Specifically, it’s calledparesthesia.
Paresthesia is an abnormal sensation felt in your body due to the compression or irritation of nerves.
Paresthesia Symptoms
Paresthesia may cause various symptoms on your body.
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These symptoms may range from mild to severe, and they may be fleeting or long-lasting.
The signs may include:
Paresthesia usually affects only one arm or leg at a time.
But both arms and legs may be affected, depending on the cause.
What Causes Paresthesia?
Sitting the wrong way may compress a nerve and bring on the symptoms.
Most cases of paresthesia resolve on their own, especially if you’re willing to move around a bit.
It’s usually possible to prevent paresthesia bysitting with proper posturewhile, say, watching TV or reading.
Some causes of paresthesia are more concerning.
Seek a diagnosis and medical care immediately.
It’s a warning sign that your diabetes is poorly controlled and needs to be managed appropriately.
Common diagnostic procedures for paresthesia include:
Your healthcare provider will choose these tests based on a physical exam.
If you have a history of diabetes that is poorly controlled, your healthcare provider may suspect peripheral neuropathy.
Medicine may help your symptoms.
And physical therapy may help improve your overall functional mobility.
If you have weakness along with paresthesia, your PT may prescribe strengthening exercises to restore normal mobility.
The goal of surgery, like alaminectomyordiscectomy, is to allow the nerve to function normally again.
After surgery, you may benefit from physical therapy to help you regain normal mobility again.
Treatment for paresthesia depends on your diagnosis.
Your healthcare provider can help determine the best course of action for you to take.
Medically speaking, it’s called paresthesia, which shows up when a nerve has been compressed or damaged.
Most of the time, it passes quickly, soon after a quick shake or a brisk walk.
It’s time to consult your healthcare provider if the symptoms linger for more than 30 minutes.
You may require special treatment if your paresthesia is due to a serious underlying cause.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Paresthesia.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Herniated disc.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Peripheral neuropathy.
Merck Manual Professional Version.Numbness.
2021;174(1):8-17. doi:10.7326/M20-4187
