If you're feeling numb or tingling sensations in your limbs, you may wonder why it's happening and what it means. While numbness or tingling can sometimes be harmless, it can also indicate a serious medical condition. That's why it's important to know this symptom's potential signs and causes.
Causes of Numb Limbs
Numbness of the arms and legs can be caused by various conditions ranging from carpal tunnel syndrome to vascular diseases. In most cases, numbness is caused by nerve or another tissue compression due to damage, disease, or injury.
Other causes may include:
Body positioning for an extended period
Lack of exercise
Herniated discs in the spine
Diabetes
Dehydration
Vitamin deficiency
Long commutes.
An individual's risk for numbness is also higher if they have a family history of certain medical conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases. Seeing a doctor right away can help diagnose the issue quickly and provide treatment options that may help reduce discomfort and other side effects associated with this type of affliction.
Diabetes
Diabetic neuropathy typically occurs when high blood sugar levels cause inflammation in the tiny blood vessels that send oxygen to nerves, impairing them over time. One example of this nerve damage is loss of sensation or pain in the feet and legs, which often feels like tingling, stinging, burning, or stabbing pains. Over time, it may become more severe and move up the body to cause numbness in the hands, arms, and torso.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a neurological condition that affects the nerves and spinal cord. It can cause numbness in your limbs, similar to pins and needles or even a lack of sensation. The numbing is caused by lesions that form on the nerve cells, interrupting the signals between the brain and other parts of the body. Symptoms can manifest differently depending on the person, so monitoring any changes in sensation or strength is important to detect them quickly. Numbness in the arms or legs indicates a need to speak with a doctor as soon as possible to diagnose and treat early. Treatment options vary depending on severity, so talking with an expert is crucial for successfully managing this chronic condition.
Are you experiencing a numb sensation in your limbs? contact Amazing Spine Care at (904) 320-0808!