Numbness in your feet can develop due to nerve compression, nerve damage, or poor circulation.
Numbness may last minutes, hours, days, weeks, or longer, depending on the cause.
The peripheral nervous system sends signals from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.
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Nerves from different parts of the body can be affected, including the feet.
It can cause a feeling of tingling and numbness.
Prolonged sitting or standing: May lead to reduced blood flow, compressed nerves, and temporary numbness.
Diabetic neuropathy:This is nerve damage due to diabetes.
A common symptom is numbness in the hands and feet, usually on both sides.
Most people feel sensations like pins-and-needles, tingling, and numbness that starts in the feet and progresses upwards.
Kidney failure: Can lead to muscle cramps, weakness, and/or numbness in the extremities.
Multiple sclerosis:Numbness is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
It can be mild or severe enough to cause problems with walking.
One of the first symptoms is numbness and weakness in the feet.
Numbness in the feet can be a symptom early on or as a long-term complication.
Anxiety:Anxiety disorders and panic attacks can cause physical symptoms, including tingling and numbness.
Symptoms include numbness and tingling as well as anemia, balance problems, weakness, and difficulty thinking.
With chemotherapy, this can sometimes be referred to as “chemo foot.”
Symptom Management for Chronic Numbness in Feet
Sometimes numbness in the feet is chronic (long-lasting).
This most often results from diabetes when blood sugar levels are poorly controlled.
Sometimes, foot numbness is chronic, and sometimes it is temporary or comes and goes.
Home remedies like massage and compression socks can help decrease symptoms.
Medical treatments may include medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
Taking proper care of your feet and following your healthcare provider’s instructions are essential for preventing complications.
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