Living with numbness

Overview

Numbness is a loss of feeling in a part of your body. It may also feel like tingling, or 'pins and needles.' Numbness is not a disease – it's a symptom that can be caused by a problem with your nerves, blood flow, or other health conditions.

Yes. Almost everyone experiences numbness at some point, often from sitting in one position too long or sleeping on an arm.

Numbness can affect people of all ages. However, it is more common in older adults and in people with diabetes, thyroid problems, or other nerve-related conditions.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Tingling or a crawling feeling on your skin
• Pins and needles
• A burning or cold sensation
• Weakness in the affected area
• Difficulty feeling pain, pressure, or temperature changes

Symptoms in children

• Tingling after sitting cross-legged for a long time
• Numbness around the mouth after tasting something very cold
• Weakness or limping if a nerve is pinched (rare)

Symptoms in older adults

• Numbness in the fingers or toes, often due to poor blood flow or nerve damage
• A feeling that the skin is thicker or wrapped in something
• Balance problems from numb feet

Causes

Main causes

• Pressure on a nerve (for example, in the wrist, elbow, or spine)
• Poor blood flow, such as from peripheral artery disease
• Vitamin deficiency, especially B12
• Diabetes – high blood sugar can damage nerves over time
• Multiple sclerosis, stroke, or other nervous system conditions
• Thyroid problems

Risk factors

• Having diabetes or prediabetes
• Being over 50
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Performing repetitive movements at work or home
• Having a neck or back injury in the past

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden numbness, call your local emergency number immediately
• If numbness occurs with weakness, confusion, or trouble speaking, get emergency care now

Book a routine appointment if:

• If numbness lasts more than a few days
• If it keeps coming back
• If it affects your ability to work, walk, or sleep
• If you have other symptoms like weight loss or fever

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and what you were doing when numbness started. They'll also check your reflexes, strength, and how well you can feel light touch, vibration, and temperature.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check for diabetes, vitamin levels, and thyroid function
• Nerve conduction studies – small sensors are placed on the skin to see how well nerves send signals
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans of your brain or spine
• Ultrasound or X-rays of the affected limb

What to expect at your appointment

Most tests are painless and happen in a clinic or hospital. The doctor will explain what they find and create a plan with you.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what is causing the numbness. In many cases, fixing the cause – for example, adjusting a vitamin level or managing diabetes – reduces or stops the numbness.

Self-care at home

• Change positions often if you sit or kneel for long periods
• Use cushions or padded supports for your wrists, elbows, or feet
• Protect a numb body part from cold, heat, or injury – check it regularly for cuts or blisters
• Take breaks from repetitive activities and stretch regularly
• If you smoke, ask for help to quit – smoking reduces blood flow

Medical treatments

Doctors may offer physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve nerve movement, occupational therapy to make daily tasks easier, or medicines to calm nerve pain. These approaches are chosen for you as an individual – never take any medicine for nerve pain without your doctor's advice.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed, but it can help if a nerve is trapped or pinched and does not get better with other care – for example, in carpal tunnel syndrome or a slipped disc pressing on a nerve.

Living with this condition

Living with numbness means learning to protect areas that have less feeling. You may need to look at your feet while walking, use tools with padded handles, and test water temperatures with your elbow instead of your hand.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep active with gentle activities like walking or swimming, as your doctor allows
• Maintain a healthy blood sugar level if you have diabetes
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol
• Get enough sleep – fatigue can make nerve symptoms feel worse

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins supports healthy nerves. If you have a vitamin deficiency, your doctor may suggest foods or supplements – follow their guidance. Exercise can improve blood flow and reduce nerve pressure.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Ongoing numbness can be frustrating, scary, or isolating. It can interfere with work, hobbies, and relationships. It is normal to feel worried or low. Speak to your doctor about your feelings – they can connect you with a counselor or support service. If you ever feel overwhelmed or have thoughts of harming yourself, please call a crisis helpline in your area or your local emergency number right away.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent numbness, but many cases are linked to lifestyle. Managing diabetes, eating well, staying active, and avoiding pressure on nerves may reduce your risk.

Vaccines

Some infections that affect nerves can cause numbness. Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date – ask your doctor or pharmacist what is recommended for you.

Screening programmes

If you have diabetes, regular foot and nerve checks can catch problems early. For others, a routine health check can identify vitamin deficiencies or thyroid issues before they cause symptoms.

Complications

If left untreated

• A nerve or muscle may become permanently damaged
• You may not feel pain, heat, or cold injuries – for example, a burn or cut that gets infected without being felt
• Falls, due to numbness in the feet or legs
• The underlying condition (such as diabetes or stroke) may get worse

Long-term outlook

The outlook depends on the cause. Many people improve with treatment and time. Even when numbness does not fully disappear, you can learn to manage it and live well. Your healthcare team will support you at every step.

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