(866) 552-4866 Like many of us, Carmen* has experienced foot numbness in the past. In her case, it was almost always because she prefers to sit cross-legged on the couch or in a chair for extended periods. If she was not doing that, it was likely because she was kneeling for too long in the garden. Either way, the numbness and familiar pins-and-needles sensation would go away in a matter of minutes once she switched positions or "shook it out."
That is why she cannot help but wonder whether something else is going on now that those same foot numbness symptoms have shifted from an occasional, largely harmless occurrence to an everyday problem—one that happens for seemingly no reason. Even more alarming, it now causes her to lose her balance and increase her risk of falling.
For many people, foot numbness and balance problems are more than just harmless episodes where you stand up, take a step, and suddenly feel like the floor is not quite where you expected it to be. They are a sign of poor circulation. When that critical blood flow to the feet is compromised, stability, sensation, and safety can all be affected in ways that are easy to overlook at first.
Are These Foot Numbness Symptoms All Too Familiar?
- Tingling or "pins-and-needles" sensations in the feet or toes
- Partial or complete numbness in one or both feet
- A feeling of heaviness or weakness in the feet
- Cold feet, even in warm environments
- Burning or aching sensations, especially after sitting or walking
- Reduced ability to feel the ground beneath your feet
- Foot fatigue that develops more quickly than expected
- Occasional balance issues or unsteadiness while walking
Are you experiencing balance problems and occasional falls due to foot numbness? Request an appointment with a StrideCare podiatrist today. Our expansive network ensures you receive the support you need from a qualified foot doctor near you.
Why Chronic Foot Numbness and Balance Problems Must Not Be Ignored
While chronic foot numbness and balance problems can affect people of any age, they are a greater concern for older adults. In fact, approximately one-third of older adults experience symptoms ranging from benign foot pain and stiffness to aching, numb, or inflamed feet, reduced flexibility, arthritis, balance problems, and more.
People with diabetes are also particularly at risk for developing chronic foot numbness and balance problems, as are individuals who lead sedentary lifestyles. Sedentary lifestyles can range from illnesses and injuries that force you to be bedridden all the time to jobs that require you to be off your feet for long stretches.
When feet or to foot numbness, it is only human nature to want to blame it on nothing more than benign blood flow problems from crossing your legs, sitting on your feet, or staying in an awkward position for too long. After all, that is usually the harmless and more likely explanation. But it can just as easily be an assumption that delays attention to more serious circulation-related causes.
When oxygen-rich blood flows freely throughout the body, our nerves, muscles, tissues, and extremities (such as our feet) receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to remain warm, responsive, and stable. In other words, they feel and function properly, without us having to give them a second thought.
When blood circulation is poor, our feet struggle to function, leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and pins and needles. These symptoms often develop gradually, which is why circulation-related foot numbness may go unnoticed at first. But ignore them for too long, and it becomes harder to maintain your balance.
Circulation issues contribute to fall risks in numerous ways:
- Delayed muscle response — Reduced blood flow, which causes foot numbness, can make it difficult to react quickly enough to prevent stumbling and falling.
- Reduced sensory feedback — When one or both feet are numb, it is almost impossible to feel things like shifts in weight, surface changes, or just feeling the ground beneath you. This can make missteps far more likely.
- Instability — You may be able to stand up without difficulty despite foot numbness, but maintaining your balance, especially when walking, turning, or changing direction, becomes increasingly challenging.
- Increased fatigue — Your once-strong and stable feet tire more easily.
| Who Is Most at Risk?
Foot numbness and balance problems are more common in:
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Foot conditions of any kind—including foot numbness and balance problems—should be addressed promptly. Why? Foot numbness, persistent pain, balance issues, swelling, or skin changes can indicate underlying health issues you may not be aware of. Left untreated, they can lead to complications and affect overall mobility and well-being.
An evaluation by a specialist at StrideCare can help diagnose the root cause and get you back on your feet with confidence.
