Is Foot Numbness Dangerous?

Suresh Sivacolundhublog

Is Foot Numbness Dangerous

Losing sensation in your foot every now and then isn’t usually cause for concern. This is a pretty common response to practices like sitting on your feet, kneeling or sitting for too long, crossing your legs for too long, and wearing shoes, socks, or pants that are too tight. In these cases, the numbness is a result of reduced blood flow to your foot.

If numbness becomes more persistent or long-term, however, it could be a sign of an underlying condition.

Achilles Pain

Since 1999, the team at The Foot Clinic has been treating patients with all kinds of foot problems, from skin or nail infections to muscle or joint problems. Our qualified podiatrists are committed to providing the very best level of care, no matter your age or condition – book an appointment today.

What Are the Symptoms of Foot Numbness? 

The main symptom of numbness is loss of sensation in the foot, which affects your sense of touch and balance (as you can’t feel your foot against the ground). Other sensations you may experience include:

  • Prickling
  • Pins-and-needles
  • Tingling
  • Burning
  • A foot that feels weak
  • A foot that feels cold

When is Foot Numbness Considered Abnormal? 

As we’ve already noted, numbness often occurs due to posture, tight clothing, or footwear. In these cases, the symptoms usually dissipate when you change position, loosen, or remove the confining item.

Numbness that has developed due to an underlying condition, however, performs differently. You may experience:

  • Persistent numbness, despite changing position
  • Additional sensations (such as burning, tingling, itching, or tickling)
  • Weakness
  • Problems with balance
  • Pain
  • Dizziness or changes in vision

When Should I Seek Medical Attention? 

Foot numbness that occurs suddenly with other symptoms can be cause for concern, as it could be a sign of seizure or stroke. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following along with numbness:

  • Difficulty breathing or talking
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Severe headache or dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Numbness that affects multiple parts of the body
  • Numbness after a head, back, or neck injury

You should make an appointment with your GP or podiatrist if foot numbness is causing you to frequently trip or fall, if the numbness persists or gets worse, or if you also experience muscle spasms or a rash.

What Medical Conditions Can Cause Foot Numbness?

 

What Medical Conditions Can Cause Foot NumbnessOur bodies are a complex network of nerves – any damage, infection, compression, or blockage of these nerves can lead to numbness. Many medical conditions could be behind your foot numbness, including:

  • Alcoholism
  • Anxiety and panic attacks
  • Autoimmune disorders (such as multiple sclerosis and lupus)
  • Blood circulation disorders (such as peripheral vascular disease)
  • Diabetes (both diagnosed and undiagnosed)
  • Diet (too high or low in B vitamins)
  • Frostbite
  • Herniated disc
  • Medications (such as chemotherapy and HIV/AIDS drugs)
  • Morton’s neuroma
  • Peripheral nerve disorders (such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease)
  • Pregnancy
  • Sciatica
  • Spinal stenosis

While numbness might be alarming, the good news is that many causes respond very well to treatment.

How is Foot Numbness Treated? 

It’s important that you treat numbness in your foot, as this lack of sensation puts you at greater risk for trips, falls, and wounds. Depending on the cause of your numbness, treatment options may include:

  • Physical therapy (to improve muscle strength)
  • Surgery (sometimes required for a pinched nerve)
  • Nerve pain medications (to dull the pain)
  • Disease-modifying therapy
  • Medications (such as anti-seizure, anxiety, and anti-depressant drugs)
  • Dietary changes and vitamin supplements
  • Stress management and relaxation techniques

While treating the underlying cause will often make the numbness go away, it’s a good idea to see a podiatrist at least annually if you experience chronic foot numbness.

How Do I Manage Symptoms in Chronic Cases?

chronic foot numbnessIf dealing with chronic foot numbness, managing your symptoms becomes important to avoid injury (as you may not notice them straight away and they may take longer to heal).

You should check over your feet every day (use a mirror if you can’t see the bottom), wear proper fitting shoes, dry your feet thoroughly after swimming or bathing, take any medications as prescribed, and be sure to follow up with your healthcare provider regularly.

Turn to The Foot Clinic for Persistent Foot Numbness 

Getting to the cause of your foot numbness is essential for preventing your symptoms from worsening and developing a treatment plan. If you’re experiencing numbness beyond what is considered normal, the team at The Foot Clinic can help you find answers and get your symptoms under control. Book an appointment today and let us balance your feet.

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