Foot numbness can develop as a loss of feeling in the foot due to abnormal communication that occurs between the nerve center and the nerves. There is no harm in having temporary foot numbness, which simply occurs when there's a shortage of blood, such as in sitting with legs crossed for a period of time. Such numbness can also be brought on artificially by the effects of anesthesia and other drugs. More serious causes of foot numbness are associated with nerve damage, blood circulation diseases, and neurological disorders.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathies are a group of different types of nerve diseases brought on by diabetes. Although some people are asymptomatic, some diabetics eventually have nerve damage throughout the body over time. Those who do have symptoms may experience tingling, pain and numbness in the arms, legs, and feet. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, anywhere from 60 to 70 percent of patients with diabetes have some type of neuropathy. Nerve problems can surface at any time and be present in any organ of the body with long duration of the disease and as the diabetic ages. People who are obese, have poor blood sugar levels, high blood pressure levels and high blood fat are prone to developing diabetic neuropathy.
Sciatica During Pregnancy
Sciatica during pregnancy is one of the many side effects of pregnancy. The sciatic nerve starts at the lower back and runs down the body to the back of the legs and the feet. This nerve allows the legs and the feet to be able to have sensation and respond to touch. Conversely, the sciatic nerve can get inflamed from injury, from being overexerted or having too much pressure applied to it. According to Women's Health Topics, typical symptoms of sciatica in pregnancy include a burning sensation in the leg and lower back and numbness in the leg or feet. This can cause pain in the lower back, further into the pelvis, extending to the foot and other nearby areas along with tingling and numbness.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes chronic pain and muscle tenderness that comes and goes and is felt all over the body. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can include a pins-and-needles-like sensation and numbness various parts of the body. According to the University of Washington School of Medicine, suffers of fibromyalgia may experience numbness in their hands, arms, feet, legs, or occasionally in their face. These symptoms may indicate conditions such as neuritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, but some people who are tested for such conditions find that their test results are negative. Fibromyalgia has been linked to stress or traumatic injuries, and to illness.
