When hands and feet feel numb, people commonly assume "poor circulation" and reach for a circulation supplement. In practice, however, a large share of the numbness we see in clinic comes not from blood vessels but A nerve problem.
If the numbness is concentrated in the thumb, index, and middle fingers and worsens at night, we suspect Carpal tunnel syndromefirst; if it begins at the toes on both sides with numbness and reduced sensation in a stocking distribution, we suspect diabetic Peripheral neuropathyfirst.
Because treatment differs completely by cause, accurate diagnosis comes first. In neurology, Nerve conduction studies and EMGobjectively establish which nerve is damaged, at what level, and to what degree.
Carpal tunnel syndrome often improves with ultrasound-guided injection; when severe, surgical treatment is advised. Peripheral neuropathy is managed by treating the underlying condition (such as diabetes) alongside medication.
If numbness persists beyond two weeks or its extent keeps widening, do not get by on circulation supplements — please have a nerve study.
— Director, Centum Neurology Clinic