Common Conditions That Cause Foot Numbness
Sitting cross-legged for hours is not the only cause of foot numbness and balance problems. Circulation issues are very common with these conditions.
Common contributors can include, but are not limited to:
Diabetes
Chronically high blood sugar in diabetic patients often damages the small blood vessels and nerves in the feet. As a result, you can experience everything from decreased sensation to pain and tingling in the feet. Nerve damage also makes it difficult to feel irritation, soreness, or infection in the feet. Reduced blood flow can lead to pain, infection, and wounds that heal slowly. Approximately 50% of diabetic patients develop these symptoms.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy affects roughly 20 million people in the United States. It occurs when nerves that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body are damaged. It is associated with a range of underlying medical conditions and affects a single peripheral nerve or multiple nerves simultaneously. Yes, neuropathy can cause foot numbness.
Neuromas
A neuroma is a pinched nerve or benign nerve tumor and is typically found between the third and fourth toes or in the ball of the foot. Many patients describe a neuroma as if they have a small stone in their shoe and are constantly putting weight on it, causing pain, foot numbness, and other symptoms.
Biomechanical issues
Conditions such as flat feet, high arches, bunions, or arthritis can alter weight distribution and irritate nerves or blood vessels in the feet, leading to numbness, discomfort, and walking instability.
Undiagnosed or improperly healing foot fracture
There are 26 bones in the foot. Certain activities or injuries can cause a fracture or crack in one or more of these bones. Pain, redness, swelling, and bruising are signs of a possible fracture. But many people do not realize that foot numbness can also be a concern.
Consulting with a foot doctor can address a wide range of foot care health issues. If you would like to discuss your treatment options, please schedule an appointment with StrideCare's expert podiatric physicians.
When To See a Podiatrist for Foot Numbness
Far too many people delay seeking help from a qualified professional. They believe their foot numbness and balance problems are not severe. Even if they have circulation problems, they figure it will go away on its own. In some cases, that very well may be the case. That said, early intervention cannot hurt. More often than not, a thorough evaluation leads to a faster recovery.
You need to consider seeing a podiatrist if you're experiencing:
- Foot numbness that persists and has become a daily problem
- Difficulty maintaining balance or frequent unsteadiness
- Tingling, burning, or pain in the feet
- Numbness that worsens with walking or standing
StrideCare Supports Patients with Foot Numbness
We all experience pain and numbness at times, especially in our feet. After all, we rely on our feet for everything. That said, far too many people do not investigate the root cause or take action from a medical perspective. The next thing they know, they are dealing with a chronic situation.
The first step is to visit your local podiatrist. With over 50 StrideCare clinic locations, finding an experienced, qualified podiatrist near you is easier than ever. A consultation with one of our podiatrists can determine the type, severity, and location of your foot and ankle pain issues.
Our podiatry team at StrideCare is committed to providing you with the most comprehensive foot care—including conservative and surgical treatment options. This is equally true for significant foot conditions all the way down to the tiniest of toes. Healthy, pain-free feet make all the difference in our lives, and it is our job to ensure you stay on your feet today, tomorrow, and moving forward.
Please contact us at 866-552-4866 or complete the appointment form to schedule a consultation. At StrideCare, we are here to help, all while providing compassionate patient care.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Before starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.
StrideCare serves South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia communities: Charleston, Orangeburg, Mount Pleasant, Murrells Inlet, Summerville, Walterboro, West Ashley, Addison, Allen, Anna, Arlington, Austin, Carrollton, Celina, Clear Lake, Craig Ranch, Dallas, Euless, Flower Mound, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Houston, Irving, Katy, Kaufman, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, including Midland, North Dallas, Odessa, Paris, Pecos, Plano, Prosper, Rockwall, Round Rock, Rowlett, Royce City, San Antonio, Sherman, South Dallas, Southlake, Stone Oak, Sugar Land, Sulphur Springs, The Woodlands, Waxahachie, Webster, Petersburg, Tappahannock, Richmond, Colonial Heights, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, Henrico, and more.
*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.