Reasons Why Your Feet Feel Numb

You rely on your feet in order to get from one place to the other. It’s for this reason exactly why feeling numbness in them can be quite bothersome and oftentimes alarming.

This article well get you introduced to some of the common reasons for foot numbness, so don’t stop reading now.

In some instances, the problem may go away on its own after a while. There are cases, however, in which numbness in your feet can be blamed on a chronic health issue. More often than not, the problem may progress or worsen over time if it stems from a long-term disease unless its root cause is managed effectively.

Aside from numbness, it’s also very much possible for it to be accompanied by other sensations such as heaviness, weakness and tingling. It’s important to report all of the symptoms you are encountering to your doctor in order to help him or her identify the reason why your feet feel numb.

Let us now take a look at some of the things that can cause numbness in your feet:

Postural Habits

Sometimes your feet can feel numb after crossing your legs, sitting or kneeling for a long time. There is no need to worry if apparently it is your posture that can be blamed for the problem — that numbness will go away as soon as unnecessary pressure on the nerves is eliminated and proper blood circulation to your lower extremities is reestablished.

Are you fond of wearing tight shoes for the sake of looking trendy? Then you can hold that desire of yours to become a head-turner accountable for your foot numbness.

Diabetes

One very common cause of numbness in the feet that comes into being often is diabetes. Such is due to the fact that poor management of blood sugar levels can wreak havoc on the peripheral nerves, or nerves that are outside of the brain and spine such as those that are situated in your lower extremities.

Needless to say, it’s of utmost importance for you to put your diabetes under control by taking your medications and following the lifestyle and dietary changes your doctor recommends.

PAD

Short for peripheral artery disease, PAD is characterized by poor blood circulation to the legs and feet. More often than not, the blame can be placed on the narrowing of the arteries as a result of accumulation of plaque in them. Foot numbness, which is oftentimes accompanied by pain and cramping, is commonly experienced when walking or taking the stairs. The symptoms typically subside a few minutes after resting.

Treatment for PAD often includes administration of anti-clotting or cholesterol-lowering drugs. Doing some dietary and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and eliminating excess weight is also part of the treatment plan.

Alcoholism

Speaking of lifestyle, individuals who consume alcoholic beverages in excessive amounts are at high risk of experiencing numbness in their feet. That’s because too much alcohol can lead to a deficiency in B vitamins, and this is something that can cause damage to the peripheral nerves.

It goes without saying that consuming alcohol in great moderation is a step that has to be taken if foot numbness is due to alcoholism. Opting for a diet that’s high in B vitamins or supplementing with vitamins B1, B6 and B12 is a good idea.

There are a few other things that can cause your feet to feel numb, and they can range anywhere from fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis to the presence of abnormal growths such as tumors. Definitely, you should step foot inside the office or clinic of a doctor if you are experiencing foot numbness and it’s already keeping you from having a productive day.

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