Numbness in Foot

Numbness can be described as a total or partial loss of sensation, which is usually preceded by a pricking and tingling sensation. Tingling and numbness can affect any part of the body, but more frequently it is felt in the legs, arms, hands and the feet. Numbness, including foot numbness, can be caused by several factors, right from reduced supply of blood to the particular area to nerve damage and certain underlying health problems. But more commonly, it results from poor blood circulation or a pinched nerve in foot. However, it may also be caused by certain medical problems, which need to be treated on time to avoid potential complications.

What Causes Foot and Toes Numbness?

As has been mentioned already, it can have several causes, out of which the most common and the important causes are enlisted below

• The most common cause is poor blood circulation to the foot. This can be caused by sitting or standing in the same position for prolonged time period, or sitting with the leg crossed.
• Raynaud's syndrome is a disorder which can cause this problem in response to stimuli, like cold and stress. This disorder mainly affects the extremities of the body including, the feet, hands, toes and the fingers.
• A pinched nerve in the foot can also cause numbness and tingling in foot and the toes.
• Diabetes can also cause tingling and numbness. Diabetes is known to cause diabetic neuropathy by damaging the peripheral nerves, which in turn can manifest in numbness, especially numbness in legs and the feet.
• Like diabetic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy can also cause pain and numbness in hands and the feet. Peripheral neuropathy is caused when the peripheral nerves get damaged.
• The burning and the pricking or tingling sensation that often accompany foot numbness can be caused by the condition, known as paresthesias. Paresthesias can be associated with infections, trauma or injury, inflammation and deficiency of certain vitamins.
• Numbness in feet, especially one that is frequently encountered while running can be caused by tarsal tunnel syndrome. Tarsal tunnel is located inside the ankle, within which three tendons, veins, an artery and the tibial nerve can be found. Numbness in bottom or soles of the feet can be caused by the compression of the tibial nerves of the ankles.
• While running, this condition can also be caused by poorly fitting footwear or shoes, worn out shoes, tightly tied shoelaces, and shoes that cannot absorb enough shock and provide support to the feet.
• Apart from these, some other possible causes are, pregnancy, deficiency of vitamin B 12, abnormal levels of calcium, sodium, and potassium in the body, Lyme disease, kidney diseases, chemotherapy treatment, radiation therapy, high blood pressure, excessive alcohol consumption, and multiple sclerosis.

Treatment for Foot and Toe Numbness

It can be treated only after ascertaining the underlying causes. Since this condition can have association with so many diseases and disorders, its diagnosis can require several tests and examinations including a detailed analysis of the medical history of the affected individual. Medical history of the family is also evaluated by the physicians to identify the exact cause. Usually, mild and occasional numbness is not associated with any major health problem. But, if it occurs frequently and persists for a long time, then it is better to get the condition properly evaluated to rule out the possibility of any serious disease.

If it is caused by an underlying health problem, then it can be managed by treating that particular disease. As for example, foot numbness caused by diabetic neuropathy can be controlled by taking appropriate medications for regulating the blood glucose level. Similarly, vitamin deficiency can be treated by taking supplementation, and following a healthy and nutritious diet. Sometimes, exercises can also help to alleviate this problem by improving blood circulation. At the same time, it is important to avoid too much alcohol consumption to prevent this condition in toes and feet. While running, you can be avoid this problem by wearing the right kind of shoes, which can provide adequate support to the feet. If it persists even after taking all possible care and precautions, then talk to your physician to find out the underlying causes and treat the condition accordingly.