numbness follow up care

Overview

Numbness is a loss of feeling or a 'pins and needles' sensation in a part of your body. Follow-up care is the ongoing care you receive after your first doctor visit to track your symptoms, find the cause, and help you manage the condition.

Numbness is very common. Many people experience it at some point, often from pressure on a nerve or poor posture.

It can affect people of any age, but it is more common in older adults, people with diabetes, and those who sit or stand in one position for long periods.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pins and needles
• Loss of feeling
• Weakness
• Burning or tingling
• Sensitivity to touch
• Clumsiness in the affected area

Symptoms in children

• Tingling or numbness that is hard to describe
• Falling more often or dropping objects
• Using one hand less than the other

Symptoms in older adults

• More likely to be caused by poor circulation or nerve compression
• May be less able to detect injury due to reduced feeling
• Often accompanied by balance problems

Causes

Main causes

• Pressure on nerves (e.g., from sitting, injury, or a slipped disc)
• Poor blood supply (e.g., from narrowed blood vessels)
• Vitamin deficiencies (like B12)
• Diabetes and other long-term conditions
• Multiple sclerosis or other nerve diseases
• Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Risk factors

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Vitamin deficiency
• Repetitive motions or staying in one posture for long
• Alcohol misuse

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have numbness after a head, neck, or back injury
• If you lose control of your bladder or bowels with numbness
• If you have sudden numbness with weakness, confusion, or trouble speaking

Book a routine appointment if:

• If numbness lasts more than a few days
• If numbness is getting worse or spreading
• If numbness interferes with daily activities
• If you have a known condition like diabetes and notice new numbness

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, take your medical history, and do a physical exam. They may check your reflexes, strength, and ability to feel light touch or temperature.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check for diabetes, vitamin levels, or thyroid problems
• Nerve conduction studies to see how well your nerves send signals
• Electromyography (EMG) to check the health of your muscles and nerves
• MRI or CT scans to look at your brain, spine, or other structures
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) in some cases

What to expect at your appointment

You may need to see a specialist called a neurologist. Tests may take time, and you might have to come back for results. Follow-up care is about tracking changes and adjusting your treatment plan.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of your numbness. The goal is to manage any underlying condition, relieve symptoms, and help you stay safe and healthy.

Self-care at home

• Rest the affected area and change positions often
• Use heat or cold packs (ask your doctor which is better)
• Protect numb areas from injury, such as by checking water temperature before bathing
• Do gentle stretches as advised
• Manage your blood sugar if you have diabetes
• Avoid sitting or standing in one position for too long

Medical treatments

Your doctor might recommend medicines for nerve pain, vitamin supplements, or treatments for an underlying condition like diabetes, thyroid disease, or an autoimmune problem. They may also suggest physical therapy to improve strength and coordination. Always follow your doctor's advice about any medicine.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be an option if a nerve is trapped or compressed and other treatments have not helped. Your doctor will discuss this with you if it applies to your situation.

Living with this condition

Living with numbness means paying attention to your body. You may need to check your skin for cuts or sores, especially on numb feet. Use safety aids like handrails or non-slip mats if you feel off-balance.

Lifestyle tips

• Move regularly and avoid long periods of sitting still
• Limit alcohol and quit smoking
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques
• Get enough sleep and stay active

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps support nerve health. If you have a vitamin deficiency, eat foods high in that vitamin or take a supplement as recommended. Physical activity like walking or swimming can improve circulation and reduce the risk of falls, but check with your doctor first.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Numbness can be frustrating and worrying. It may affect your mood, sleep, and relationships. Talk to your doctor if you feel anxious or low, and consider joining a support group or seeing a counselor.

Prevention

Not all causes of numbness can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk. Manage long-term conditions like diabetes, avoid pressure on nerves, and stay physically active.

Vaccines

Some infections that affect the nerves can be prevented with vaccines, such as shingles or flu. Ask your doctor if you are up to date on immunisations.

Screening programmes

If you have diabetes, regular foot checks and nerve tests can catch numbness early. Routine check-ups can also find vitamin deficiencies or other causes.

Complications

If left untreated

• If the cause of numbness is not found and treated, you may lose strength and coordination.
• You may not feel pain or injury in the numb area, leading to cuts, sores, or burns that go unnoticed.
• Nerve damage can sometimes become permanent.

Long-term outlook

The outlook depends on the cause. Many people improve with treatment and time. Even for long-term conditions, follow-up care can help you manage symptoms and maintain your quality of life. Most causes of numbness are not life-threatening, but prompt medical care is important.

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