Neuralgia, leg and arm pain, numbness, insomnia, and racing thoughts—what could be the reason?
Disease description:
I have recently been experiencing frequent pain and numbness in my legs and arms, which has severely affected my sleep quality. At night, I often toss and turn repeatedly and have difficulty falling asleep. I am concerned that this pain and numbness may be symptoms of neuralgia. Additionally, due to lack of sleep, I feel mentally exhausted during the day, tend to overthink, and find that it negatively impacts both my daily life and work performance.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Leg and arm pain and numbness, insomnia, and racing thoughts may be related to neuropathy, poor blood circulation, musculoskeletal issues, or psychological stress. Neuropathic pain typically presents as stabbing pain, a burning sensation, or electric shock-like pain, while numbness may result from nerve compression or damage. If leg and arm pain and numbness persist, they should be taken seriously, as they may signal neuropathic pain or other health problems such as cervical spondylosis or lumbar disc herniation. Recommendations:
1. Seek timely medical consultation for comprehensive evaluation, including blood glucose testing and imaging studies of the cervical and lumbar spine.
2. Treat according to the underlying cause—for example, controlling blood glucose levels, treating cervical and lumbar spine diseases, and providing nerve nutrition. For significant pain, medications for nerve nutrition or pain relief may be administered under a doctor's supervision.
3. Improve lifestyle habits by avoiding prolonged static postures, engaging in moderate exercise, and maintaining proper posture to reduce nerve compression.
4. If psychological factors such as anxiety or stress are evident and exacerbate neurological symptoms, psychological counseling should be considered.
5. Keep warm to avoid cold exposure, and maintain healthy lifestyle and dietary habits to help alleviate symptoms.
