You should also see your doctor if the numbness in your foot is getting worse. If you have diabetes, make an appointment to see your doctor or podiatrist for foot numbness. Diabetes is a common cause of foot numbness because the metabolic changes can cause nerve damage.
In this post
What kind of doctor should I see for numbness in feet?
Orthopedic Doctors
You may want to see an orthopedic doctor for numbness in your toes if you are dealing with a condition like multiple sclerosis or arthritis.
How do I get rid of numbness in my foot?
Home remedies
- Rest. Many of the conditions that cause leg and foot numbness, such as nerve pressure, improve with rest.
- Ice. Ice can help reduce swelling that can put pressure on nerves.
- Heat.
- Massage.
- Exercise.
- Supportive devices.
- Epsom salt baths.
- Mental techniques and stress reduction.
What does numbness in the feet indicate?
Numbness in the feet is mainly caused by a lack of blood flow or nerve injury. Infection, inflammation, trauma, cancer, and other aberrant processes can cause foot numbness, but a numb foot typically implies nerve injury or illness.
Which nerve is responsible for numbness in foot?
Injuries to the peroneal nerve can cause numbness, tingling, pain, weakness and a gait problem called foot drop.
How do you test for foot neuropathy?
Confirming if you have a neuropathy
a nerve conduction test (NCS), where small metal wires called electrodes are placed on your skin that release tiny electric shocks to stimulate your nerves; the speed and strength of the nerve signal is measured.
What does neuropathy in your feet feel like?
Gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms. Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain. Extreme sensitivity to touch.
Is numbness in feet serious?
Numbness in your foot that occurs suddenly and with other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, can be cause for concern. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms as well as numbness in your foot: confusion. difficulty talking.
Can you reverse numbness in your feet?
While you can’t reverse the damage from neuropathy, there are ways to help manage the condition, including: lowering your blood sugar. treating nerve pain. regularly checking your feet to make sure they are free of injury, wounds, or infection.
When should you see a neurologist for numbness?
Numbness or weakness that comes on suddenly or happens on one side of the body (if you think you are having a stroke, however, go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately) Persistent (over weeks or months) or worsening numbness. Chronic muscle weakness or a rapid decline in muscle strength.
What can be done for neuropathy in the feet?
If you have muscle weakness, physical therapy can help improve your movements. You may also need hand or foot braces, a cane, a walker, or a wheelchair. Surgery. If you have neuropathies caused by pressure on nerves, such as pressure from tumors, you might need surgery to reduce the pressure.
How do you treat nerve damage in the foot?
Medications—A variety of prescription medications can be used to alleviate neuropathy symptoms. Surgery—In more severe situations, surgery may be necessary to release swollen and compressed nerves. MLS Laser Therapy—This non-invasive therapy is the latest technology in neuropathy pain treatment.
What causes numb feet and toes?
The most common cause of toe numbness is direct compression of the nerves of the foot from footwear from shoes. Numbness of the toe can occur because of injury to the foot, nerve damage (neuropathy), and poor circulation to the foot (such as with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease).
What can be mistaken for neuropathy?
PN is often mistaken for another common illness, multiple sclerosis (MS).
What medications cause neuropathy in feet?
Other drugs and substances that may cause neuropathy include: Colchicine (used to treat gout) Disulfiram (used to treat alcohol use) Arsenic.
Drugs used to fight infections:
- Chloroquine.
- Dapsone.
- Isoniazid (INH), used against tuberculosis.
- Metronidazole (Flagyl)
- Nitrofurantoin.
- Thalidomide (used to fight leprosy)
Can nerve damage in the foot be repaired?
Surgery—If nonsurgical treatments do not relieve symptoms, your physician may recommend surgery to decompress the nerve and repair or remove the damaged area. Specialists perform many foot and ankle surgeries using minimally invasive techniques.
What is the best medicine for neuropathy in the feet?
The most effective treatment was nortriptyline. Of the study subjects taking this medication, 25% reported their discomfort improved by at least 50%. The least effective treatment was pregabalin: only 15% of study subjects reported that much improvement. Side effects were common with all of the treatments.
Can a podiatrist help with foot neuropathy?
Anyone who has symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in their feet or legs should see a podiatrist. The podiatrists at American Foot and Leg Specialists are trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this type of nerve damage.
Do compression socks help neuropathy?
Compression socks can relieve neuropathy issues concerning blood flow, as they are known for their ability to improve blood circulation. Studies have shown that compression garments can help those living with diabetes and lower extremity edemas.
Is there a test for neuropathy?
To diagnose Neuropathy correctly and develop a list of possible causes, an EMG/NCV (Electromyography/Nerve Conduction Velocity Study) is the most accurate and correct test and is required for a Confirmation Diagnosis.
What is the life expectancy with neuropathy?
There are several key factors that affect a patient’s prognosis in familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), but most people with the rare, inherited, progressive disease have a life expectancy of about 10 years after being diagnosed.