Health Articles 101

Feet numbness and tingling can be caused by a number of different conditions. People who have diabetes frequently suffer from peripheral neuropathy which means that the nerves in the hands and feet are themselves painful. Feet numbness can also be a symptom of tarsal tunnel syndrome. In this condition, the nerve that carries messages to and from the foot is pinched and communication is blocked. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be the result of over use of the ankle and foot, an injury, or a deformed foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is like carpal tunnel syndrome, but it affects that ankle instead of the wrist. The result of the pinched nerve is feet numbness and tingling. Some people experience toe numbness in just one toe. Feet numbness can be caused by neurological disease or even a tumor that affects a nerve.

poor circulation in feet is yet another cause of numbness and tingling. Atherosclerosis causes blood vessels to become narrower as plaque builds up. Diabetics often suffer from this problem but it can affect anyone, particularly the elderly. People who have high blood pressure and cholesterol, people who smoke and people who do not exercise regularly are at much higher risk as well. In order to increase foot circulation your doctor will probably instruct you to take action to reduce your risk. Medications that prevent blood clots and lower cholesterol might also be prescribed. Doctors can also open some narrowed blood vessels by using angioplasty. A small balloon is inserted into the blood vessel, then inflated to open the vein or artery. Doctors can also take healthy veins from other parts of the body to bypass a blocked blood vessel.

Since the causes of numbness and tingling in the feet are varied, you and your doctor may have some detective work to do before arriving at a conclusive diagnosis.

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