The origins of numbness and tingling in athletes are not always as clear as they may seem. The terms tingling and numbness are often substitute descriptions for achiness and generalized discomfort. Particularly the sensation of tingling (this so-called positive sensory symptom is medically termed dysesthesias or paresthesias) is often vague and can be caused by a variety of pain generators. Although tingling can be due to nerve dysfunction, it can also be perceived when muscle or vascular structures are disturbed.
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Akuthota, V., Maslowski, E. (2009). Causes of Numbness and Tingling in Athletes. In: Herring, S., Akuthota, V. (eds) Nerve and Vascular Injuries in Sports Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-76600-3_1
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