Numbness

What is numbness?

Numbness is a loss of feeling in certain areas of your body due to an injury or disease. You might have numbness in your hands, feet, fingers, toes, or other areas. It often indicates a problem with nerves due to diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or other chronic conditions. See the Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services team at the first sign of a problem.

What are the risk factors for numbness?

Common causes and risk factors for numbness include:

• Herniated discs
• Nerve damage
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Excess body weight
• Spinal abnormalities
• Osteoporosis
• Bone spurs
• Peripheral neuropathy 
• Multiple sclerosis
• HIV, Lyme disease, or other infections
• Kidney disease
• Stroke
• Tumors
• Some medications 
• Cancer
• Insect or animal bites
• Toxin or poison exposure

Adopting healthy habits is the best way to reduce your risk of many underlying causes of numbness. Eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, keep stress levels low, avoid smoking, and maintain an ideal body weight.

How does my provider diagnose the cause of numbness?

To find the source of numbness and treat it, the Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services team asks about your symptoms and medical history. They check your vital signs, complete physical and neurological exams, and often order blood and nerve tests. You may also need nerve or skin biopsies, X-rays, an MRI, a CT scan, an ultrasound, or another imaging procedure.

What are common treatments for numbness and its cause?

Your personalized treatment plan for numbness depends on its cause. Your provider may suggest:

Lifestyle changes

Healthy weight management, proper nutrition, and regular exercise are standard treatments for many underlying causes of numbness.

Medications

Medications or topical creams can reduce discomfort caused by numbness, tingling, burning, or other signs of nerve damage. Medicines also help you control a chronic disease associated with numbness.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy exercises and stretches enhance strength, healing, and spinal movement to reduce nerve pressure and numbness.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

TENS uses electrodes placed on your skin to deliver electrical currents to targeted tissues and reduce nerve pain.

Surgery

Surgery can remove or repair tissues responsible for nerve compression and numbness. 

Don’t live with numbness or its underlying cause when treatment at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services can improve your quality of life. Call the office to learn more or book online today.