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Are Increasing Issues In Numbness In The Body And Arms Going To Sleep At Night?
Question: I am 58, 210lbs, 5'10". I'm having slowly increasing issues with numbness. It started several years ago with numbness in my outer thigh while standing for a while. The elastic in my waist band or anything in my pockets causes this to happen. I've noticed other parts of my body go numb easily also. Lying on my back, hands across my midsection, if my elbows touch the bed my hands go to sleep. I wake sometimes several times a night with my arms asleep. I also have seen a increase in quantity and severity of leg, foot, and hand cramps.
Brief Answer:
Meralgia paresthetica with increased pressure liability.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The numbness in the outer thighs triggered by elastic compression is typical for a common condition called meralgia paresthetica. It is caused by compression of the nerve supplying sensation for that area the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Apart from the elastic compression it is favored by obesity and often is associated with diabetes.
The other symptoms you mention seem to be in the setting of pressure on other nerves, depending on body position and pressured areas as you probably have realized by yourself. If you have other members in your family having similar symptoms then it may be in the setting of a genetic condition called hereditary motor neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP). It is a benign condition causing no threat beyond the temporary discomfort of the symptoms.
If no other family members I still see no reason for panic, since the symptoms have been there for years I would say it is simply a predisposition for pressure palsies, increased sensitivity of your nerves to pressure. However some tests would be recommended to exclude other possible causes like diabetes or electrolyte abnormalities.
So some blood tests like blood glucose levels, HbA1C, electrolyte panel, thyroid function tests as well as a test called nerve conduction studies should be scheduled by your doctor. If as it is most likely they turn out nothing significant then no particular treatment is needed apart from weight loss, avoiding tight clothing and activities which trigger symptoms. At times elbow pads or wrist splints may also be considered for protection.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Regards
Meralgia paresthetica with increased pressure liability.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The numbness in the outer thighs triggered by elastic compression is typical for a common condition called meralgia paresthetica. It is caused by compression of the nerve supplying sensation for that area the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Apart from the elastic compression it is favored by obesity and often is associated with diabetes.
The other symptoms you mention seem to be in the setting of pressure on other nerves, depending on body position and pressured areas as you probably have realized by yourself. If you have other members in your family having similar symptoms then it may be in the setting of a genetic condition called hereditary motor neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP). It is a benign condition causing no threat beyond the temporary discomfort of the symptoms.
If no other family members I still see no reason for panic, since the symptoms have been there for years I would say it is simply a predisposition for pressure palsies, increased sensitivity of your nerves to pressure. However some tests would be recommended to exclude other possible causes like diabetes or electrolyte abnormalities.
So some blood tests like blood glucose levels, HbA1C, electrolyte panel, thyroid function tests as well as a test called nerve conduction studies should be scheduled by your doctor. If as it is most likely they turn out nothing significant then no particular treatment is needed apart from weight loss, avoiding tight clothing and activities which trigger symptoms. At times elbow pads or wrist splints may also be considered for protection.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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