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Numbness
Numbness
Numbness or tingling of the foot or feet is an abnormal sensation caused by an alteration in sensory nerve function in the foot. Sensations are carried from the extremities of the body to the brain via neurons in the spinal cord. If the blood supply to the nerves is decreased, it can produce the feeling that “my foot fell asleep”. If the blood loss is permanent or severe, it can result in permanent nerve damage.
Nerves in the feet can be damaged when the blood supply is decreased over time, as in diabetes. If foot numbness is persistent and accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness and pain, visit your foot and ankle healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed as well as Physical Therapy and stretching exercises that may help alleviate symptoms once the underlying cause is found and treated.
Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament
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Symptoms
The chief symptom for numbness in your foot is losing sensation. The loss of the sense of touch can affect your balance balance because you can’t feel your foot’s position against the ground.
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While sensation loss is the primary symptom of numbness in your foot, you may experience some additional, abnormal sensations.
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tingling
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prickling
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pins-and-needles sensation
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weak-feeling foot or feet
These additional symptoms can help your doctor diagnose what’s causing the numbness in your foot. The podiatrist can check the level of sensation using a 10g Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament which is a tool that applies ~10 g of pressure.
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When to Visit a Podiatrist
Podiatric medical care should be sought at the first sign of pain or discomfort. If left untreated, neuromas tend to get worse and become more painful.
