Problems in the proper functioning of the blood vessels, arteries, and nerves that supply your feet and ankles are responsible for the majority of cases of foot numbness, and often the sensation is temporary. You notice this happening when you get up after sitting in one place for a long time and you think that your foot “fell asleep”, but as soon as you start moving around your foot “wakes up.” In cases of systemic disease like diabetes, the numbness is often progressive and permanent so you have taken extra special care of your feet to avoid major problems down the road.

Losing feeling in your feet can come from a variety of causes including the following:

• Shoes that are too tight—Wearing shoes that are too tight can decrease blood flow and compress nerves in the feet causing the sensation of numbness.
• Sitting or standing in one place for long periods of time—Be sure to get up and move around occasionally during long bus or plane rides to avoid circulation and nerve problems that can cause you to lose sensation in your feet.
• Injury—If you injure your foot in an accident or while playing sports the swelling and other damage can cause numbness.
• Flat feet complications—People who have poorly supported arches often have nerve issues in their feet that can cause numbness and tingling.
• Foot neuroma—This is a nerve constriction caused by abnormal tissue growth that can cause numbness, pain, and tingling in the affected foot.

If the sense of feeling in your feet is declining, see your foot doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment. Call Syracuse Podiatry located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Kathleen Pyatak-Hugar, and Dr. Donal M. Erickson and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.