What Causes Numbness In The Feet?
Numbness in the feet is the result of a lack of blood supply. The numb feeling is caused by a loss of sensation in the foot. Before the numbness, the patient may feel a tingling or prickly sensation that lasts for a few moments. Foot numbness can be caused by an infection, inflammation, or a disease. Chronic numbness is a sign of nerve damage, and anyone experiencing persistent numbness should contact a medical professional. The reasons for numbness can vary, but tarsal tunnel syndrome, neuropathy, and sciatica are all common causes.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a medical condition that affects the tibial nerve in the foot. With this syndrome, pressure develops within the tarsal tunnel, a tunnel located near the ankle bones. The tunnel protects an intricate system of arteries, veins, and nerves. Tarsal tunnel syndrome may be caused by diabetes, arthritis, varicose veins, swollen tendons, or ganglion cysts.
To treat the condition, doctors will start with nonsurgical treatments like making the patient wear a cast, foot brace, or take pain relievers. If the patient needs surgery, the doctor can split the ligament to relieve the pressure on the tibial nerve.
Neuropathy
Patients that have peripheral neuropathy can experience foot numbness. Peripheral neuropathy affects the peripheral nervous system and interferes with the body’s ability to send messages to the brain and spinal cord. This condition can affect one nerve in the body or several and is caused by various ailments like diabetes, lupus, and Lyme disease.
To treat neuropathy, doctors have to look at the underlying cause of the disease. Research has shown that certain antidepressant medications and lidocaine patches or creams help to manage the disease. Doctors may also perform surgery to fix pinched nerves that cause neuropathy.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a disease that affects the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve rests in the lower back, and anything that creates pressure on the nerve, like a herniated disc, creates pressure on the nerve. The stress results in painful sensations throughout the lower back and legs. If sciatica goes untreated, the patient may permanently lose feeling in the leg or have bladder issues.
To treat sciatica, doctors may recommend pain-relieving medications, ice packs, or steroid injections. For many patients, physical therapy and daily stretching can help decrease sciatica pain.
Should I see a doctor?
Patients should seek medical treatment if the foot numbness becomes more frequent or other areas of the body start to get that tingling sensation. A medical professional will perform the proper tests before providing a diagnosis and treatment options.
Recent Posts
ACL Repair: Will You Have Range Of Motion With Your Knee After Recovery & Physical Therapy?
After an ACL injury, ROM can be negatively affected. ACL repair surgery helps restore function, but physical therapy is essential to ROM.
Arthroscopy: What Are The Benefits Of This Minimally Invasive Outpatient Orthopedic Procedure?
Arthroscopy can help diagnose or treat joint conditions. Benefits of the MIS include faster recovery, less pain, and fewer scars.
Posterior Interbody Lumbar Fusion: What Are The Benefits Of PLIF For People With Back Pain?
People with chronic back pain may benefit from posterior interbody lumbar fusion surgery. PLIF can reduce pain and improve stability.
Saying Goodbye To Tonsil Troubles: The Benefits Of Minimally Invasive Tonsillectomy
Chronic tonsilitis or other tonsil troubles can impact health and well-being. A minimally invasive tonsillectomy can reduce infections.
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
Recent Posts
ACL Repair: Will You Have Range Of Motion With Your Knee After Recovery & Physical Therapy?
After an ACL injury, ROM can be negatively affected. ACL repair surgery helps restore function, but physical therapy is essential to ROM.
Arthroscopy: What Are The Benefits Of This Minimally Invasive Outpatient Orthopedic Procedure?
Arthroscopy can help diagnose or treat joint conditions. Benefits of the MIS include faster recovery, less pain, and fewer scars.
Posterior Interbody Lumbar Fusion: What Are The Benefits Of PLIF For People With Back Pain?
People with chronic back pain may benefit from posterior interbody lumbar fusion surgery. PLIF can reduce pain and improve stability.
Saying Goodbye To Tonsil Troubles: The Benefits Of Minimally Invasive Tonsillectomy
Chronic tonsilitis or other tonsil troubles can impact health and well-being. A minimally invasive tonsillectomy can reduce infections.
