Losing sensation in your foot from time to time usually isn’t cause for concern. In fact, it’s a fairly typical response to certain habits, like:
In these cases, the numbness typically develops because of reduced blood flow or pressure on the nerves related to the affected limb. However, when the numbness or tingling becomes more persistent or long-term, it could indicate an underlying condition.
Vladimir Fiks, MD, may be an interventional pain management specialist, but he also has a broad understanding of human diseases. He uses these combined skills to practice both medical and interventional pain therapies at Advanced Pain Management Center in Portland, Oregon, serving also the surrounding areas of Aloha, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigart & Lake Oswego
Several conditions can cause numbness in the feet. However, seeking medical care at the first sign can keep this problem from becoming worse — or permanent.
As we mentioned above, temporary bouts of numbness and that familiar “pins and needles” feeling often occur because of posture or tight clothing or footwear. It’s easy to spot these examples because the symptoms usually go away after you change position or loosen or remove the restrictive items.
When numbness develops because of an underlying condition, it typically comes with its own calling cards, such as:
You should also get emergency care immediately if your foot suddenly becomes numb and has additional symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or talking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe headache.
Losing feeling in the feet can be alarming. However, many causes of foot numbness respond to treatment.
In the United States, diabetes tops the list as the leading cause of foot numbness. And it can occur whether you have diagnosed diabetes or blood sugar levels that have been getting higher over the years. Either way, getting your numbers under control plays a key role in reducing your symptoms and preventing additional nerve damage in your feet — a condition known as peripheral neuropathy.
Other common causes of foot numbness include:
In addition to being uncomfortable, foot numbness can also increase your risk for falling and leave you more susceptible to developing other issues, such as foot infections from cuts, especially if you have diabetes or peripheral neuropathy.
Getting to the cause of your foot numbness is essential to finding effective treatment and keeping your symptoms from progressing. If you have foot numbness, Dr. Fiks can help you find answers and get your symptoms under control.
To learn more, call 971-233-4199 or book an appointment online with Advanced Pain Management Center today
