FitSugar

What's the Deal With: Pins and Needles

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Occasionally I'll wake up from a deep sleep and realize my arm has also fallen asleep. When it "wakes up," I do everything I can to keep still and control the almost unbearable sensation of "pins and needles."

There's actually a medical term for this called Transient Paresthesia. Usually, you feel this temporary yet bizarre sensation after you've been putting pressure on part of your body, like when you're sitting on a foot or sleeping on your arm. When you apply this pressure for a prolonged period of time, you actually cut off communication from your brain to parts of your body. This pressure squeezes nerve pathways so that the nerves can't transmit electrochemical impulses properly.

Nerve impulses carry sensation information from nerve endings in the body to the brain, as well as instructions from the brain to the rest of your body. The information transmitted from the "sleeping" body part becomes somewhat jumbled, and the brain receives strange messages. Some nerve cells don't transmit any information and others start sending impulses erratically. This causes you to feel a strange numbing, burning, prickly, or tingling sensation, which actually serves an important function. Your foot falling asleep for 10 minutes doesn't pose any health threat, but if you were to cut off circulation for an extended period of time -- several hours -- you could suffer serious nerve damage. The initial tingling sensation tells you that you might want to readjust your position.

Just thought you might want to know...

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Uncomfortably Numb

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 15:35:00 -0800

Does this happen to you: About half way through your workout on a cardio machine, especially the elliptical or the arc trainer, your toes get numb?

If you suffer from toe numbness try these quick fixes:

Loosen up your laces. Give your toes enough room in the toe box (which is where your toes sit in a shoe) by lacing them loosely at the toes to allow for expansion.
Get fitted for a pair of sneakers so they are sized correctly. It is amazing how many people use sneakers that just don't fit them properly (usually too tight). If you go to a specialist, they can help you make sure you have the proper fit.
Stop only stepping on your tippy toes. Make sure to use your heels too, this way you keep the blood flow consistent. When using a cardio machine (like walking), your foot should roll through the step, heel striking first, roll through, push off with the toes. Think about it, if you only walked around on your toes all day, they'd get numb.

Fit's Tip: If your toes still go numb after making changes to your lacing, fit and stride, you may want to make an appointment to discuss this with your doctor or a podiatrist since it may be something more serious.

You Asked: My Toes Go Numb on the Elliptical?

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 05:50:00 -0700

Hey FitSugar,
When I use the elliptical machine, my toes go numb at about the 10-minute mark of my half-hour workout. Could this be caused be my stance? Or possibly my shoes? I don't get the same sensation when I ride a stationary bike or run outside. Help!
- Walking on Egg Shells

You are not alone in experiencing this problem, and fortunately there are a few easy fixes for bringing sensation back to your numb toes. To learn my suggestions, read more.

I think the problems could be both shoe- and stance-related, so I would approach the issue with changes to both. First, try loosening the laces on your sneakers to give your toes some wiggle room. Experiment with loosening the lower laces, closer to your toes, while keeping the laces tight near the top to maintain arch support. You also want to make sure your shoes are sized correctly. My toes used to go numb when I ran, and after getting fitted by an experienced runner at my local running store, I moved up a half size in my sneaks and opted for a wide shoe. What a difference! My toes no longer go numb. I wholeheartedly recommend getting fitted by someone who knows athletic shoes to ensure that your sneakers fit properly.

As for stance, don't work out just on your toes. It is easy to focus all your weight onto your toes when using the elliptical. This pressure on the front of your foot can disrupt blood flow to your toes. Your foot should roll through each step, heel striking first, roll through the middle, and push off with the toes. Try alternating where you focus the pressure of your foot when on the elliptical and press through your toes for two minutes, then focus on keeping your heel down for the next two. Additionally, pressing primarily with your toes will work the front of your thigh more while pressing through the heel will fire up the back of your leg. So revamping your chance will affect more than your toes.

If you try these solutions and your toes are still going numb, make an appointment with your doc or a podiatrist since it may be something more serious than too small shoes.

Source

You Asked: Numb Toes When Running Outside?

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:00:00 -0800

Dear Fit,
For a few weeks now, since the temperatures have plummeted recently where I live, I've been experiencing numb toes while running. Not only does it feel weird, but I'm worried that not feeling my feet will cause me to fall. Any suggestions about how to prevent this form happening?
-Numb Norah

It may make you feel better to know that numb toes are not uncommon. I'm sure fellow FitSugar readers can relate. To find out how to deal with this annoying problem read more.

Numb toes can be caused by a number of circumstances, so go through this list to see what might be causing yours.

