Paresthesia is a burning or prickling feeling that's sometimes felt in the hands, arms, legs, or feet. It can also occur in other parts of the body. It can also feel like tingling or numbness, skin crawling, or itching. The feeling is not comfortable, but it's not painful. (The "pins and needles" feeling that happens when a foot or hand "falls asleep" is a temporary paresthesia.)
Paresthesias that last or come and go may be caused by medical issues that need to be treated. These include stroke, a bulging disk pressing on a nerve, a trapped nerve, vitamin deficiencies, uncontrolled diabetes, alcohol abuse, or even certain medicines.
Tests are often done. These tests may include blood tests, X-ray, CT scan, nerve conduction studies (NCS), or a muscle test (electromyography). Depending on the cause, treatment may include physical therapy.
Home care
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Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbs. Ask if any of the medicines may be causing your problems. Don't make any changes to prescription medicines without talking to your provider first.
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You may be prescribed medicines to help relieve the tingling feeling or for pain. Take all medicines as directed.
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A numb hand or foot may be more prone to injury. To help protect it:
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Always use oven mitts.
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Test water with an unaffected hand or foot.
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Use caution when trimming nails. File sharp areas.
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Wear shoes that fit well to avoid pressure points, blisters, and ulcers.
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Inspect your hands and feet carefully every day (including the soles of your feet and between your toes). Use a mirror to check the soles of your feet. If you see red areas, sores, or other problems, tell your provider right away.
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Follow-up care
Follow up with your health care provider, or as advised. You may need more testing or evaluation.
When to get medical advice
Contact your health care provider right away if any of these occur:
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Severe headache, fainting spell, dizziness, or seizure
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Chest, arm, neck, or upper back pain
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Loss of bladder or bowel control
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Open wound with redness, swelling, or pus
Call 911
Paresthesia can be a sign of a stroke. If you have any of the following symptoms, or if someone has these symptoms, call
Never drive yourself or the victim. The ambulance can alert the hospital and start treatment.
B.E. F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the signs of a stroke. When you see these signs, you will know that you need to call
B.E. F.A.S.T. stands for:
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B is for balance. Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
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E is for eyes. Vision changes in one or both eyes.
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F is for face drooping. One side of the face is drooping or numb. When the person smiles, the smile is uneven.
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A is for arm weakness. One arm is weak or numb. When the person lifts both arms at the same time, one arm may drift downward.
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S is for speech difficulty. You may notice slurred speech or difficulty speaking. The person can't repeat a simple sentence correctly when asked.
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T is for time to dial 911. If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call
911 right away. Make note of the time the symptoms first appeared.
