long lasting numbness

Overview

Numbness means losing feeling in a part of your body. It can feel like a 'pins and needles' sensation, a little like a limb falling asleep. When numbness lasts for a long time, or keeps coming back, it may mean there is a problem with the nerves in your brain, spine, or the area that is numb.

Yes, temporary numbness is very common. Long-lasting numbness is less common but still affects many people, especially those with diabetes, nerve injuries, or certain medical conditions.

Long-lasting numbness can happen at any age. It becomes more likely as you get older, and it is more common in people with diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or a family history of nerve problems.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Loss of feeling in a hand, foot, leg, face, or other body part
• A 'pins and needles' or tingling feeling that does not go away
• A feeling that the affected area is not part of your body
• Burning, shooting, or aching pain along with the numbness
• Weakness or clumsiness in the numb area
• Sensitivity to touch in the affected area

Symptoms in children

• Tingling or 'asleep' feeling in arms or legs that last longer than a few minutes
• Complaints of hands or feet feeling 'weird' or 'swollen' when they look fine
• Difficulty with fine tasks like writing, buttoning clothes, or picking up small objects
• Frequent tripping or clumsiness that is new or getting worse

Symptoms in older adults

• Burning or tingling in the feet or hands that makes walking harder
• Dizziness or loss of balance along with numbness
• Numbness that does not go away after sitting or resting
• Changes in vision or trouble speaking that come with numbness

Causes

Main causes

• Nerve compression – when a nerve is squeezed, like in carpal tunnel syndrome or a slipped disc
• Diabetes – high blood sugar can damage nerves over time
• Vitamin deficiencies – especially low vitamin B12, which is important for nerve health
• Poor blood circulation – when not enough blood reaches the affected area
• Stroke or mini-stroke – when blood flow to the brain is interrupted
• Multiple sclerosis – a condition where the immune system damages the covering of nerves
• Injury – damage to nerves from an accident, fall, or surgery
• Infections – some viruses or bacteria can affect nerves

Risk factors

• Having diabetes, especially if blood sugar is not well controlled
• Being over 60 years old
• Having a family history of neurological conditions
• Drinking large amounts of alcohol
• Doing repetitive movements that put pressure on nerves, like typing or using vibrating tools
• Having a vitamin B12 deficiency or other nutritional imbalance

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your numbness is sudden, severe, or involves weakness on one side of your body
• If you have trouble speaking, seeing, or balancing
• If your numbness is getting worse or spreading over hours
• If you have chest pain, trouble breathing, or a severe headache

Book a routine appointment if:

• If numbness lasts more than a few days
• If numbness comes and goes but keeps returning
• If you notice weakness, clumsiness, or changes in your ability to do everyday tasks
• If you have diabetes or another condition that affects your nerves

Diagnosis

A doctor will start by asking about your symptoms, medical history, and daily habits. They will examine the numb area and check your reflexes, strength, balance, and ability to feel touch, pain, or temperature. They will look for patterns that point to which nerves or parts of the nervous system are affected.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests – to check for diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, infections, or other conditions
• Nerve conduction study – a test that measures how well electrical signals travel through your nerves
• Electromyography (EMG) – a test that checks how your muscles respond to nerve signals
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – a scan that gives detailed pictures of your brain, spine, or other areas to look for causes like herniated discs or stroke
• CT scan – a type of X-ray that can show bleeding, tumors, or bone problems in the spine or brain

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist (a doctor who treats brain and nerve conditions). Depending on the results, you may need more tests or a treatment plan. Try not to be nervous – most people with long-lasting numbness can get a clear explanation and a helpful plan within a few weeks.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. If your numbness is from a nerve being squeezed, treating the cause – like wearing a brace or changing your posture – may be enough. If it is linked to a condition like diabetes, managing that condition is key. Your doctor will work with you to build a plan that fits your situation.

Self-care at home

• Rest the numb area and avoid repeated movements that make it worse
• Use heat or cold packs carefully – always wrap them in a cloth to protect your skin
• Do gentle stretching exercises to improve circulation and reduce pressure on nerves
• Practice good posture, especially if you work at a desk or use a phone for long periods
• Check your feet daily if you have diabetes – look for cuts, blisters, or changes you cannot feel

Medical treatments

Medicines may be offered to help with nerve pain or to treat the underlying cause, like infection, diabetes, or inflammation. Physiotherapy can help restore strength and movement. Your healthcare team may also suggest bracing or specialized footwear. Always follow the treatment plan given by your doctor and ask about any concerns you have.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not needed for most causes of long-lasting numbness. It may be an option if a herniated disc or another structural issue is pressing on a nerve and other treatments have not helped. Your specialist will explain the risks and benefits if surgery is a possible choice.

Living with this condition

Living with long-lasting numbness means learning to stay safe in daily routines. Because you may not feel pain properly, you are more likely to injure yourself without noticing. Making small changes at home and work can prevent accidents and keep you comfortable.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep your hands warm in cold weather to reduce discomfort
• Take breaks during repetitive tasks to give your nerves a rest
• Wear supportive shoes that fit well
• Avoid smoking, because it can damage blood vessels and make numbness worse
• Limit alcohol, as heavy drinking can harm nerves

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports nerve health. If you have low vitamin B12 or other deficiencies, your doctor may recommend changes or supplements. Regular, gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga can improve circulation and reduce stress on nerves. Always start slowly and check with your healthcare team before beginning a new exercise routine.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Long-lasting numbness can be frustrating, worrying, and sometimes painful. It is normal to feel anxious or low about your symptoms. Talking to friends or a counselor can help, and your care team can offer guidance. Managing stress is important, as stress can make symptoms feel worse.

Prevention

You cannot prevent all causes of long-lasting numbness, like injuries or inherited conditions. But you can lower your risk by managing chronic conditions like diabetes, eating a healthy diet, staying active, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol. Protecting yourself from workplace and sports injuries also helps.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that directly prevents long-lasting numbness. However, staying up to date with recommended vaccines, such as the shingles vaccine, can help prevent infections that may lead to nerve damage.

Screening programmes

Regular health check-ups can catch conditions like diabetes or vitamin deficiency early, before they lead to nerve problems. If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar within your target range is the best way to protect your nerves.

Complications

If left untreated

• Permanent nerve damage – if the underlying cause is not treated, the numbness may become permanent
• Injuries – not being able to feel pain raises your risk of cuts, burns, or falls
• Muscle weakness – nerves that are damaged can cause muscles to shrink or lose strength
• Wounds or infections – especially in the feet, when a person does not feel a developing sore
• Difficulty with daily tasks – numbness in hands can make it hard to write, cook, or get dressed

Long-term outlook

The outlook for long-lasting numbness is often good, especially when the cause is found early. Many people improve with treatment, lifestyle changes, or management of an underlying condition. Even when numbness cannot be fully cured, you can learn to manage it and live an active, full life. Your healthcare team will be there to help you along the way.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization ↗
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ↗

Local organisations

• NHS (UK) ↗ · United Kingdom

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