3 Reasons Your Feet Feel Numb
At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we know that numbness in the feet is a symptom that may come on gradually. At first, you may just feel like your foot’s “asleep” or has pins and needles, but as time goes on, you realize you can’t perceive sensations in your feet as well as you have formerly. That’s when it’s time to make an appointment at our Hudson office by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 so that our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales can examine your feet and determine the cause of your symptoms. Below are three common reasons for numbness in the feet.
Peripheral Neuropathy—peripheral refers to the parts of your body that are on the periphery of the body, primarily your feet and hands. Neuropathy is nerve damage and one reason why you may experience numbness in your feet. Neuropathy is a condition that is often present in patients with diabetes. It can be particularly dangerous because decreased perception of sensation in your feet can lead to falls or wounds and injuries that are not noticed when they first occur and may then become infected. Other potential symptoms you may have if you have neuropathy include burning, toe deformities such as bunions, and autonomic nerve dysfunction which affects processes such as sweating and lubrication of the skin.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)—this condition occurs when arteries that go to your legs and feet become narrowed due to an accumulation of plaque and blood flow is restricted. PAD is a serious condition that can cause heart disease and stroke. Risk factors for PAD include: being over age 50, having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and being a smoker. Cold feet and loss of hair on the legs and toes are other tips that PAD may be the source of your numbness.
Neuromas—benign nerve tumors form when nerve bundles become inflamed. The source of the irritation may be an injury, infection, a structural deformity such as flat feet, a bunion, or wearing improper footwear such as high heels with narrow toe boxes. Some patients with neuromas say they feel like their sock is bunched up under their foot or like they are walking with a pebble in their shoe.
Getting Relief
The cause of the numbness in your feet will determine the best course of treatment. There are a number of conservative treatments and lifestyle changes that the podiatrist may recommend, and in some cases, managing other diseases or surgery may be appropriate. If you are experiencing numbness or other unusual sensations in your feet contact us today to get them evaluated promptly.