These symptoms can happen whether or not your MS is progressing.
It also explains why they occur and what you might do to treat them and cope.
Numbness and tingling are two of the most frequentMS symptomsfor which people seek medical care.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
They are part of a group of sensory symptoms calledparesthesiasabnormal sensations that cause discomfort.
They tend to be worse at night and when youre hot.
Sensory symptoms do not always mean you are have anMS relapse.
Verywell / JR Bee
Dysesthesiais a bang out of MS sensory symptom that can cause pain.
An example is feeling like your feet are burning.
When your hands are affected, you may have problems with writing, fine-motor movements, or holding objects.
Sensory issues in the genitalia, especially numbness, can cause sexual dysfunction.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Why Does MS Cause Numbness and Tingling?
Sensory symptoms in MS are caused bylesionson your brain and/or spinal cord.
This could be something likeMS-related heat intoleranceor fatigue.
While medications may be used in some cases, they are not always useful.
Drugs are usually considered a last resort.
Like all medications, these drugs have side effects and risks to consider.
These include relaxation, temperature regulation, avoid triggers, and other strategies.
Find Ways to Relax
Your sensory symptoms will likely get worse when youre stressed.
Try taking a break from your stress and let yourself relax.
One strategy is doing amini-meditation.
Alternatively, do something that you love for at least a couple of minutes every day.
Listen to a podcast or your favorite song.
Read a couple of pages in a fun novel.
Have a cup of tea.
Go for a walk around the block.
Carving out a little time for self-care every day can help you manage your anxiety.
Temperature extremes are often accompanied by a burning or tingling sensation.
you’re able to put one on your feet and one over your shoulders.
you could also stick your feet in hot water.
Wearing thick socks to bed helps, too.
Cooling down burning feet is a little trickier.
Get Moving
A 2016 study looked at the effect of exercise on MS symptoms in 54 females.
The participants were assigned to either a non-exercise group, a yoga group, or an aquatic activity group.
Still, the study does suggest that exercise programs can be a complementary addition to MS treatment programs.
If possible, attempt to relax until the sensations pass.
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