggests mini-stroke or stroke. It's one that needs to be assessed in the ER.

7. Other Causes

Chemotherapy, some drugs, hypothyroidism, shingles infection, alcoholism are other Causes of numbness and tingling.


Numbness and Tingling with Symptoms

Numbness and tingling symptoms usually depends on etiology. Pattern which can be seen can be useful in diagnosis.

  • Localized vs. Generalized Sensations: Localized paresthesia in an extremity would be the diagnosis for compression or trauma to a nerve. Generalized paresthesia would be the diagnosis in an entity that impacts the entire body such as vitamin deficiency or neuropathy.
  • Weakness or Muscle Wasting: Paralysis of muscles, especially with paresthesia, will be secondary to neurologic disease or nerve injury.
  • Burning Pain: Burning pain, paresthesia, and tingling of the toes are more stereotypically diabetic neuropathy.
  • Sudden Onset with Other Symptoms: Numbness with dizziness, blurring of vision, difficulty in speaking, or sudden weakness are attended to in the emergency department because the aforementioned symptoms are indicative of stroke.
  • Pain and Rigidity: Numbness feeling with the following burning pain in the leg due to sciatica and so forth.
Detection of such similar symptoms helps the medical doctors in diagnosing the cause and appropriate treatment course.

Treatment of Numbness and Tingling

The Numbness and tingling treatment depends upon the cause. Self-medication without determining the cause could worsen the condition.

1. Medical Treatments

  • Medications: Anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injection, and medicine for the nerve (e.g., gabapentin) are commonly given.
  • Vitamin Supplements: Oral or intramuscular vitamins, especially vitamin B12, are prescribed by physicians in case of deficiency.
  • Surgery: In case of severe nerve compression will be needing surgery like late disc herniates or carpal tunnel syndrome.

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy for nerve disorder recovery repositions posture, stretches muscle, and decompresses nerves. Stretching of neck, back, and limbs also surprises.

3. Lifestyle Changes

  • Control of Blood Sugar: In diabetic patients, blood glucose to target values should be kept to prevent progression of nerve damage.
  • Best Diet: Diet food is healthier to nerves and has good blood supply.
  • Do not Smoke: Smoking cigarettes narrows blood vessels and reduces oxygen supply to nerves.

4. Home Remedies

  • Rest and Change of Position: Release of the pressure above the offending nerve can restore sensation.
  • Warm Compresses: Heat can create increased circulation and pain relief.
  • Massage: Gentle stimulation of the nerves and uncompression of the nerves.

Prevention Tips for Numbness & Tingling


Keep Moving

Numbness and tingling after exercise reinforces muscle bulk and makes the muscles stronger against compression by the nerves. Walking, swimming, and easy stretching are some of the exercise that maintains healthy nerve and muscle function. Strive to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days.

Be in Good Posture

Slouching compresses your back and nerves as well. Sit flat feet on ground, stretch shoulder, and straight back. Office space setup and ergonomic office chairs do make a difference.

Eat Balanced Diet

Vitamin B6, B12, and E deficiency cause nerve problems. Incorporate fish, eggs, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds to enjoy healthy nerves.

Watch Over Chronic Conditions

Control diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol by exercising, diet, and medication. If not treated, they cause nerve damage.

Take Regular Breaks

Stretch and stand up when sitting at a desk every hour. It relieves tension on your muscles and nerves.

Conclusion

Numbness and tingling sensations are those which depict lack or reduction of feeling, i.e., "pins and needles," in the fingers, feet, arms, or legs. They may be caused by compression of nerve tissue for a while, poor blood circulation, poor vitamin absorption, or some conditions, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Other symptoms include loss of sensation, tingling, or burning.

Treatment varies depending on the cause and may include lifestyle changes, vitamin treatments, physical therapy, or medications. Those symptoms are continual and must be evaluated by a health professional to get an accurate diagnosis: medical care will then continue.

Please book an appointment with the Best Neurologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.