Numbness in Feet That Isn't Just Your Foot Falling Asleep

Medically reviewed by Adam H. Kaplan, DPM

Having your feet "fall asleep" is a common problem that occurs when a nerve is temporarily compressed in your leg. However, numbness in your feet is not the same thing and can be dangerous when left untreated.

Numbness in your feet can develop from compression or damage to nerves in your feet, legs, or back. It can also occur with medical conditions that affect blood flow to your feet. Foot numbness can be temporary—such as after an injury—or more permanent.

This article discusses foot numbness—what it feels like, possible causes, and treatment options.

Describing the Numbness in Your Feet

Numbness in your feet doesn't mean you can never feel them—symptoms can come and go.

Other symptoms that can occur with numbness include:

• Pain

• Tingling

• Burning sensation

• Foot feeling "cold"

• Prickling sensation
  

Numbness from severe damage or long-term nerve compression can also lead to weakness and muscle atrophy.

Causes of Numbness in Right, Left Foot, or Both Feet

Foot numbness can be caused by injury to nerves in the foot, leg, or back or by issues with your blood vessels (arteries or veins). It can also occur as a symptom of other neurological conditions or be a symptom of a mental health condition, such as anxiety.

These conditions can include:

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Small fiber sensory neuropathy

• Multiple sclerosis

• Morton's neuroma

• Vascular disease

• Guillian-Barré syndrome

• Diabetic neuropathy

• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

• Frostbite

• Lupus

• Alcoholism

• A pinched nerve in the lumbar spine (low back)

• Degenerative disc disease

• Spinal cord injury

• Stroke

• Medication side effects (such as chemotherapy)

• Lyme disease

• Shingles

• Anxiety

• Vitamin deficiency (such as B12)

Diagnosing Foot Numbness

A healthcare provider can use various tests to diagnose the cause of numbness in the feet. These can include:

• Blood tests

• X-rays

• Computed tomography (CT scan)

• Positron-emission tomography (PET scan)

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

• Nerve conduction tests and electromyography (EMG)
  

Immediate Relief for Numbness in Feet

You can improve foot numbness and related symptoms with home remedies and lifestyle habits. Check with your healthcare provider to ensure these activities are safe with your underlying condition.

Examples include:

• Apply capsaicin topical cream daily

• Massage your feet

• Soak in warm water

• Try an Epsom salt bath

• Avoid smoking

• Try compression socks

• Wear supportive shoes

• Stay active—take walks to increase blood flow to your feet

Related: Best Home Remedies for Neuropathy in Feet

How to Treat Numbness in Feet

A healthcare provider may recommend one or more treatment options, depending on what is causing numbness in your feet.

Treatments can include:

• Physical therapy, such as for neurological conditions or peripheral neuropathy

• Surgery, such as lumbar discectomy for a pinched nerve

• Anti-inflammatory medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prescription anti-inflammatory medications

• Nerve pain medications

• Stress management and relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety

• Disease-modifying therapy for conditions such as multiple sclerosis

• Diabetic neuropathy medications

• Medications for anxiety

• Dietary changes and vitamin supplementation to fix deficiencies

Alternative treatments—such as reflexology—are sometimes beneficial for conditions that cause foot numbness, including diabetes. However, research in this area is lacking.

Chronic Numbness in Feet: Symptom Management

Sometimes numbness in the feet is chronic (long-lasting). Protecting your feet is essential to help prevent injuries that can adversely affect wound healing—particularly if numbness is related to decreased blood flow.

The following tips can help you manage symptoms associated with numbness in your feet:

• Check your skin every day (use a mirror if you cannot see the bottom of your feet, and remember to check between your toes).

• Wear proper-fitting shoes.

• Dry your feet thoroughly after your shower.

• Cut your toenails straight across (but not too short).

• Wear socks in your shoes to reduce friction.

• Take your medications as prescribed.

• Follow up with your healthcare provider regularly.

• See a physical therapist for safe exercises and training in the use of an assistive device (such as a cane or walker) if foot numbness affects your balance.

Foot Numbness and Amputation

In severe cases, treatment for chronic foot numbness can lead to foot ulcers that won't heal, leading to amputation. This commonly results from diabetes when blood sugar levels are poorly controlled. The risk of amputation increases among people with comorbidities (co-occurring health conditions), including high blood pressure, heart disease, and vascular disease.

Summary

Numbness in your feet can be more than just your foot "falling asleep." Foot numbness can be a sign of other medical conditions affecting the nervous or vascular systems. It can also occur with diseases such as diabetes or mental health conditions that cause anxiety. Home remedies like massage and compression socks can help decrease symptoms.

Treatment for foot numbness can include medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. Sometimes, foot numbness is chronic, such as neuropathy caused by diabetes. Taking proper care of your feet and following your healthcare provider's instructions are essential for preventing complications.