What is paresthesia?
Have you ever slept wrong on your arm or hand and woken up feeling like that part of your body was still “asleep?” This is a commonly experienced condition called “paresthesia.”
Paresthesia is a burning or prickling sensation that is normally experienced in the hands, arms, legs, or feet, but can also occur in other parts of the body. It’s a term that we often hear when referring to signs and symptoms resulting from nerve irritation.
Many people liken the feeling to a skin crawling or itching sensation, and many of us have experienced paresthesia from time to time.
This feeling typically goes away once pressure is removed from the affected limb or extremity, however, chronic paresthesia is different and can be the cause of an underlying disease or the result of nerve damage. \
If you’re dealing with chronic paresthesia or feelings of numbness and tingling, a Partners in Physical Therapy physical therapist can help. Call our clinic in Lake Charles for more information and to schedule an appointment.
Causes of chronic paresthesia
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states, “Paresthesia can be caused by disorders affecting the central nervous system, such as stroke and transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes), multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, and encephalitis. A tumor or vascular lesion pressed up against the brain or spinal cord can also cause paresthesia.”
Chronic paresthesia can affect any area of the body but most people describe their pain or prickling sensations as being located in the hands, arms, feet and legs. A common phrase people use to describe it is “a feeling of pins and needles,” and doing something as simple as sitting with your legs crossed for too long can trigger it. It can actually cause stabs of sharp pain that make you feel as if you cannot control the affected limb. When this condition occurs in the feet or legs, it can also cause difficulty walking.
Neuropathy and radiculopathy are two conditions that can result in paresthesia. Radiculopathy in the lumbar region can cause numbness and tingling in your leg or foot. Pressure placed on the sciatic nerve can also result in this condition and may cause additional weakness in the legs.
How can Partners in Physical Therapy physical therapy help?
Treatment for paresthesia depends on the reason you’re experiencing it. A physical therapist at Partners in Physical Therapy in Lake Charles can do a full assessment of your condition, perform diagnostic tests, and create a comprehensive treatment plan that can help to alleviate your pain and discomfort.
Two types of therapeutic treatment your physical therapist may recommend/perform for you:
- Nerve gliding – Addresses numbness and tingling by preventing further damage to nerves
- Massage therapy – Increases blood circulation and the flow of lymphatic fluids
For individuals experiencing paresthesia as a result of a repetitive movement injury, a physical therapist may suggest movement adaptations to reduce strain and pressure on affected nerves.
Call our clinic for more information
There are solutions available to you if you are living with chronic paresthesia. By calling our Lake Charles clinic and scheduling an appointment, you’ll be doing yourself a huge favor! The physical therapists at Partners in Physical Therapy are equipped with tools and knowledge to help you live more comfortably, so what are you waiting for? Call us today!
