Oftentimes, pain in the feet can be throbbing or sharp in nature, but lack of feeling can be extremely bothersome as well. Numbness in the feet can be one of the first symptoms of something else going on in the lower extremities or body. Here we will discuss some of the common causes of numbness in the feet and how we treat it.
What is numbness in the Feet?
Risk Factors for developing numbness in the feet
Treatment Options
Treatment of numbness in the feet focuses on treating the cause of the problem. If numbness is caused by conditions such as diabetes, there are prescription medications used to calm the irritated nerves so the symptoms are less severe. Supplements can also help ease the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. These medications, such as neurontin or pregabalin, can be used to treat numbness and nerve pain caused by other ailments as well. With diabetic neuropathy, prevention is the greatest treatment because the nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels often cannot be reversed. If a nerve is entrapped or being compressed by another structure in the foot or ankle, a surgery can be performed to free the nerve from the surrounding scar tissue or fascia.
Treatments for numbness in feet or a neuroma can include non-surgical treatments such as steroid injections and offloading the forefoot with padding and/or orthotics. For more long term results, a series of alcohol injections can be used on the neuroma to dehydrate and destroy the nerve lesion.
As always, the doctors at Certified Foot & Ankle Specialists are here to find the root of your problem and get you back to your best self.
By Rebecca DeSimone, DPM
