The Basics of Paresthesia

Paresthesia is the name given to a very common issue that consists of the tingling sensation that we often get on an extremity due to nerve decompressing after being compressed for a while. This can happen, for example when we sit with our legs crossed, or when we fall asleep with our hand under our head. Other less common issues that might provoke paresthesia are hyperventilation syndrome and panic attacks.

People commonly describe paresthesia as feeling pins and needles. Some other similar symptoms can appear such as slight numbness, itchiness, and burning sensations. It usually occurs in the hands, arms, legs, and feet, but it can appear in other body parts. When an extremity is affected, it is common that its motion range is reduced. However, these symptoms should last less than an hour, depending on the kind of paresthesia that the patient has.

First, it is key to understand in general terms what causes chronic paresthesia. It is also known as Berger’s paresthesia, Sinagesia, or Bernhardt paresthesia. Some of the most commonly associated causes of this condition are related to chronic nerve damage or an underlying neurological disorder. Some frequent antecedents of chronic paresthesia include accidents that generate nerve damage. Some other include tumors in the brain or the spinal cord, the high consumption of certain drugs and alcohol, rheumatoid arthritis, among other factors. Chronic paresthesia is very common in young and old patients. 

Paresthesia is usually related to issues with circulation and with neurons. Some other kinds are associated with neuropathies, infections, and diabetes.

Usually, paresthesia appearing in the extremities is common, and it is not related to any pathologies. Nevertheless, it is necessary to seek medical help if it occurs repeatedly and suddenly while spreading to other body parts and is accompanied by other symptoms such as hyperventilation, incontinence, loss of conscience, and others. Then, paresthesia with these additional symptoms is often a consequence of an accident injuring the head, the neck, or the back.

Some other factors that can provoke paresthesia are:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome. 
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Herniated disk
• Chemotherapy
• Antibiotics
• Lack of certain vitamins.
• Some specific medicines.

Recovery and prevention methods.

• If a patient is prone to paresthesia due to any of the risk factors mentioned, they could take precautionary measures. Such as wearing a brace to sleep so they can avoid compressing the nerves of the hand.
• If you sit for long periods, it is recommended that you take breaks to do any short physical activity such as walking or stretching.
• In general, exercising regularly can help reduce the appearance or the duration of paresthesia.
• Physiotherapy.
• In some cases, doctors would prescribe antiinflammatory medicine or pain killers.

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119