Maeve
Numbness is a sensation that many people experience at some point in their lives. It can range from a slight tingling or “pins and needles” feeling to a more profound lack of sensation in the hands, feet, or other parts of the body. For some, this feeling may be temporary, the result of poor circulation or positioning. For some people, though, tingling could be a sign of a bigger health problem, like peripheral neuropathy. Understanding whether your numbness is temporary or a neuropathy concern is essential for determining the right course of action.
Understanding Numbness Symptoms
Numbness symptoms are often described as a feeling of “pins and needles,” a loss of sensation, or even a sense of heaviness in the affected area. The cause of numbness can vary. It might occur after sitting or lying in one position for too long, resulting in pressure on nerves or blood vessels, leading to temporary numbness. It can also arise from more serious medical conditions, such as nerve damage, which may point to peripheral neuropathy.
While occasional numbness after physical inactivity or a poor sleeping position may not be cause for concern, persistent or recurring numbness should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. If you feel numb and also have pain, weakness, or trouble moving a body part, it could be a sign of a deeper problem that needs to be looked at.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
This is a sickness that impacts the peripheral nervous system, which is made up of nerves that are not in the brain or spinal cord. The body’s nerves send messages to the brain and the spinal cord, which lets us feel things like touch, warmth, and pain. If these nerves get hurt or sick, they can make the hands, feet, and other parts of the body feel numb, tingly, painful, or weak.
Diabetes, heavy drinking, infections, autoimmune diseases, and some medicines are just some of the things that can lead to peripheral neuropathy. It’s called idiopathic neuropathy when the cause of the nerve damage is still unknown. Although, peripheral neuropathy can be very painful no matter what causes it, and it can get worse if it is not handled. Early diagnosis of neuropathy is important because it can help handle symptoms and stop nerve damage from getting worse.
Is Your Numbness a Sign of Neuropathy?
Depending on how bad, how often, and how long your numbness lasts, you can tell if it is a brief problem or a sign of peripheral neuropathy. Temporary numbness caused by pressure on the nerves typically resolves once the pressure is relieved—like when you stand up or change positions after sitting for too long. On the other hand, neuropathy-related numbness is often persistent, recurring, and may affect multiple areas of the body.
Other signs of neuropathy include a burning or stabbing sensation, sensitivity to touch, or a loss of balance or coordination. If your numbness is accompanied by these additional symptoms, it may be an indication that you are dealing with peripheral neuropathy rather than a temporary condition.
Seeking Help from South Valley Neurology
If you’re concerned that your numbness may be more than just a temporary issue, it’s essential to seek professional medical advice. The team at South Valley Neurology specializes in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions, including peripheral neuropathy. These doctors can help you figure out what’s causing your weakness by doing thorough tests like nerve conduction studies or imaging scans.
Diagnosing and treating peripheral neuropathy as soon as possible are very important for keeping the condition under control and avoiding long-term problems. Some possible treatments are painkillers, physical therapy to boost strength and balance, and changes to one’s lifestyle to take care of underlying conditions like diabetes or vitamin deficiencies.
Conclusion
You might feel numb for a short time because of something as simple as bad posture or poor circulation, but it could also be a sign of something more serious, like peripheral neuropathy. Talk to a doctor if you feel numbness that won’t go away or that comes back on a regular basis, or if it’s followed by other symptoms that worry you. The professionals at South Valley Neurology can help you look at your symptoms, figure out if you have neuropathy, and come up with a good treatment plan to make your life better. If you act quickly, you can help stop more nerve damage and make sure you get the right care.
