Paresthesia Foot & Back Pain

Sensations of the skin in the foot and back such as pins-and-needles, burning, tingling, numbness, itching, prickling or anything similar in feeling are deemed as abnormal nerve sensations, called paresthesia.

That tingling sensation could be paresthesia

Cause

Paresthesia usually results from some type of nerve damage. This may have been caused by entrapment, severe pressure or nerve diseases.

History

Paresthesia is most common in individuals with fibromyalgia, even though there isn't always nerve damage present in patients with fibromyagia. However, it may be associated with peripheral neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy drugs and/or migraines.

Considerations

Even though nerve damage is usually the main cause of paresthesia, irritation to the nerve causing inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, can also be a common source of parasthesia.

Age

Paresthesia is generally the result of poor circulation in the limbs in older individuals, often referred to as peripheral vascular disease. This is often caused by atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty material collects along the walls of arteries.

Treatment

Intense massaging of the affected area in the foot and back may help temporarily. However, persistant sensations need appropriate treatment. Treating parasthesia depends on the correct diagnosis of the underlying cause.

Warning

There are times when paresthesia isn't painful, and does not need to be treated. When paresthesia is painful, medical attention is needed, generally by a neurologist. Any abnormal sensation needs to be checked out, because continued nerve damage could cause permanent loss of feeling or foot numbness.

References

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke
• Wrong Diagnosis
• Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue

Resources

• Neurology Health Care