Numbness is usually caused by pressure on a nerve, as happens when one sits for a long period with their legs crossed. These are self limiting problems; as long as the person is conscious of the pressure and relieves it, there is no injury to the nerve. At other times, the cause of the numbness is less clear, as happens when muscles of the neck are tight; squeezing the nerve trunks as they exit the spine. In this latter case there is more of a risk to the nerves, because the problem may not be addressed in a timely manner and therefore some more long lasting injury could result.
The two examples given above would generally show up as numbness in only one extremity - the foot in the first example and a hand in the second. When one is experiencing numbness in both hands or both feet and the cause is not known, then a thorough examination is needed. This type of numbness could be early signs of a progressive condition called peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a fairly common disorder that is due to many different causes - diabetes being one of the most common causes.
At my office I treat each of the above mention conditions. One need not accept these conditions as "just getting older". There are effective treatments for these disorders and here at my clinic I have seen many who have recovered their health with my help.
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Numbness |