What is Paresthesia

Paresthesia is a burning or prickling feeling. This feeling can happen in any part of the body. It often happens in the hands, arms, legs, or feet. Usually, it is not painful.

In most cases, the feeling goes away in a short time and is not a sign of a serious problem. If you have paresthesia that lasts a long time, you may need to be seen by your doctor.

Follow these instructions at home:

Alcohol use

• Do not drink alcohol if:
  • Your doctor tells you not to drink.
  • You are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant.
• If you drink alcohol, limit how much you have:
  • 0–1 drink a day for women.
  • 0–2 drinks a day for men.
• Be aware of how much alcohol is in your drink. In the U.S., one drink equals one typical bottle of beer (12 oz), one-half glass of wine (5 oz), or one shot of hard liquor (1½ oz).

Nutrition

• Eat a healthy diet. This includes:
  • Eating foods that have a lot of fiber in them, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
  • Limiting foods that have a lot of fat and processed sugars in them, such as fried or sweet foods.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Do not use any products that have nicotine or tobacco in them, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
• If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to make sure your blood sugar stays in a healthy range.
• If your feet feel numb:
  • Check for redness, warmth, and swelling every day.
  • Wear padded socks and comfortable shoes. These help protect your feet.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• You have paresthesia that gets worse or does not go away.
• Your burning or prickling feeling gets worse when you walk.
• You have pain or cramps.
• You feel dizzy.
• You have a rash.

Get help right away if you:

• Feel weak.
• Have trouble walking or moving.
• Have problems speaking, understanding, or seeing.
• Feel confused.
• Cannot control when you pee (urinate) or poop (have a bowel movement).
• Lose feeling (have numbness) after an injury.
• Have new weakness in an arm or leg.
• Pass out (faint).

Summary

• Paresthesia is a burning or prickling feeling. It often happens in the hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• In most cases, the feeling goes away in a short time and is not a sign of a serious problem.
• If you have paresthesia that lasts a long time, you may need to be seen by your doctor.