What causes numbness in the feet?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been experiencing numbness in my feet. May I ask, what causes foot numbness?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Common causes of foot numbness include:
1. Nerve compression: Prolonged squatting, standing, poor sitting posture, lumbar spine disorders, or sciatic nerve injury may compress the nerves in the foot, causing numbness. In such cases, changing body positions, appropriate exercise, or physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms.
2. Vascular factors: Vascular diseases such as narrowing, blockage, or plaque formation in the lower limb arteries can impair blood circulation, affecting blood supply to the feet and resulting in numbness. Treatments may include vascular interventional procedures or medications to improve circulation.
3. Peripheral neuropathy: Metabolic diseases like diabetes can lead to peripheral neuropathy, causing foot numbness. Controlling blood sugar levels, using anti-inflammatory medications, and administering immunoglobulin therapy are treatment options for such cases.
4. Lumbar spine disorders: Conditions such as lumbar spinal stenosis or lumbar disc herniation can compress nerve roots, leading to foot numbness, pain, and weakness. Treatment for these conditions may involve surgical or physical therapy approaches.
In addition, trauma, central nervous system lesions, and cold exposure to the lower limbs can also cause foot numbness. If numbness occurs frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms, prompt medical attention is recommended.
