Treating Numbness In Novi and Howell, MI
Numbness is a relatively normal occurrence in the body when it is acute (happens for a short time). When it is chronic or continuous, that is a concern that you should discuss with a medical professional. Rehabilitative treatments are available for patients who have ongoing problems with numbness in various areas of the body.
Understanding Numbness
Numbness is a lack of sensation in various areas of the body. It is also sometimes described by patients as a tingling or “pins and needles” sensation. It commonly affects the extremities, like the hands, fingers, feet, toes, arms, and legs. When you touch, squeeze, or scratch parts of your body you should have some type of sensory response, whether it’s a tickle, hot, cold, or pain, to warn you to take action as needed. Chronic numbness should be addressed because if there is an injury, such as a cut or wound, the patient would not know and that could lead to inflammation or infection.
What Causes Numbness?
One common cause of numbness is peripheral neuropathy. It is nerve damage that commonly occurs in the hands and feet, but can also affect other parts of the body. It can happen due to a wide range of possible issues including infection, physical trauma, injury, heavy drug or alcohol abuse, or a medical condition like diabetes. Other possible causes of numbness include:
- Sleeping on a limb in an awkward way that affects blood flow.
- Sitting for too long, especially in an uncomfortable chair.
- A dislocated shoulder.
- Rotator cuff injuries.
- Ligament tears and tendonitis.
- Poor circulation due to vascular issues.
- General aging or wear and tear over time.
Rehabilitation for Numbness in the Body
Sometimes all that is needed to resolve numbness is movement, stretching the limbs, or changing positions. In more concerning cases where the numbness lingers, seek assistance from a physician who specializes in rehabilitation of the body. Treatments may include:
- Medication for nerves.
- Physical therapy exercises
- Steroid injections.
- Laser therapies.
- Acupuncture and dry needling.
- Help with regulation of blood sugar levels for diabetic patients.
- Doctor-recommended vitamin supplements.