What is hypoesthesia?

Hypoesthesia refers to a decreased sense of feeling or sensation. This condition occurs when there is a reduced sensitivity to sensory stimuli, which can affect the skin or other parts of the body. It often presents as numbness, tingling, or an overall dullness in sensation. Understanding hypoesthesia is crucial in sports medicine as it can impact an athlete's performance and injury assessment. For instance, if an athlete experiences hypoesthesia, they may not fully feel the sensation of an injury, which could lead to further damage.

Other options suggest heightened sensations or increased sensitivity, which are not aligned with the definition of hypoesthesia, thus reiterating that hypoesthesia specifically pertains to a reduction in sensory perception.