An Easy Guide to Numbness of Foot | What Are the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Have you ever felt a strange tingling or numbness in feet that just won’t go away?

Maybe your “falls asleep” too often. Or maybe you feel a pins-and-needles sensation that makes walking uncomfortable. Foot numbness isn’t just annoying. It could be a sign of an underlying health issue.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about numbness of foot. From its causes to treatments and serious signs that ask you to see a doctor.

Let’s get started.

What Is Foot Numbness?

Numbness in feet happens when you lose sensation in one or both feet. Sometimes, it’s just a temporary thing. Like when you sit in a weird position for too long. Other times, it can be a sign of an underlying health issue.

Most cases of numbness are linked to nerve damage, poor circulation, or pressure on the nerves.

But is foot numbness dangerous? Not always.

If it happens once in a while, it’s usually nothing to worry about. But if it’s frequent or comes with pain, weakness, or trouble balancing, it’s best to see a doctor.

Numbness and tingling in feet can be a short-term issue or part of a long-term condition, like diabetes. It can also get worse over time. Like starting with mild tingling and eventually leading to a complete loss of sensation. Getting medical advice early can help manage the condition and prevent further complications.

Symptoms of Numbness in Foot

The symptoms can vary based on the cause, but common signs include:

• Loss of sensation – Feeling like your foot is “asleep.”
• Tingling or pins-and-needles sensation – A prickling feeling in your foot.
• Burning or sharp pain – Can be localized or travel towards thigh.
• Weakness in the foot – Difficulty walking or standing.
• Coldness or discolouration – Only show up in serious causes like poor circulation.

Causes of Numbness in Feet | What are the Culprits Behind?

Numbness of foot can happen for many reasons.

Some are harmless while others need medical attention. Let’s get you through all for a better understanding.

1. Habitual Causes of Foot Numbness

Foot numbness can be caused by casual habits that you don’t even notice. Change them today and you can get rid of it. Common behavioural causes include:

• Long sitting periods
• Wrong posture
• Sitting with pressure on feet
• Kneeling for extended period
• Crossing legs too much
• Wearing tight leggings, pants or socks

2. Medical Conditions Causing Foot Numbness

Tingling & numbness in feet can be caused by a number of serious conditions. Common ones are given below.

Which Symptoms Hint Towards Underlying Serious Conditions?

If numbness in your feet is accompanied by these symptoms:

• Persistent numbness and tingling
• Sensations of burning, itching, or tickling
• Weakness and difficulty in walking
• Pain or swelling in the foot
• Balance & coordination loss
• Dizziness
• Heat intolerance
• Excessive sweating or absence of sweat
• Drop in blood pressure

There is an indication of a serious medical condition (listed above) & you should visit a professional for proper diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Foot Numbness

Your doctor will run a few tests to get to the root of the problem. The diagnosis depends on how often and how severe your symptoms are.

The regular process of diagnosis includes:

1. Medical History

Your doctor will ask some questions about your symptoms and medical background. E.g.

• When did you first notice the numbness of foot?
• Does the numbness come and go, or is it constant?
• Do you experience numbness and tingling in feet or any pain?
• What makes it better or worse?

Then he will move towards the visual & tactile exam.

2. Physical Examination

A hands-on check-up helps will determine the exact area of numbness. And also help the practitioner to understand the symptoms. The doctor will check:

• Muscle Strength
• Reflexes
• Sensitivity To Touch

Info from examination will decide on the further tests & procedures.

3. Diagnostic Tests

Depending on the suspected cause, your doctor will order tests such as:

If you’re dealing with persistent numbness of foot, early diagnosis is the best way to prevent complications.

Now let’s move toward the methods to stop numbness.

How to Get Rid of Numbness in Feet? Effective Treatments & Home Remedies

The right treatment of foot numbness depends on what’s causing the issue. In some cases, simple lifestyle changes can help. But others need medical intervention.

Let’s go through the list of treatments available.

Medical Treatments for Foot Numbness

If your numbness in feet is caused by an underlying condition, your doctor may suggest one or more of the following treatments:

• Physical Therapy:

It helps strengthen muscles, stretch nerves and improve movement. Especially for peripheral neuropathy or nerve-related issues.

• Surgery:

If a pinched nerve is causing numbness and isn’t getting better with conservative measures. Procedures like lumbar discectomy can relieve pressure.

• Nerve Pain Medications:

They can help reduce abnormal sensations and pain linked to nerve damage.

• Stress Management & Relaxation Techniques:

If anxiety is causing numbness in feet, measures like yoga, deep breathing or psychotherapy can help.

• Disease-Modifying Therapy:

It is used for progressive conditions like multiple sclerosis to slow them down.

• Diabetic Neuropathy Medications:

Drugs like pregabalin (Lyrica) help block nerve pain signals and provide symptomatic relief.

• Anxiety Medications:

They are also prescribed if numbness of foot is linked to mental disturbance.

• Fibromyalgia Medications:

If numbness is caused by fibromyalgia, drugs like Cymbalta or Savella can help manage nerve pain.

• Dietary Changes & Vitamin Supplements:

If vitamin deficiency is the culprit behind numbness, a balanced diet or supplements prescribed by a dietician can help.

Alternative therapies like reflexology or acupuncture also provide relief. Though research in these areas is still limited.

Home Remedies for Immediate Relief

If you’re wondering how to stop numbness in feet at home, try these simple remedies:

• Avoid sitting too long; stretch or walk to boost circulation.
• Gently massage and stretch your feet & leg to improve blood flow.
• Soak the feet in warm water or Epsom salt to relax muscles and enhance sensation.
• Manage blood sugar (especially if you are diabetic) to prevent worsening numbness.
• Apply capsaicin cream to reduce nerve pain.
• Wear compression socks to support circulation and prevent numbness.
• Quit smoking & limit alcohol. It will improve blood flow and nerve health.
• Choose supportive shoes to reduce pressure on nerves for better comfort.
• Stay active with regular walk, swim, or yoga to keep circulation strong.

When Should You Seek Emergency Care?

If your foot numbness comes on suddenly or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Don’t ignore or try to manage with remedies.

Get immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Numbness after an injury (especially head injury)
• Difficulty walking or balancing
• Numbness spreading to other body parts
• Confusion or trouble speaking
• Dizziness or loss of coordination
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Headache along with numbness
• Trouble breathing
• Numbness developing within minutes or hours
• Numbness in multiple body areas

Need professional help in diagnosis or management of foot numbness?

Let Iluka Medical Centre Help You Walk Pain-Free

Our expert podiatrist, Dr. Reza Naraghi and the experienced medical team is here to help. With specialised treatments for sports injuries, diabetic foot care, bunions, orthotics, nail surgery, and more, we ensure your feet stay strong, healthy, and pain-free.

Don’t ignore foot discomfort. It can affect your overall well-being. Get personalised, professional podiatry care tailored to your needs.

Call Us at 08 6119 4700 Or 08 6119 4701

Or Book Your Appointment Online

And Feel Your Feet Again.