About this topic
A parasthesia is the feeling of numbness, tingling, or a prickling sensation. It happens when the blood supply to your nerves is cut off partially or fully. These nerves control the movement, and normal sensations of your fingers, hands, arms, feet, or legs. Paresthesias can also appear in other parts of your body. ‚
Treatment is based on the cause of paresthesia. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You may have a sling or brace on your shoulder, arm, or hand. This will help your arm heal properly. Wear the sling at all times until you recover fully.
- You may need a brace on your leg or foot to help you walk.
- You may not be able to feel hot or cold very well. Be careful with hot surfaces like stoves and ovens. Be sure to cover your numb hand before you use hot machines or devices. Be careful when taking baths or showers. You may burn your hand without knowing it. Be careful with cold weather. You may not feel anything with your numb arm or leg. Be sure to cover your limb before you go outside to avoid frostbite.
- Take extra care with activities. Avoid activities that may injure your numb arm or legs.
- If you cannot feel your limb, you may stumble, fall, step, or touch harmful objects like nails. Walk on flat, clean areas.
- If your foot is numb, use caution. Do not walk barefoot. Wear well fitted-shoes to protect your feet from injury.
- Watch for injuries. Change socks every day. Wash your feet with mild soap and pat dry. Check for any sores, calluses, or cracks. If you have any sores or other open areas tell your doctor right away.
- Do not wear tight-fitting pants and socks. This can hold back blood flow, which may cause numbness.
- Do not lace your shoes too tight. Do not use overly thick socks or insoles to fill space in your shoes. You may need special shoes to help protect your feet.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs based on the cause of paresthesia. These may include drugs to: ‚
- Relieve tingling and numbness
- Help with pain
- Decrease numbness
- Help relieve burning feeling
Will physical activity be limited?
- Do not sit or stand for a long period. Change the position of your arms and legs to avoid putting too much pressure on the limb.
- You may have trouble bearing weight on your numb leg. You may use crutches, a cane, or a walker, or have someone help you when you walk.
- Ask your doctor if an exercise program would benefit your health. This can help lower your blood pressure and make your heart stronger. Regular exercise can help improve and lower the chance of other health problems.
What changes to diet are needed?
Eat a healthy diet. Poor nutrition may cause numbness and tingling. This means: ‚
- Eat whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
- Choose many different fruits and veggies. Fresh or frozen is best.
- Cut back on solid fats like butter or margarine. Eat less fatty or processed foods.
- Eat more low fat or lean meats like chicken, fish, or turkey. Eat less red meat.
- Limit beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Avoid caffeine.
- If you need help, ask to see a dietitian.
What problems could happen?
- Nerve damage
- Decreased movement of the leg or arm
- Pain
- Problem gets worse
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stop drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Avoid exposure to chemicals.
- Quit smoking or avoid secondhand smoke. If you have problems quitting, ask for help.
- See your doctor regularly and seek treatment for illnesses like high blood cholesterol, high blood sugar, or high blood pressure.
- Keep a healthy weight or lose weight.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
- Signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Call your doctor if you have: ‚
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or a wound that will not heal.
- More pain behind your calf; soreness or redness above or below your knee; more swelling in your calf, foot, or ankle
- Pale or blue color of the arm or leg
- Numbness of arm or leg that does not go away
- Pain that does not go away, even at rest
- Very bad headache
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how I will take extra care when walking and to avoid falling.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have signs of a heart attack or stroke.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have pain behind my calf or swelling, soreness, or redness in my leg.
Where can I learn more?
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/paresthesia/paresthesia.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