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What Causes Numbness in the Foot?

Numbness in the foot may be temporary and go away without any treatment, or may be a sign of a more serious condition that requires medical management by a doctor. Foot numbness may cause difficulty with walking and other types of physical activity, as well as problems with resting and sleeping at night. Consider this information derived from the Mayo Clinic and the National Library of Medicine about the causes of numbness in the foot.

  1. Circulatory Disorders

    • Disorders of the circulatory system may be a cause of numbness in the feet, according to the National Library of Medicine. Blockage or hardening of the arteries, which is a condition called atherosclerosis, can cause numbness in the feet. Other circulatory disorders that can cause foot numbness include frostbite and blood clots.

    Foot Drop

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, foot drop may be a cause of numbness that occurs in one of the feet. Foot drop may be a temporary or long term disorder that causes numbness in the foot and difficulty with lifting the foot during physical activity. Foot drop may also cause other symptoms including pain and weakness in the foot as well as an abnormal gait.

    Medical Conditions

    • Certain types of medical conditions may cause numbness in the foot, according ot the National Library of Medicine. Chronic conditions such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis may cause numbness in the foot. Other medical conditions may result in numbness of the foot, including disorders of the thyroid; abnormal levels of minerals such as calcium and potassium; and shingles infections.

    Neurological Disorders

    • Disorders of the nerves or brain may be a cause of numbness in the foot, according to the National Library of Medicine. A stroke or transient ischemic attack can cause damage to nerves in the legs and feet that results in foot numbness. Damage to the spinal nerve can result from a slipped vertebral disk or traumatic injury, and can also be a cause of foot numbness.

    Peripheral Neuropathy

    • Peripheral neuropathy may be a cause of numbness in the foot, according to the Mayo Clinic. Peripheral neuropathy often begins in the feet and causes symptoms such as tingling and a pins and needles sensation that can spread into the lower legs over time. Peripheral neuropathy may also cause problems with the skin and muscles and an increased risk of infections.

    Posture

    • According to the National Library of Medicine, body posture may be a cause of numbness in the foot. Sitting with the legs crossed or folded may cause temporary numbness in the foot followed by a tingling sensation. Standing or sitting in the same position for a long time may also be a cause of numbness in the foot.

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