Numbness: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects
Last Updated: Dec 20, 2024
What is the treatment?
Numbness or pins and needles is a condition where one can't feel anything in parts of our body like fingers, hands, feet, arms and legs. Most numbness sensation is caused due to pressure on nerves or the blood vessels. Pressure cuts off the blood supply to nerves that carry messages about sensation to the brain and thus cause numbness in that part of the body.
Treatment of numbness depends on the cause of the same. This treatment does not require any heavy procedure. It can be brought under control by physiotherapy and exercises. If the numbness occurs in a large scale, as in paralyzing a part of the body, then major medical assessment is needed.
Physiotherapists examine the patient’s body part that goes numb. They carry out a detailed study of the patient history to determine the cause of the symptoms. If required, Electromyography (EMG), a nerve conduction test is prescribed to confirm the presence of a pinched nerve and to determine the extent of the nerve injury which can also be responsible for the numbness.
Otherwise, numbness can be effectively treated by regular massages. Massages with lavender oil, primrose oil, mustard oil, coconut oil etc can help to rejuvenate the nervous system and thus prevent numbness. Blood circulation throughout the body can be increased by the use of Epsom salt. It can added to water while bathing. Besides, Gingko Biloba remedy, honey cinnamon milk remedy, hot press remedy can also be used to effectively lower numbness in the body. Intake of indian gooseberry or amla along with vitamin B and magnesium can help in providing better blood circulation and thus eradicating numbness.For finger numbness, doctors may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medication to reduce inflammation. Examples of OTC medication include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen.
How is the treatment done?
Doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory or pain relief medication for symptoms of numbness depending on the cause and issue. A proper case study must be done to ensure correct pathological treatment. Treatment of neuropathy include muscle, bone and spinal correction, boosting nutrition and the immuity of the body and also handling autoimmune diseases. Physiotherapists may prescribe certain tests prior to physiotherapy. A short duration medication with proper balance of food an nutrition can easily prevent numbness.However, for severities, the treatment is usually a lengthier process.
Who is eligible for the treatment? (When is the treatment done?)
Who is not eligible for the treatment?
Numbeness or pins and needle is not a major problem that would call for a doctor every now and then. Minute numbness can be cured within minutes by massage and proper intake of food at home. It does not require any treatment as such.
Are there any side effects?
As treatment of numbness, if not chronic, does not require any heavy medication, it does not have any side effects.
What are the post-treatment guidelines?
If numbness and tingling recurs and is not cured permanently, then one should consult a doctor for protection. After minimal treatment, exercises should be maintained regularly for proper blood circulation. Protection should be taken not to clot the blood circulation which may cause numbness.
How long does it take to recover?
It takes hardly a few minutes to cure numbness. If it is a chronic numbness, it takes a longer duration for its cure.
What is the price of the treatment in India?
Numbness does not incur huge costs. Consultation fees for doctors vary from 300- 800 INR. Apart from that, different tests may require some additional costs.
Are the results of the treatment permanent?
Yes, the treatments are mostly permanent. Numbness, if not chronic, does not recur repeatedly. However, if chronic and severe, numbness treatment may not be permanent.
What are the alternatives to the treatment?
Apart from medical treatment, numbness can also be cured by alternative ways. Taking proper dietary food with high vitamin B dosage can help in providing the necessary boost for nerves to function properly. Herbal suppost may also be useful. Hawthorn berry acts as a naturopathic treatment for poor circulation or numbness. hot-water soaks or heating pads can be used to treat feet numbness.Most impotantly, an exercise protocol is a vital way to treat numbness. Every person should exercise daily for maintaining fitness.
References
- Symptoms: Numbness- Mayo Clinic [Internet]. mayoclinic.org 2018 [Cited 20 August 2019]. Available from:
- Numbness and tingling- Medline Plus, Medical Encyclopedia, NIH, U.S. National Library of Medicine [Internet]. medlineplus.gov 2019 [Cited 20 August 2019]. Available from:
- Numbness- Merck Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. merckmanuals.com 2019 [Cited 20 August 2019]. Available from:
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