numbness complications awareness

Overview

Numbness is a loss of feeling in a part of your body. It can feel like pins and needles, or like a body part has 'fallen asleep'. Numbness itself is not a disease, but a symptom. It can be harmless and temporary, or it can be a sign of a problem with your brain, spinal cord, or nerves.

Yes, almost everyone experiences temporary numbness now and then, such as when an arm or leg 'falls asleep'.

It can affect anyone. It becomes more common with age, and people with diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or who have had a stroke are more likely to have long-term numbness.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Tingling or a 'pins and needles' feeling
• A burning or prickling sensation
• Loss of sensitivity to touch, pain, or temperature
• A feeling that a body part is weak or dead
• Clumsiness or dropping objects
• Tripping because you cannot feel your foot on the ground

Symptoms in children

• Children often feel numbness after sitting cross-legged or kneeling for a long time, but it should go away with movement.
• If a child complains of numbness after a fall, bump, or unusual neck position, take it seriously and see a doctor.
• Sudden numbness with face drooping or trouble speaking in a child is an emergency — call your local emergency number right away.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have numbness from poor circulation, diabetes, or as a side effect of medicines.
• Loss of feeling in the feet can make balance problems worse and increase the risk of falls.
• Older adults with numbness should check their feet daily and have their sensation checked by a doctor regularly.

Causes

Main causes

• Pressure on a nerve, such as from sitting, leaning, or sleeping in one position
• Poor posture or repetitive motions, like typing or using tools
• Diabetes, which can damage nerves over time
• Vitamin B12 deficiency or other nutrient deficiencies
• Pinched or compressed nerves, such as sciatica or carpal tunnel syndrome
• Multiple sclerosis or other autoimmune conditions
• Stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
• Alcohol use disorder, which can damage nerves
• Infections like shingles or Lyme disease
• Certain medications, including some chemotherapy drugs

Risk factors

• Diabetes
• Older age
• Jobs or hobbies that involve repetitive movements
• Pregnancy
• Smoking
• High blood pressure and high cholesterol
• A sedentary lifestyle
• A family history of nerve disorders

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Numbness with tingling that lasts more than a few minutes
• Numbness in the same place that keeps coming back
• Numbness that makes it hard to walk or hold objects
• Numbness with pain that does not get better

Book a routine appointment if:

• Numbness that started gradually and does not go away
• Numbness that affects your daily activities
• Numbness along with new weakness, fatigue, or weight changes

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and do a physical exam. They may test your strength, reflexes, and ability to feel touch, vibration, temperature, and pain.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check blood sugar, vitamin levels, and thyroid function
• Nerve conduction study to see how fast nerves send signals
• Electromyography (EMG) to test muscle activity
• MRI or CT scan to look at the brain and spinal cord
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) in certain cases

What to expect at your appointment

The tests are usually painless, though some may cause mild discomfort. You may need to see a neurologist, a doctor who specialises in brain and nerve problems. It can take time to find the cause, but most causes can be treated or managed.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. If the numbness is from nerve compression, position changes and physical therapy may help. If it is from a medical condition like diabetes or vitamin deficiency, managing that condition is key. The aim is to relieve symptoms and prevent complications, such as falls and skin injuries.

Self-care at home

• Move and stretch often, especially if you sit for long periods
• Check your skin each day for cuts, blisters, or sores if you have numbness in your feet or hands
• Protect the numb area from extreme hot and cold; use a thermometer for bath water
• Wear well-fitting shoes and avoid walking barefoot outdoors
• Tell your doctor about any new medication you take, as some can cause numbness
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as these can damage nerves

Medical treatments

Medicines may be used to treat nerve pain, but only under a doctor's supervision. Physical therapy can help improve strength and balance. You may be given vitamin supplements if you have a deficiency. If a nerve is compressed, a splint or brace may help. Do not take over-the-counter pain pills for numbness without asking your doctor, as they may not work and can hide other symptoms.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be an option if a herniated disc or a trapped nerve is pressing on the spinal cord or nerve root and other treatments have not helped.

Living with this condition

Living with numbness means learning to pay attention to your body in new ways. You need to protect areas that cannot feel pain, because you might not notice a burn, cut, or pressure sore until it becomes infected. Build habits to check your skin, adjust your position often, and use support if you feel off balance.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep blood sugar in a healthy range if you have diabetes
• Eat foods rich in B vitamins, such as leafy greens, eggs, and whole grains
• Move every 30 minutes if you sit for work
• Do balance exercises like standing on one foot or tai chi
• Take care of your feet, especially if you have diabetes
• Get enough sleep, as fatigue can make nerve symptoms worse

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and regular exercise help keep your nerves healthy. Aim for a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Walk, swim, or try gentle stretching to keep blood flowing. If you have balance problems, exercise with a chair nearby or work with a physical therapist.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Long-term numbness can cause frustration, anxiety, or low mood. It is normal to feel worried about what it means. Talk to your doctor, family, or a counsellor about how you feel. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, reach out for help right away.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent numbness, but you can reduce your risk. Keep chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure under control. Avoid sitting or kneeling in one position for too long. Use good posture and take regular breaks from repetitive tasks. Protect your back and neck during activities. Limit alcohol and stop smoking.

Screening programmes

If you have diabetes or other risk factors, ask your doctor about regular nerve checks. Foot exams every year are recommended for people with diabetes.

Complications

If left untreated

• Falls due to weakness or lack of feeling in the feet
• Burns and electrocution from touching hot objects or faulty wiring without feeling it
• Pressure sores from staying in one position, because you do not feel the discomfort that makes you move
• Injuries that go unnoticed, such as cuts or bumps, leading to infection
• Muscle wasting or weakness from not using the affected limb
• Progression of the underlying condition, such as nerve damage from diabetes getting worse

Long-term outlook

For most people, numbness improves when the cause is found and treated. Even if the numbness cannot be fully cured, there are many ways to stay safe and keep doing the things you love. With regular check-ups and careful self-care, you can prevent most serious complications.

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