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8 Reasons for Numb Feet You Need to Be Aware Of

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, numbness of the face, body, or extremities (arms and legs) is one of the most prevalent symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and can appear relatively early in the disease's course.

By Amelia GrantPublished 2 years ago 4 min read
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8 Reasons for Numb Feet You Need to Be Aware Of

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, numbness of the face, body, or extremities (arms and legs) is one of the most prevalent symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and can appear relatively early in the disease's course.

Numb or tingling feet, on the other hand, can be caused by a variety of illnesses, some of which can be treated or reversed. This means that, while MS could be to blame for what's going on in your foot, you shouldn't rule it out. Numb feet can sometimes be a sign of an undiscovered disease, such as diabetes or a vitamin shortage, that needs immediate treatment.

Here are some of the most prevalent reasons for numb or tingling feet, as well as some of the symptoms that could indicate one of them. It's crucial to remember that only a doctor can determine what's causing your foot issues, and you should tell your foot doctor or neurologist if you notice any changes in sensation in your feet (or anywhere else in your body).

1. Thyroid issues

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can cause or contribute to peripheral neuropathy. Hypothyroidism is common in patients with diabetes, and the two illnesses may work together to raise the risk of foot problems.

2. Spinal cord problems

Numb feet can be caused by a variety of spine-related disorders. MS is the most obvious of these, as it can create lesions in the spinal cord, but it's also vital to consider the other possibilities.

A shortage of copper, like a vitamin B12 deficiency, can cause difficulties in the spinal cord, as can a tumor, abscess, or other mass forming in the area. It shouldn't be difficult to notice any growths in the area if you have imaging of your spine done as part of your regular MS consultations.

3. Heart issues

Even though any one of these disorders does not cause the symptom on its own, having a cluster of cardiovascular problems can lead to peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can occur in patients who have borderline diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking.

4. Diabetes

According to the Mayo Clinic, more than half of patients with diabetes suffer neuropathy or loss of nerve function. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which causes numbness, weakness, and discomfort in the hands and feet, is one of the most common causes.

Peripheral neuropathy can be an indication of undetected diabetes, and you don't need to have diabetes for decades or even years to acquire neuropathy, contrary to popular belief.

If you're visiting an MS specialist, you're probably already getting frequent screenings to see if you're at risk for diabetes. However, if you're not sure if your doctor checks your blood glucose level on a regular basis, it's worth asking.

5. Alcohol consumption

Although alcohol is a well-known cause of peripheral neuropathy, it requires more than a few drinks per week to be a potential cause of foot symptoms. Drinking at least two to four drinks each day, depending on your size, could put you at risk for neuropathy.

Heavy drinking can also contribute to or induce poor eating habits, putting you at risk for nutritional deficiencies, which can worsen your neuropathy risk.

6. MS

Unless you're showing evident indicators of another ailment, if you've previously been diagnosed with MS, it's likely that's what's causing your feet to feel numb.

It's natural for someone with MS to complain that their feet are numb. And, based on the probabilities, they may be correct the majority of the time.

If you have MS and your foot numbness is caused by the disease, it is common for the sensation to travel up your leg over days to weeks as part of a relapse.

If you have weakness in the same place as your numbness or in your opposite foot, it's possible that MS is to blame. MS patients may experience increased weakness on one side and numbness on the other.

7. Pinched nerves

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve, which delivers sensation to the bottom of the foot, becomes compressed, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Edema from a sprained ankle, disorders such as diabetes and arthritis that induce swelling and nerve compression in the area, flat feet or fallen arches, varicose veins, cysts, swollen tendons, or bone spurs are all possible causes.

Numbness, tingling, and burning, as well as shooting pain, are all symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome. It can be diagnosed with a physical exam and imaging, and depending on the severity, nonsurgical and surgical treatment options are available.

8. Nutrient deficiencies

Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by vitamin and mineral deficits. Vitamin B12 insufficiency is the most common of them.

If someone with MS is vitamin B12 deficient and it goes unnoticed, it's a huge mistake since it's something that can be fixed. It's possible that if it's disregarded and addressed, it'll do irreversible damage.

If you have diabetes, nutrient deficits may also be a factor. People with type 2 diabetes who have peripheral neuropathy have lower blood levels of folate and vitamin B12 than those who do not have neuropathy, according to a 2017 study.

If you don't know what's causing your neuropathy, you shouldn't take any B vitamin supplements until you figure out what's causing it. Excess vitamin B6 can create sensory neuropathy.

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About the Creator

Amelia Grant

I am journalist, and blogger.

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