Numbness
Key takeaways
- Numbness is a change in or loss of sensation that can impact different parts of the body.
- Numbness can be caused by damage to certain nerves, or it can be a sign of an underlying health issue.
- You can treat numbness by identifying and treating the underlying health issue. You can also manage numbness from nerve damage using physical therapy, support aids and lifestyle changes.
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Overview
What is numbness?
Numbness, also known as neuropathy, is a loss of or change in sensation. Throughout our bodies, we have nerves that send and receive messages from our brain that control different bodily functions and feelings. When these nerves are damaged or impacted by an underlying health condition, you can experience numbness.
While numbness is very common, people ages 65 and older are at increased risk. Additionally, people who work in professions that require repetitive motions have a greater chance of developing numbness from trauma or a constant compression of nerves.
Other names for numbness:
Neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, mononeuropathy (feeling numbness in a single nerve, multifocal neuropathy (feeling numbness in a limited or localized area), polyneuropathy (feeling numbness in many nerves throughout your body)
Some of the most common types of neuropathies
There are different types of neuropathies depending on where you feel numbness:
- Peripheral neuropathy — Impacts the peripheral nervous system – the nerves that transmit sensations such as pain and touch, and the nerves that control your muscles. Numbness is often felt in the hands, feet, fingers and toes.
- Autonomic neuropathy — Impacts body functions such as breathing (lungs), digestion (stomach & intestines), heart rate (heart), bladder, and sexual organs.
- Cranial neuropathy — Impacts nerves connected to the brain such as your eyes, mouth, and face.
- Proximal neuropathy — Impacts nerves located in the thighs, buttocks and hip areas.
What are the symptoms of a fever?
The main symptoms of neuropathy can include:
- Loss of sensation
- Tingling or “pins and needles” feeling
- Sharp, burning, stabbing, or shooting pain in affected areas
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Muscle weakness
- Sexual function problems
- Problems with bladder or digestion (incontinence, bloating, diarrhea, constipation)
Neuropathy symptoms can be constant or may come and go.
Possible Causes
What can cause numbness?
Numbness can be caused by a restriction of blood flow or damage to nerves in the body. This can be a result of trauma or repetitive stress on nerves. Long-lasting or unexplained numbness can be a sign of an underlying issue for other conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Autoimmune disorders and infections such as chickenpox, shingles, HIV, Syphilis, Lyme disease
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Deficiency in B vitamins
- Alcoholism
Treatment & management
How can numbness be treated?
Neuropathy treatment begins by identifying and treating any underlying medical problem, such as diabetes or an infection.
It is important to work with a health care provider to determine the cause of your numbness so that it can be treated appropriately. MinuteClinic offers a variety of services that can help with diagnosis and treatment.
Some other ways for you to manage or reduce physical numbness include:
- Physical or occupational therapy — Practice focused exercises, massages or other treatments that help increase strength, balance, and range of motion.
- Lifestyle changes — Practice regular exercise, quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and limit alcohol consumption.
- Support aids — Use specially designed shoes, casts, or splints that help keep the affected nerves in proper alignment.
When to seek medical care
Go to the hospital or call 911 if you:
- Have weakness or cannot move or cannot control movement of an arm or leg
- Experience numbness after a head, neck or back injury
- Are confused or lost consciousness (even briefly)
- Have slurred speech, a change in your vision, or difficulty walking
Call your provider if:
- You experience unexplained numbness
- Your numbness is persistent, frequent, painful, or disabling
- Your numbness is accompanied by other chronic symptoms
In general, if you are concerned about your numbness, check in with a health care provider. You can find a variety of services at a MinuteClinic near you.
About our health content
Important! Please read
This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions.
Please visit a healthcare provider for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local Emergency Department.
References used as sources for this page
- Numbness in legs and feet: Causes, symptoms, and treatment. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321560#_noHeaderPrefixedContent. (Accessed September 21, 2022)
- Peripheral neuropathy - NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/. (Accessed September 21, 2022)
- Numbness and tingling MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003206.htm. (Accessed September 21, 2022)