Numbness in feet or toes
Overview
Numbness in feet or toes is a loss of sensation or feeling in the lower extremities, often described as a tingling, pins-and-needles sensation, or complete lack of touch sensitivity. This symptom can affect one or both feet and may be accompanied by weakness, burning sensations, or difficulty walking.
Common Causes
This sensation commonly occurs when pressure is applied to nerves from sitting or lying in one position too long, such as crossing your legs or wearing tight shoes. Poor circulation from cold temperatures, prolonged sitting, or certain medical conditions like diabetes can also reduce blood flow to the feet. Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B12, and lifestyle factors like excessive alcohol consumption may affect nerve function and contribute to these feelings.
Severity Levels
Mild: You may notice occasional tingling or slight loss of feeling in your toes or parts of your feet that comes and goes. The sensation doesn't significantly interfere with your daily activities or walking.
Moderate: You experience persistent numbness that affects larger areas of your feet, making it somewhat difficult to feel the ground when walking or notice temperature changes. You may need to be more careful with balance and foot placement.
Severe: You have little to no feeling in your feet, making walking unsafe without assistance or support. You cannot detect injuries, temperature extremes, or pressure on your feet, requiring immediate medical attention to prevent complications.
Medical Attention
Contact your doctor if the numbness persists for more than a few days, spreads to other areas, or interferes with your daily activities. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden onset numbness along with severe pain, weakness, difficulty walking, or signs of infection such as open sores or discoloration. If you have diabetes, circulation problems, or other chronic conditions, consult your healthcare provider promptly as numbness may indicate complications requiring treatment.
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