Q I worry that numbness in the hands and feet is an early sign of a stroke or something serious. How do I tell?
A Sudden weakness on one side, slurred speech, or numbness spreading rapidly may be an emergency and require going to hospital at once. In contrast, numbness that develops over months and rises and falls with posture is usually compression or circulation. Speed and accompanying symptoms are the dividing line.
Detailed Answer
Numbness that progresses within hours or days differs in nature from numbness that builds over months. If muscle strength drops noticeably or bladder and bowel control becomes difficult, testing must not be delayed. Diabetes with dulling sensation in the feet also calls for separate management.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
We confirm this at the first visit. If it applies, we refer you to neurology or orthopaedics first, and only after danger signs are excluded do we begin releasing the compressed area and lifting the flow. We do not reverse that order.
Related FAQs
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Orthopaedics and neurosurgery both did an MRI and found nothing. So why does the numbness continue?
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My toes have been numb for years. Surely it is beyond fixing by now?
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Along with numbness I have neck and shoulder stiffness, cold hands and feet, and fatigue. Are they connected?
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Is there something I can do right at my desk?
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Numbness keeps waking me. Is there anything I can change about how I sleep?
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