My Feet Feel Numb: Do I Have Neuropathy?

Neuropathy happens when nerves are damaged or affected by compression or inflammation, interfering with normal nerve signaling. While neuropathy can cause numbness, other factors can cause it, too. Here’s what to do if your feet are numb.

Most of us have experienced a pins-and-needles sensation or numbness in our feet at least once. While temporary numbness typically isn't anything to worry about, numbness that's persistent or recurrent can be a sign of peripheral neuropathy, a chronic condition that happens when a nerve outside of your central nervous system (your brain and spinal column) is damaged or malfunctions.

Neuropathy can happen for different reasons, and understanding what's causing foot numbness is the first step toward finding relief and preventing further complications. In this post, the Advanced Spine and Pain Center team offers an overview of peripheral neuropathy and how to tell if numbness in your feet is a problem that needs to be evaluated.

Why your feet feel numb

Maybe you've been sitting in a position for too long, or your leg is pinned while you sleep. Suddenly, you become aware that your foot is numb, devoid of normal feeling, or perhaps experiencing a sharp pins-and-needles sensation.

This type of benign numbness happens when a nerve is compressed, preventing normal nerve function or interfering with circulation to the nerve. In these instances, changing positions typically relieves numbness sensations within a few minutes.

Neuropathy is a nerve condition that causes prolonged or persistent, worsening, or recurring numbness. This type of numbness is usually related to underlying medical issues, such as:

Poorly managed diabetes
Kidney problems
Herniated discs
Fibromyalgia
Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Tumors
Nutrient deficiencies
Chronic alcohol use
Multiple sclerosis
Thyroid disorders
Tumors
Stroke
Chemotherapy

Scar tissue from a prior injury or surgery can also lead to nerve damage and numbness.

Relieving foot numbness

Early intervention is critical when treating peripheral neuropathy. It is critical not only for relieving symptoms but also for preventing permanent nerve damage and disability. Managing peripheral neuropathy begins with an exam and evaluation, including a discussion of your symptoms and a medical history review.

Many exams feature special tests to evaluate nerve activity. These tests help identify which nerves are involved and the location of potential nerve damage. We may also order lab tests or diagnostic imaging.

Once we determine the source of your numbness, we'll work with you to develop a treatment plan that will relieve your symptoms and protect your nerve health in the future. Our team offers a variety of advanced neuropathy treatments, including oral medications, injections, nerve blocks, and spinal cord stimulation, depending on what's causing your symptoms.

We can also work with your other healthcare providers to help you manage underlying problems like diabetes, kidney problems, thyroid disorders, or nutritional deficiencies. This can relieve your symptoms while improving your overall health and wellness. Of course, we can suggest simple lifestyle changes that can help protect your feet in the future.

Don’t ignore foot numbness

Foot numbness isn't just annoying — it can signify something more serious. Early treatment is critical. To find out what's causing your numbness symptoms and how we can help prevent serious complications, book an appointment online or over the phone with the team at our two locations in San Antonio, Texas, today.