Why limbs go numb

Learn the average duration of a pinched nerve based on type, what treatments are available, and how to prevent pinched nerves in the first place. With neuropathic pain, the body sends pain signals to your brain unprompted.

Here's what causes it and what you can do. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Why Are My Limbs Numb? Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. What does numbness of limbs feel like? What causes numbness of limbs? When should I seek medical help for numbness of limbs? How is numbness of limbs diagnosed? How is numbness of limbs treated? Read this next. Numbness in Your Lower Leg. Numbness in the Thigh.

Why Is My Arm Numb? Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Medically reviewed by Angela M. Medically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, M. Some people with PAD also experience leg numbness and weakness. Tumors, cysts , abscesses, and benign non-cancerous growths can put pressure on the brain, spinal cord, or any part of the legs and feet. This pressure can restrict blood flow to the legs and feet, causing numbness. The toxins in alcohol can cause nerve damage that is associated with numbness, especially in the feet.

Chronic or excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to nerve damage that causes numbness. This type of nerve damage is linked to reduced levels of B vitamins , such as B-1 thiamine , B-9 folate , and B, which is caused by excessive alcohol intake.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic or long-lasting condition that causes widespread body pain, aching, and tenderness.

Some people with fibromyalgia also experience numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Almost everyone with fibromyalgia experiences symptoms in more than one part of their body for at least 3 months at a time. If numbness in the legs and feet is not accompanied by any other symptoms or is not long-term, it is unlikely to be caused by fibromyalgia.

People with multiple sclerosis MS experience sensory nerve damage that can cause numbness in a small region of their body or whole limbs. Although numbness associated with MS often only lasts for a short period, it can last long enough to become disabling. Strokes or mini-strokes can cause brain damage that may affect how the mind interprets and processes nerve signals.

A stroke or mini-stroke can sometimes cause temporary or long-term numbness in parts of the body. Many people with numbness in their legs and feet experience additional symptoms at the same time or intermittingly, such as:. Some alternative therapies have been shown to help reduce the symptoms of conditions known to cause numbness in the legs and feet.

Therapies include:. Numbness in the legs and feet is a common disorder, though when it becomes chronic, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Anyone who experiences numbness that is unexplained, persistent, frequent, painful, disabling, or accompanied by other chronic symptoms should see a doctor for a diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.

Read the article in Spanish. An occipital nerve block is an injection that provides relief from headache pain. We examine the procedure and what types of head pain it may….

Treatment will focus on resolving any underlying medical conditions. Alternately, a sharp object might cut your skin without you even noticing. Make sure you take precautions to protect yourself from burns and other accidental injuries.

Tingling in the feet isn't often cause for concern, but sometimes it may require medical attention. Learn about causes such as diabetes and toxin….

Poor circulation is most common in your extremities, such as your legs and arms. Learn more about the symptoms and causes of poor circulation. Facial tingling can feel like a prickly, crawling sensation under your skin.

It can affect your whole face or just one side. These sensations are a…. Early lung cancer symptoms may include cough, chest pain, and wheezing. Learn what to be aware of and how early diagnosis and treatment can help.

Learn more. The vagus nerve is the longest of the 12 cranial nerves. Here, learn about its anatomy, functions, and the kinds of health problems that can occur. Muscle twitching refers to small muscle contractions in the body. Learn more about the causes and treatment here.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Nancy Hammond, M. Causes When to see a doctor Diagnosis Treatment Complications Overview Numbness and tingling are unusual prickling sensations that can happen in any part of your body. The medical term for numbness and tingling is paresthesia. What causes numbness and tingling?