[53M] With chronic numbness in extremities and fatigue

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

• Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition results from damage to your peripheral nerves, which often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body. Your symptoms of numbness in your arms, hands, legs, and feet align with this condition.

  • Treatment typically involves managing the condition causing your neuropathy. In some situations, over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Other times, your doctor might recommend prescription medications or therapies.

• Cervical Spondylosis (Cervical Osteoarthritis): This is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck. As the disks dehydrate and shrink, signs of osteoarthritis develop, including bony projections along the edges of bones (bone spurs). Cervical spondylosis is very common and worsens with age. More than 85 percent of people older than age 60 are affected by cervical spondylosis. Most people experience no symptoms from these problems. When symptoms do occur, nonsurgical treatments often are effective.

  • Treatment typically involves physical therapy, medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and in some cases, surgery.

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): This is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest. The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, although there are many theories — ranging from viral infections to psychological stress. Some experts believe chronic fatigue syndrome might be triggered by a combination of factors.

  • There's no single test to confirm a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. You may need a variety of medical tests to rule out other health problems that have similar symptoms. Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome focuses on symptom relief.

What you can do

Please consult a doctor about your symptoms for a formal assessment and relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers: For mild symptoms, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help.
2. Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help improve your movement and strength, and to decrease your pain.
3. Regular exercise: Mild to moderate activity can help reduce your symptoms.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If your symptoms worsen or do not improve
• If you experience severe pain
• If you notice any other new symptoms

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I am not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.