Your socks are too thick. Cold weather definitely calls for warmer socks. If you're sporting thicker socks than you were in the Summer, but you're wearing the same sneaks, then your shoes may be too tight now. You may want to spring for a new pair of Fall/Winter shoes that are a half size bigger. Be sure to bring your thicker socks to the store when trying on new sneakers.
Your sneakers are tied too tight. Try loosening your laces slightly. This will allow more movement in your toes.
Your sneakers don't fit well. If you've recently bought a new pair that you're breaking in, or your pair is too old, numb toes could be the result. Look for styles that have wide-toe boxes.
Your feet are cold. If your sneakers are covered in that meshy material, they're letting in wind. So get yourself a pair of windproof sneakers that are made of solid leather.
Your body is cold. If your core is freezing, then blood will move away from your extremities to ensure that your main organs stay warm so they can function properly. This means that blood won't be circulating to your feet or hands, so be sure to dress warmly. Wear layers so if you get hot, you can easily shed them. You can also try overexaggerating your movements. Lift your knees as high as you can with each step to build warmth and get the blood flowing to your tootsies.
You have a physical injury. If you've broken or sprained any part of your foot or leg, then your blood may not be circulating or your nerves may not be functioning properly. So get checked by a doctor to see how they can help.

I sure do hope these suggestions help because I have found it my feet aren't happy, I'm not happy.

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Revamp Your Cardio: Move Your Feet

FitSugar — Tue, 01 May 2007 07:30:00 -0700

One way your body may be getting bored with your cardio workouts is that you're always working the same muscles over and over again. In order to constantly be challenging yourself, it is a good idea to use different machines. OK, but what if you own an elliptical machine at home?

Don't worry, you can still switch things around (and still use the same machine) simply with how you use your feet while on the machine. Use your toes to really work your quads (front of your upper legs) a little more. Use your heels to really work your booty and hamstrings (back of your upper legs) a little more. I like to alternate two minutes of pushing with my toes with two minutes of pushing with my heels. You can also try this while biking and while doing stairclimbers.

Fit's Tip: I also find that this technique can help with toe numbness, which can be a big problem.

5 Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:50:35 -0800

We don't always feel 100 percent all the time, and it's normal to feel a little nauseous, tired, or sniffly every once in a while. These are minor symptoms though, and usually go away on their own. But there are a few red flag signals our bodies flash to warn us of serious medical conditions, and they're symptoms you shouldn't pass off as nothing. WebMD spoke to the authors of Your Body's Red Light Warning Signals, and here are some symptoms that require a doctor's visit or emergency care.

Difficulty breathing. Tightness in the chest, wheezing, shallow breathing, or constantly coughing are all symptoms of asthma. If a person has these symptoms or full-on asthma attacks, and they're left untreated, the muscles used for breathing can get tired. That means the amount of oxygen getting into the lungs will decrease, while the levels of carbon dioxide increase. This has a drowsing effect on the brain, and the person may stop breathing, which could result in death.
Blood in your urine. When you go to the bathroom, you shouldn't see blood, and if you do, it could be a sign of kidney stones, bladder infections, or cancer of the kidney, urethra, or bladder. Even if you don't feel pain, call your doctor.

To see the other red flags keep reading

Have You Ever Kept a Health Problem Secret Like TLC's T-Boz

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:00:55 -0800

Tionne Watkins is better known to most as T-Boz, and a member of the former girl group TLC. Watkins has been extremely open about the fact that she lives with sickle cell anemia, but I was shocked to hear that she secretly battled a deadly brain tumor that led to a risky surgery.

Watkins discovered the grapefruit-size tumor in 2006 and faced the frustrating challenge of trying to find a doctor who would operate on her. Most doctors refused because of the complications her sickle cell anemia posed, namely lung and heart failure. The tumor was not cancerous, but it was tied to the vestibular nerve which affects balance, facial movements, and hearing.

To learn more about her condition, keep reading.

Numbness and tingling

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:07:16 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office
References

Illustrations

Central nervous system

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Numbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but are often felt in your hands, feet, arms, or legs.

Alternative Names

Sensory loss; Paresthesias; Tingling and numbness; Loss of sensation

Common Causes

There are many possible causes:

Remaining in the same seated or standing position for a long time
Injury to a nerve -- for example, a neck injury may cause you to feel numbness anywhere along your arm or hand, while a low back injury can cause numbness or tingling down the back of your leg
Pressure on the spinal nerves such as that due to a herniated disk
Lack of blood supply to an area -- for example, plaque buildup from atherosclerosis in the legs can cause pain, numbness, and tingling while walking (this is called vascular claudication)
Other medical conditions, including:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Diabetes
- Migraines
- Multiple sclerosis
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Underactive thyroid
Abnormal levels of calcium, potassium, or sodium in your body
A lack of vitamin B12 or other vitamin
Certain medications
Toxic action on nerves, such as that from lead, alcohol, or tobacco
Radiation therapy

Home Care

The underlying cause of numbness or tingling should be identified and then treated by your doctor. Treatment of the underlying condition may reverse the symptoms or prevent them from becoming worse. For example, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome or low back pain, certain exercises may be recommended.

If you have diabetes, your doctor will discuss ways to control your blood sugars.

Medications that cause numbness or tingling may need to be switched or adjusted. DO NOT make any changes to your medications without instructions from your doctor.

