Numbness in the feet and their toes can be caused by a number of different problems and is often accompanied by a tingling sensation. This may be a minor issue, such as when the foot "falls asleep", or a more serious condition, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis. It is important to understand the cause because numbness not only affects the ability to walk, but can be a symptom of much more serious problems.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Dealing with Occasional Numbness
Step 1. Get moving
You may often feel numb feet and fingers when sitting or standing still for a long time. In this case, the best way to get rid of it is to stimulate blood circulation. Try walking a little or just moving your feet while sitting.
- Try to exercise regularly because, in addition to helping you get rid of the occasional numbness, it also prevents it from occurring. You should incorporate some physical activity into your daily routine, even if it's just a short walk.
- High-impact exercise, such as running, can induce numbness in the feet in some people, so you should choose activities that don't stress this area of the body, such as swimming or cycling.
- Stretch before exercising, wear appropriate footwear for the type of activity, and perform your exercises on a flat surface.
Step 2. Change location
Often the numbness is due to a sitting position that compresses the nerves in the feet. Avoid sitting on your feet or crossing your legs for too long.
However, if you have no alternative, at least try to lift your feet every now and then to promote blood circulation
Step 3. Remove clothing that is too tight
Pants, socks, or other clothing that is too tight on the lower body can prevent blood from flowing freely to the feet, thereby causing numbness. Remove or loosen these clothes to allow for better blood circulation.
Step 4. Massage your feet
Gently massage the numb area to facilitate circulation and eliminate these occasional tingling episodes faster.
Step 5. Warm your feet with an electric blanket or electric warmer
If the extremities are left in the cold it is easier for them to become numb and for you to experience a feeling of discomfort.
Step 6. Put on the right footwear
High heels or shoes that press into the toe can be other factors responsible for your discomfort. You may also experience numbness when wearing shoes that are too tight for you, especially during physical activity. Choose comfortable shoes of the right size. Insoles can also make shoes more comfortable.
Step 7. Know when to see your doctor
Occasional numbness in the feet or their toes should usually not be a cause for concern, especially if the cause is known, such as an uncomfortable sitting position or tight clothing. However, if you tend to suffer from them often or if the episodes last longer than a few minutes, you should see a doctor to make sure there are no other underlying causes.
- Seek immediate treatment if numbness in the feet is also accompanied by symptoms such as weakness, paralysis, loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty with speech.
- Pregnancy often causes swelling in this area of the body resulting in a loss of sensation. If your doctor thinks your ailment is due to gestation and not other health problems, follow their directions for relieving occasional episodes.
Method 2 of 3: Managing Diabetes-Related Numbness
Step 1. Get a diagnosis
Diabetes is the most common cause of chronic numbness in the feet and toes. The disease damages the nerves and interferes with blood circulation in the extremities. Numbness is often the first symptom of diabetes, so you should talk to your doctor and get tested as soon as you start experiencing diabetes frequently with no obvious cause.
This loss of sensation is a very serious problem for diabetics, because they can no longer feel the pain caused by heat, stings or blisters. In addition, reduced blood circulation slows tissue healing, thereby increasing the risk of infections. For this reason it is extremely important to take special care of the feet when suffering from diabetes
Step 2. Manage your diabetes
The best way to avoid circulatory problems and neuropathies is to monitor blood glucose levels; these complications can cause numbness in the case of diabetes. Develop with your doctor a plan that is suitable for your specific case.
- Check your blood sugar level regularly with a glucose meter and test for A1C (glycosylated hemoglobin) 2-3 times a year.
- Although numbness and other symptoms of diabetes can make physical activity difficult, it is good to stay active. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, whether it's going to the gym or just walking up and down the stairs at home.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and low-fat dairy products. You should avoid foods that cause blood sugar spikes, such as cookies and sugary drinks.
- Take all medications prescribed to you regularly, including insulin.
- Smoking can aggravate the symptoms of diabetes, so you should ask your doctor to help you quit.
Step 3. Lose weight
Extra pounds and obesity can induce numbness in your feet, so see your doctor for healthy ways to lose weight to help alleviate some symptoms.
Losing weight also helps reduce blood pressure and consequently the feeling of numbness. If losing weight isn't enough to keep your blood pressure under control, you should talk to your doctor about medications to take
Step 4. Get specific items to care for your feet in case of diabetes
Graduated compression stockings stimulate blood circulation and thus reduce the loss of sensation. There are also special capsaicin-based lotions that provide relief from this ailment.
Step 5. Follow the same tips mentioned above to relieve the discomfort of occasional numbness
If you have diabetes, you can still benefit from the methods described above to find relief from occasional tingling, such as moving your feet, lifting them, massaging them and using warm compresses. While these solutions offer only temporary relief from symptoms, remember that they do not cure the underlying problem, so you should always pay attention to diabetes management and take care of your feet.
Step 6. Ask your doctor about alternative treatments
Studies have shown that relaxation treatments and biofeedback, as well as infrared therapy, have some benefits against diabetes-related loss of sensation in the feet. These types of treatments are rarely covered by the NHS, but this is probably worth a try if the other remedies have proved ineffective.
Your doctor may also prescribe medications to relieve numbness, although these are often medicines for other uses (off-label drugs)
Method 3 of 3: Managing Chronic Numbness Caused by Other Disorders
Step 1. Get treatment for your injuries
Injuries to the feet or their toes, ankles, head or spine can cause numbness. You can see an orthopedist, neurologist, or chiropractor to help relieve this condition.
Step 2. Discuss all medications you are taking with your doctor
Chemotherapy drugs often cause this symptom in the extremities, as do many other drugs prescribed to treat different types of conditions. If you start feeling numb after starting medication, talk to your doctor to see if the benefits outweigh the side effects. There may be other types of medicines that are suitable for your problem and that do not cause the same adverse reactions.
Never stop a drug treatment without first talking to your doctor. In some cases a slow and gradual reduction of the dosage is necessary
Step 3. Take Vitamin Supplements
A deficiency of vitamin B12 or other vitamins can cause this disorder; take a blood test to see if you are actually deficient in these important elements and, if so, start taking supplements.
Step 4. Take medication for chronic diseases
If you suffer from constant and persistent numbness in your feet, know that it could be a symptom of several health problems, including multiple sclerosis, arthritis, Lyme disease, and many others. You can also relieve tingling feet by taking medications to treat the underlying problem.
- If you haven't been diagnosed with any chronic illness yet, numbness may be the first symptom. Discuss any symptoms you have with your doctor so that they can evaluate the type of tests you are undergoing.
- If you have already been diagnosed with a chronic condition, but numbness is a new symptom, let your doctor know at your next visit so that they can prescribe other medications or treatments to treat the discomfort.
Step 5. Reduce your alcohol consumption
Drinking alcohol in excessive quantities can lead to the feeling of numbness in the limbs, including the feet and their fingers as well. If you want to avoid this problem, drink less alcohol.
Step 6. Treat the symptoms
If you've already taken all the necessary steps to treat the underlying cause, but the numbness isn't reducing, try implementing techniques to relieve the occasional tingling. While this isn't a permanent solution to getting rid of the root problem, you can still do some simple things like lift your feet, massage them, apply a warm compress, and walk a bit to find temporary relief from symptoms.
