Causes

Having a hand or foot fall asleep is caused by a compressed nerve. This is a normal, common occurrence, and the feeling will go away on its own when the pressure is taken off the nerve.

A feeling of numbness or tingling is often caused by a pinched nerve. The term pinched nerve describes a type of damage or injury to a nerve or set of nerves. Pinched nerves can sometimes lead to other conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy is a general term for disorders of the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves outside the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) connected to the spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition that can cause numbness and tingling. It can be caused by diseases of the nerves or by other illnesses. Diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy. A ruptured disk in the spine can also cause the disorder. Other causes may include:

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Infection or inflammation
• Overexposure to toxic chemicals, such as mercury or lead
• Tumors
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Numbness and tingling can also be signs of multiple sclerosis, a disease of the central nervous system, or fibromyalgia.

Treatment

Treatment for a pinched nerve usually involves resting the affected area. Pain medication may be prescribed. In some cases, surgery is recommended. Physical therapy and splints or collars may also be used.

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy often focuses on treating the condition that caused it—for example, controlling diabetes or repairing a ruptured disk. Physical therapy may also be recommended.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of peripheral neuropathy by:

• Eating well
• Avoiding excessive use of alcohol
• Avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals
• Controlling your blood sugar if you have diabetes