Cold or sitting in an awkward position can
cause temporary numbness. Persistent
numbness should be reported to the doctor,
especially if it is associated with an
inability to feel pain and heat, and loss of
touch sensation. Rarely the condition may be
a symptom of disorder of the nerves which
supply the limbs. Sometimes numbness
develops in the limbs following sudden or
gradual interference with circulation to the
limb as in Raynaud’s Syndrome. Immediate treatment:
• Keep the limb warm in the
position of the greatest comfort
When to
consult a doctor
• If there is persistent numbness and no
other symptoms.
• If numbness is associated with server pain
or colour changes in the limbs. If such
changes are not related to cold and are of
sudden onset, consult the doctor.
