Many things can cause numbness or tingling. Swelling may put pressure on a nerve. This could cause you to lose feeling or have a pins-and-needles sensation on part of your body. Nerves may be damaged from trauma, toxins, or diseases, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis (MS). Sometimes, though, the cause is not clear.
If there is no clear reason for your symptoms, and you are not having any other symptoms, your doctor may suggest watching and waiting for a while to see if the numbness or tingling goes away on its own. Your doctor may want you to have blood or nerve tests to find the cause of your symptoms.
Numbness is the inability to feel anything when your skin is touched. Tingling (paresthesia) is a pins-and-needles sensation, like when your foot "falls asleep."
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems, or if:
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