Should I be worried about my numb feet?

Foot numbness is an abnormal condition in which one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) feet, including the toes, lose sensation.

Numbness in the feet is mainly caused by a lack of blood flow or nerve injury. Infection, inflammation, trauma, cancer, and other aberrant processes can cause foot numbness, but a numb foot typically implies nerve injury or illness. The majority of occurrences of foot numbness are not caused by life-threatening conditions, however it can arise as a result of strokes or tumors. Pain-like pins-and-needles, prickling, or burning sensations termed paresthesias are frequently coupled with or preceded by foot numbness. Whereas foot numbness is a loss of feeling, paralysis is a loss of mobility that may or may not be accompanied by a loss of sensation.

The lack of sensation can go gone rapidly depending on the source, such as numbness after sitting for a long period that goes away soon you move your legs and feet around. Numbness in the feet that lasts for a long time is usually a sign of nerve injury. Numbness in the feet might sometimes get worse at night, which is frequent with paresthesias. Because foot numbness can be a sign of an underlying disease, problem, or condition, any strange feelings or foot numbness that lasts longer than a few minutes should be discussed with your doctor.

If you have foot numbness along with loss of bladder or bowel control, paralysis, disorientation, foot weakness, or slurred speech, go to an emergency room very away (phone 911). Contact a medical expert if your foot numbness is chronic, recurrent, or causes you worry. What additional symptoms may there be if your feet are numb?

Foot numbness can also be characterized as a tingling sensation, and it can cause a pins-and-needles sensation if you sit in one position for a long time.

Numbness in the feet might be accompanied by other symptoms. If a compressed nerve in the lumbar spine (lower back) causes numbness in your feet, you may also suffer discomfort in your legs and back. Multiple sclerosis leg numbness can be accompanied by tingling and severe itching. Any symptoms that develop as a result of foot numbness might assist your doctor in making a diagnosis.

Symptoms that may occur along with foot numbness

Foot numbness may occur with other symptoms including:

• Anxiety
• Burning feeling
• Frequent urination
• Itchiness
• Increased foot numbness, tingling, or pain while walking
• Leg numbness
• Lower back pain
• Muscle spasms
• Pins-and-needles (prickling) sensation
• Rash
• Sensitivity to touch

Serious signs and symptoms that might signal a life-threatening illness

Foot numbness can develop in conjunction with other symptoms that suggest a serious or life-threatening ailment that should be investigated promptly in an emergency room. If you or someone you're with is experiencing any of the following life-threatening symptoms, get emergency medical attention (call 911).

For even a small period of time, you may experience confusion or loss of consciousness.

Breathing problems

Walking is difficult.

Dizziness

Numbness in the feet as a result of a back ailment

bladder or bowel control problems

Changes in eyesight or loss of vision

Paralysis

Speech slurred

Numbness that comes on suddenly

Deficiency (loss of strength)

What causes numbness in the feet?

Numbness in the feet is mainly caused by a lack of blood flow or nerve injury. Numbness in the feet can indicate a range of illnesses, syndromes, or circumstances that impede blood flow or cause nerve damage. Temporary foot numbness can develop when a nerve or nerves are compressed for an extended period of time, such as while wearing tight-fitting shoes.

Foot numbness can be caused by a variety of orthopedic and circulatory issues, as well as nervous system ailments and diseases. Numbness can be a sign of a serious or life-threatening ailment that needs to be evaluated as quickly as possible in an emergency room.

So, what can happen? What complications can you face?

Foot numbness consequences can be gradual and vary in severity depending on the underlying cause. Failure to seek treatment for foot numbness, which can be caused by serious diseases, can lead to complications and permanent damage. When you have chronic numbness or other strange symptoms, you should consult your doctor. To lower your risk of potential consequences associated to foot numbness, it's critical to follow your health care provider's treatment plan after the underlying reason has been identified.

Amputation

Disability

Being unable to walk

Paralysis

Sensation loss that is permanent

Permanent discomfort

We are just a call or click away. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with PeachState Advanced Cardiac & Endovascular. We have several locations in Georgia: Newnan, Atlanta, & Griffin.

Author

Kelly Miles Current Director of Business Development & Operations at PeachState Advanced Cardiac & Endovascular- PACE. Kelly has a passion for helping others navigate the healthcare industry and ensuring quality outcomes. She lives in Newnan, GA with her husband and children.