Numbness
Numbness is a loss of feeling in an area of your body. You don't feel touch, temperature, or pain. Numbness can be caused by nerve damage or neuropathy. Hand-foot syndrome can increase the risk of numbness.
Certain breast cancer treatments can cause numbness:
surgery
chemotherapy
radiation therapy
some hormonal therapies:
some targeted therapies:
Duragesic (chemical name: fentanyl), a pain medicine, also may cause numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
Managing numbness
Protect numb areas. If your feet are numb, wear thick socks and shoes to avoid injury that you can’t feel.
Wear extra warm clothing in cold weather to protect numb areas from frostbite.
Use care when showering and try not to let the water get too hot. You might get burned without feeling it.
Use potholders when cooking so you don’t unknowingly burn yourself.
Wear gloves to garden and wash dishes to keep from cutting or burning yourself.
Immediately treat any cuts and scrapes. Inspect your fingers, toes, hands, and feet daily. Treat any cuts and scrapes right away to avoid infection.
Consider complementary and holistic medicine techniques such as acupuncture, massage, and guided imagery to help regain feeling in numb areas.
Talk to your doctor about whether physical therapy or exercises may help you.
— Last updated on September 1, 2023 at 5:30 PM
