Why Do My Feet Feel Numb?

Experiencing numbness in your feet can be both annoying and unsettling. Whether it happens occasionally or is a persistent issue, numbness can stem from various underlying causes, ranging from temporary nerve compression to chronic medical conditions like peripheral neuropathy. 

Bradley A. Silva, MD, and the Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center share seven reasons why your feet might feel numb and what our team can do to help.

1. A nerve is compressed

Nerve compression is one of the most common reasons for foot numbness. You’ve likely experienced this at some point if you’ve sat in one position for too long. Your feet may feel numb, followed quickly by paresthesia — tingling pins and needles.

You might also experience foot numbness if you wear tight shoes or cross your legs. These positions can put pressure on your nerves and temporarily cut off sensation. 

In more serious cases, conditions like sciatica or tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause chronic nerve compression. About 43% of people with tarsal tunnel syndrome have a history of ankle trauma, such as ankle sprains.

2. You have poor circulation

Reduced blood flow to the feet can also cause numbness, which can happen due to sitting for extended periods, cold weather exposure, or conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD), which narrows the blood vessels and restricts circulation. 

If pain or color changes in your feet accompany numbness, it may be a sign of a circulation problem that requires medical attention.

3. You have diabetes

When you think about diabetes, you might not think about your feet, but the reality is that diabetes can wreak havoc on your feet. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves over time, which makes it difficult for them to send signals properly. 

This issue then leads to peripheral neuropathy — nerve damage that affects the peripheral nerves in your limbs. 

Peripheral neuropathy, which often leads to numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the feet, affects about half of people with diabetes.

Dr. Silva may recommend medication management, lifestyle changes, interventional pain therapies in our on-site procedure suite, or psychotherapy if he determines that peripheral neuropathy is the cause of your foot numbness.

4. You are lacking a specific vitamin 

Deficiencies in key vitamins like B12, folate, and vitamin D can lead to nerve dysfunction and numbness in the extremities. Since these vitamins are essential for your nerve health, a poor diet or certain medical conditions that affect nutrient absorption may contribute to foot numbness.

Note: If you’re vegan, you may not receive enough B12 since it is in animal products. Talk to Dr. Silva about a B12 supplement to ensure you get the necessary vitamins. 

5. You have underlying neurological conditions

Certain neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or stroke, can cause foot numbness as a symptom. If weakness, difficulty walking, or coordination problems accompany your numbness, don’t brush it off.

6. You have sacroiliac (SI) joint issues

Your SI joint connects the spine to the pelvis, and inflammation or dysfunction in this area can irritate nearby nerves. If SI joint injury causes an s1 radiculopathy (pinched s1 nerve), you might experience numbness, tingling, or pain that radiates down your leg and into the plantar aspect (sole) of your foot.

7. You have degenerative disc disease

When the discs in your spine wear down, they can compress nerves in your lower back, particularly your sciatic nerve, which can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs and feet.

When to seek medical care for foot numbness

Occasional foot numbness due to sitting too long or wearing tight shoes is usually harmless. However, it’s time to seek medical care if your numbness:

• Persists or worsens over time
• Is accompanied by pain, weakness, or balance issues
• Occurs alongside other concerning symptoms like vision problems or slurred speech

Whether you’re dealing with degenerative disc disease, sciatica, or another condition, don’t try to push through on your own. Numb feet indicate an underlying issue, but thankfully, Dr. Silva and the Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center are experts at treating pain and numbness related to compressed, irritated, or damaged nerves.

From physical therapy to injections to orthotics, we’ve got what you need here in our Kenosha, Wisconsin, office. 

To schedule a comprehensive exam and explore the treatment options right for you, call 262-484-4035 or click here to schedule an appointment today.