Low levels of vitamins will be treated with vitamin supplements.

Because of the decrease in feeling, a numb hand or foot from any cause may be more prone to accidental injury. Take care to protect the area from cuts, bumps, bruises, burns, or other injury.

Call your health care provider if

Go to a hospital or call 911 if:

Weakness or paralysis occurs with numbness or tingling
Numbness or tingling occur just after a head, neck, or back injury
You cannot control the movement of an arm or a leg or you have lost bladder or bowel control
You are confused or have lost consciousness, even briefly
You have slurred speech, change in vision, difficulty walking, or weakness

Call your doctor if:

Numbness or tingling has no obvious cause (like a hand or foot "falling asleep").
You have pain in your neck, forearm, or fingers.
You are urinating more often
Numbness or tingling is in your legs and worsens when you walk
You have a rash
You have dizziness, muscle spasm, or other unusual symptoms

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will take a medical history and perform a physical examination, with careful evaluation of your nervous system.

Medical history questions may include the following:

What part or parts of your body have numbness or tingling? The trunk? Your legs or feet? Your arms and hands?
Which side of your body is involved?
Which aspect of the specific body part? For example, is your inner thigh, calf, or foot affected? Your palm, fingers, thumb, wrist, or forearm?
Does the numbness or tingling affect your face? Around your eyes? Your cheeks? Around your mouth? Is one or both sides of your face involved?
Do you have other abnormal sensations?
Do you ignore everything on the affected side?
How long have you had the numbness or tingling?
When did it start?
Does anything make it worse like exercise or standing for long periods of time?
Do you have any other symptoms?

Your doctor may also ask you questions to determine your risk for stroke, thyroid disease, or diabetes, as well as questions about your work habits and medications.

Tests that may be done include:

Blood tests such as CBC, electrolytes, thyroid function tests, and vitamin levels
Imaging studies like a CT scan of the head, CT scan of the spine, MRI of the head, or MRI of the spine
Electromyography and nerve conduction studies to measure how your muscles respond to nerve stimulation
X-ray of the affected area
Lumbar puncture to rule out central nervous system disorders
Ultrasound of neck vessels to determine your risk for TIA or stroke

References

Viera AJ. Management of carpal tunnel syndrome. Am Fam Physician. 2003; 68(2): 265-272.

Smeal WL, Tyburski M, Alleva J, Prather H, Hunt D. Conservative management of low back pain, part I. Discogenic/radicular pain. Dis Mon. 2004; 50(12): 636-669.

Review Date: 5/22/2007

Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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You Asked: Stretch For Sciatica

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:50:08 -0700

Hey Fit,
I've been having issues with my sciatic nerve lately, I was wondering if you could post some stretches and/or yoga poses that would help with sciatica? Thanks!
- Hitting a Nerve

I feel your pain. The sciatic nerve, when pinched or pressed, can cause tingling and numbness down the back of the leg. The pain can come from a nerve root being pinched in the lower spinal column - mostly at the last vertabra (lumbar 5) and the sacrum. Pain can also come from a tight piriformis muscle, since the nerve runs through this deep booty muscle. If you are experiencing sciatica from a degenerative or herniated disc, you should see an orthopedist to get a diagnosis and a recommendation for a physical therapist. When it comes to lower back injuries due to nerve compression, strengthening your core is elemental to getting rid of the tingling pain. It is important to strengthen your abs and spinal muscles in a way that won't compromise your injury further.

I do have two safe stretches to share with you. Learn them when you read more.

I have found this piriformis stretch to be safe and effective with Pilates clients experiencing sciatica. I call it the figure four, but it is a simplified variation of the yoga pose pigeon.

Lie on your back with both legs in the air. Place your right ankle on your thigh above your left knee. See the shape of the number four? It is there, just upside down.
Reach your right hand through the open space created by your right leg and grab your left hand that is reaching around the outside of your left thigh. Slowly bend your left knee. You should feel a stretch on the outside of your right hip. Hold for 30 seconds.

Another stretch that can relieve tension caused by an unhappy sciatic nerve is this simple hamstring stretch.

Lie on your back, bend your right knee and place right foot on the floor.
Raise your left leg as high as you can keeping your pelvis square (don't raise your left hip toward your ear).
Hold your lower thigh or place a strap over the arch or ball of your foot. Flex your foot to stretch your calf too.
Hold for 30 seconds, then switch legs.

Spray Obesity Away

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 13:00:00 -0800

Compellis Pharmaceuticals, a company that develops different and unique therapeutics for the treatment of obesity has just been granted the patent for a new invention that is supposed to easily fight obesity.

The invention will inhibit olfactory neurosensory function to treat obesity and related disorders. In other words, the nasal spray will curb cravings by blocking the sense of smell and taste. Think about it, that Cinnabon craving at the airport would be far less tempting if you can't even smell or taste it.

Hmm, I'm thinking it would be a great way to get my kids to eat their veggies.