Numbness in the Hands and Feet

Why Does Numbness Occur?

Sensory stimuli felt by the sensory nerves in the skin are transmitted through peripheral nerves,
pass through the spinal cord, and are finally received by the brain as sensation.

If this pathway is disrupted at any point, numbness can occur.
When the pathway is completely blocked, the symptom may progress from numbness to paralysis.

Numbness Check

Please consider the following points:

Where do you feel numbness?
When does the numbness occur?
(e.g. upon waking, on an empty stomach, during exercise, after meals, while resting)
What kind of numbness do you feel?
(e.g. tingling like an electric current, dull or reduced sensation)
Are there any specific characteristics?
(e.g. occurs on both sides, only at the fingertips or toes)

If You Feel Numbness…

Treatment for numbness usually involves both relieving the numbness itself
and treating the underlying condition that is causing it.

Because numbness is often related to multiple conditions throughout the body,
the exact cause may be difficult to identify, and treatment can sometimes take time.

In some cases, numbness may be a sign of a serious medical condition.
If symptoms appear, it is important to consult a medical specialist,
such as a neurologist, as soon as possible.

●Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (More Common in Men)

This condition occurs when the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inside of the elbow, is compressed.

Common causes include:

An elbow fracture in childhood that did not heal properly
(symptoms often appear around the age of 30)
Deformation of the elbow joint due to aging or excessive use
(more common in people in their 50s)

Numbness and sensory disturbance typically affect
half of the ring finger and the little finger.

As the condition progresses, it becomes more difficult to treat,
so early consultation is recommended.

●Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (More Common in Women)

The carpal tunnel is a passage in the wrist formed by the transverse carpal ligament.
The median nerve, which controls sensation in the thumb, index finger, middle finger,
and half of the ring finger, passes through this tunnel.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause,
as well as overuse of the hands, can compress this nerve and cause numbness in the fingers.

In the acute stage, pain may also occur.
As the condition progresses, fine hand movements may become difficult.

Resting the affected area is important,
and acupuncture treatment can also be an effective option.

●Contact　Us

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