Numbness in Feet

It's common to have experienced numbness in your foot if you've been sitting in the same position for a considerable length of time. This feeling, which gives way to a tingling, prickly sensation known as 'pins and needles', is perfectly normal, and occurs when blood circulation to the foot has resumed after a gap, or a nerve that has been compressed, has returned to normal. However, if you have been experiencing prolonged periods of numbness in your feet, there may be an underlying condition which is a cause for concern.

Causes

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the additional weight of the baby sometimes causes pressure on the spinal column. This extra weight may cause an increase in pressure on the sciatic nerve causing lower back pain and a sensation of numbness in feet. Fluid accumulation can lead to swollen feet, causing compression in the nerves of the foot.

Diabetes: Symptoms of diabetes include numbness in feet. Diabetes can give rise to a number of nerve disorders collectively referred to as diabetes neuropathies. Keeping a close check on blood sugar levels and lifestyle changes to incorporate physical exercise and healthy eating, can help bring relief.

Paraesthesia: The 'pins and needles' sensation referred to earlier, is a layman's term for the medical condition known as Paraesthesia. Paraesthesia can manifest itself in the form of tingling, prickling or numbness in feet, and could affect hands and fingers as well. Numbness in hands and feet, experienced over a long period of time, could be a symptom of multiple sclerosis or could accompany an orthopedic condition like tarsal tunnel syndrome. Paraesthesia can also be a symptom of a serious medical condition like a stroke or a brain tumor.

Compressed Nerves: If the nerves in your foot are compressed, for instance in your running shoes, it may cause numbness in feet while running. Ill fitting shoes can also be the cause of numbness in your feet because of a pinched nerve, causing discomfort or temporary loss of sensation. Running on very hard surfaces like concrete can cause excessive stress to your ankles or feet, resulting in nerve stress and numbness.

Sciatica: This is a symptom which arises as a result of damage to the sciatic nerve. This damage can cause a tingling pain along the lower back, hips and the legs. Numbness in legs may also be experienced. Sciatica generally affects one side of the body, and the degree of pain can vary from mild discomfort to extreme pain. A tingling sensation, or 'pins and needles' in your feet or legs is common in the case of sciatica. There are recommended exercises for sciatica that can help relieve pain.

Injury: Injuries need not be limited to your feet or legs in order to give rise to numbness. An injury to your lower back can cause pressure to a nerve that can lead to loss of sensation in your foot. Numbness in feet can also be a symptom for slipped disc. In addition, injury to the foot or leg can give rise to numbness.

Deficiency: Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms manifest in multiple ways, one of which is numbness in hands and feet.

Treatment Options

Treatment options will vary according to the diagnosis made by your medical practitioner. If the cause of numbness is traced to a medical condition, then medication for that condition may cause a gradual return in sensation. However, sometimes numbness in feet is a side effect associated with treatments for cancer, like radiation or chemotherapy. In such cases, the symptom may continue through the course of your treatment, for which some doctors may prescribe appropriate medication.

If however, the cause is a rectifiable condition, such as wearing incorrect shoes, a simple change can help to control numbness while exercising. In the case of vitamin B12 deficiency as well, taking vitamin B12 injections and eating well can help restore sensation in your limbs.

As in the case of all ailments, it's best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A correct diagnosis can check the onset of further complications. Numbness in feet can also be a symptom which when treated can arrest the development of a more serious condition. No matter what the cause is, with a positive attitude and care, you can deal with any situation and emerge stronger. Good luck!