What causes numbness in the heel?
Oct 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Shichang
Introduction
In general, loss of sensation in the heel may be related to prolonged pressure, poor lower limb blood circulation, tarsal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, or polyneuritis. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, it could also be associated with lumbar disc herniation or cerebral infarction. If patients experience any discomfort, they should seek timely medical attention at a hospital to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.
In general, loss of sensation in the heel may be related to prolonged pressure, poor lower limb blood circulation, tarsal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, or polyneuritis. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Prolonged Pressure
If a patient wears shoes that are relatively stiff, it may cause long-term excessive pressure on the soft tissues of the heel, leading to local ischemia and resulting in the aforementioned symptoms. This can also occur as a normal phenomenon. Symptoms may be relieved through massage or similar methods.
2. Poor Lower Limb Blood Circulation
If a patient remains seated or standing for extended periods, impaired blood circulation in the lower limbs may lead to the above symptoms. These symptoms can usually be alleviated through leg stretching exercises, massage, or soaking the feet.
3. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
When suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome, compression of the spinal nerves at the tarsal tunnel may also cause the aforementioned symptoms. Under a doctor's guidance, patients may use medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or celecoxib capsules for treatment.
4. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is typically caused by long-term intense foot activity or degenerative changes, resulting in an aseptic inflammation of the plantar fascia. This aseptic inflammation can lead to significant local pain and may also trigger the above symptoms. Under a doctor’s guidance, patients may use medications such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets or meloxicam tablets for treatment.
5. Polyneuritis
This is generally a collective term for peripheral nerve damage caused by various factors. Patients commonly experience sensory disturbances, motor impairments, dizziness, tinnitus, and other symptoms, which may also induce the aforementioned condition. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as mecobalamin tablets or dibazol tablets for treatment.
Besides the above, these symptoms may also be associated with lumbar disc herniation or cerebral infarction. If a patient experiences discomfort, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
