Paresthesia is an abnormal sensation in the skin; it is commonly manifested as tingling numbness that may be transient or permanent. Tingling is often described as a sensation of ‘pins and needles’, pricking, creeping or crawling; while; numbness is reduced or lost sensation in the skin.
Causes of Prasesthesia: Tingling Numbness
Transient paresthesia occurs due to:
Causes of Prasesthesia: Tingling Numbness
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| Dehydration is frequently responsible for Tingling Numbness |
- Extended pressure on a nerve is the commonest and most frequently seen cause; the tingling numbness vanishes when the pressure is released.
- Panic attacks are known to trigger a ‘pins and needles’ sensation.
- Dehydration can cause paresthesia too
- Hyperventilation syndrome
- Transient ischemic attack or mini stroke
- Inadequate supply of blood in atherosclerotic or blocked arteries in the lower extremity.
- Raynaud’s disease
Chronic causes for paresthesia are:
- Central nervous system disorders: intra-cerebral hemorrhage, stoke, multiple sclerosis, trauma, tumors, meningitis, cervical spondylosis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive motion, neuralgia, migraine.
- Cardiac disorders: atherosclerosis, angina, occlusion of the artery, Raynaud disease.
- Metabolic derangements: diabetes, low blood sugar, hypothyroidism, hypo-parathyroidism, hypo-aldosteronism, abnormal levels of potassium, calcium or sodium in the blood, menopause.
- Infections: Herpes simplex virus, Herpes zoster virus, Lyme disease, AIDS, leprosy, rabies, syphilis
- Connective tissue and autoimmune diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren’s syndrome, pernicious anemia, diabetes
- Blood disorders: thrombosis, thrombocytosis, leukemia
- Joints disorders: arthritis, osteomalacia, osteoporosis
- Nutrient deficiency: deficiency of vitamin B1, B5 and B12
- Medications: anti-convulsant drugs, amiodarone, digoxin, etc.
- Poisoning: heavy metals such as: arsenic, mercury, lead, too much exposure to carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, alcohol, tobacco, drugs
Treating Tingling Numbness: Home Remedies
To successfully treat tingling numbness, you need to ascertain the underlying cause; whether it is poor circulation, dietary deficiency, diabetes, heart disorders or multiple sclerosis. The following food prescriptions can help manage paresthesia effectively:
- Vitamin B1 rich foods: a deficiency of vitamin B 1 or thiamine results in extreme numbness and pins and needles of the legs. Incorporating foods that are excellent sources of the vitamin helps manage tingling numbness effectively. Wheat germ, yeast, peanuts, soy, brazil nuts, millet, wheat bran, haricot beans, oatmeal, lima beans, cashews, walnuts and almonds are very good sources.
- Vitamin B5 rich foods: vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid is particularly important for optimal adrenal functioning. It is an anti stress hormone. Rich sources are: yeast, liver, peanuts, soy, mushrooms, cashews, wheat germ, broccoli, hazel nuts, oatmeal, and whole wheat.
- Vitamin B 12 rich foods: vitamin B 12 is very important for nerve function. The vitamin helps manage tingling numbness as well as burning sensation in the skin. Include plenty of: liver clams, oysters, sardines, salmon, tuna, eggs, beef, cheese, and fermented food.
- Inositol rich foods: is a part of the vitamin B complex. Ample amounts of dietary inositol help fight panic attacks, depression and diabetes; all of which can set off paresthesia. Whole grains and legumes provide you with plenty of inositol. However, experts recommend taking a supplement, since, the vitamin is more bio-available than what is found in natural sources.
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| Almonds are rich in Vitamins and helpful in treating numbness |
