Seven Effective Ways To Improve Paresthesia (Paja-Paja)

 Seven Effective Ways To Improve Paresthesia (Paja-Paja)

Have you ever experienced an uncomfortable, burning, or tingling sensation in certain parts of your body? Some people call it "pins and needles" and it is commonly known as "Paja-Paja" in Yoruba. However, the medical term for the condition is Paresthesia.

Paresthesia is a prickling or burning sensation that a person experiences in their feet, legs, arms or hands, but can affect other areas of the body. Some people actually think “Paja-Paja” is muscle pull, but that's not the case.

Paresthesia happens because of poor circulation and pressure on a nerve. The temporary sensation, which is usually harmless, occurs when your legs are crossed for too long or you fall asleep with your arm placed under your head.

The sustained pressure on the nerve interferes with its ability to send signals, leading to the numb feeling associated with a limb “falling asleep". When you uncross your legs, for example, that pressure is gone and the feeling goes away.

Paresthesia can be chronic as well, if the sensation persists. Such can be a symptom of some other underlying disorders like diabetes, nerve inflammation, trauma, infections, stroke and other abnormal processes. Chronic paresthesia generally indicates some damage to the nerves.

So, in the event that you experience episodes of Paja-Paja frequently, then it’s advisable you see your doctor for a thorough medical checkup. Early detection is beneficial.

However, here are a few things you can do if you experience Paresthesia.

1) Practice Good Posture

Bad posture can cause poor circulation with tight muscles and joints, which may compress arteries and also put a strain on your nerves. The reduced blood flow throughout the body can also make your heart work harder, leading to high blood pressure.

2) Wear Loose Clothing

Wearing tight-fitting clothing that puts too much pressure on your legs, belly, groin area and other parts of your body puts a strain on your nerves and restricts blood circulation. So, try to wear clothes that will give your body room to breathe at all times.

3) Engage In Regular Exercises

An easy way to boost poor circulation is with exercise. Exercises like walking can help to improve circulation, even among people with peripheral artery disease (a narrowing of the arteries that reduces circulation, particularly in the legs). In time, walking can also strengthen your heart and improve overall cardiovascular health.

4) Get A Massage

Another great way to improve Paresthesia is to get a message. Massages help promote healthy circulation by helping move blood and lymph fluid through your limbs, in the same way walking and exercise do.

5) Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol can be toxic to nerve tissue. People who drink too much alcohol may start to feel pain and tingling in their limbs. This is known as alcoholic neuropathy. In people with alcoholic neuropathy, the peripheral nerves have been damaged by too much alcohol use. So, if you drink alcohol, kindly stop it.

6) Eat Foods That Are Rich In Vitamin B12

A lack of B12 damages the myelin sheath that surrounds and protect nerves. Without this protection, nerves cease to function properly and conditions such as peripheral neuropathy occur. Foods like eggs, milk, salmon, almond, cashew, and bananas, are good sources of vitamin B12 that you can eat.

7) Control Diabetes

High blood sugar can lead to nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy, which can affect your hands, feet, legs, and arms. You can prevent it or slow its progress by keeping your blood sugar as close to your target range as possible and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.