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What Causes Numbness In Feet?

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Posted on Thu, 10 Mar 2016
Question: My feet are numb
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Possible peripheral neuropathy

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I am sorry about this symptoms you are feeling.

It might have been useful to have some more info, such as when did the symptoms start, are they symmetrical in both feet, whether you have any other condition, whether you take any medication.

The most likely cause of feet numbness is peripheral neuropathy, meaning damage to the peripheral nerves. It is common for this to manifest its symptoms in the feet, from the soles gradually upwards. Now damage to the nerves can have many many different causes. The most common ones are diabetes, alcohol consumption, nutritional deficiencies, some medications or exposure to toxic substances, some hormonal imbalances etc.

First step would be to confirm it is indeed a peripheral neuropathy. For that a neurological exam by your physician is needed for signs like diminished reflexes, as well as to exclude other possibilities like issues with blood vessels. If exam supports the diagnosis a test called nerve conduction studies is needed to confirm it.
Once diagnosis is made it must be searched for the cause. Often it is evident, diabetes, alcohol abuse history, drug or toxin exposure. But if that is not the case more tests are needed, like blood count, blood glucose and HbA1C, electrolyte panel, creatine kinase, vitamin B12, thyroid function, liver and kidney function tests, testing for some infectious diseases like lyme or HIV, testing for rheumatological conditions. According to results other tests for rarer causes might be needed as well. Frustratingly in around 25% of cases no cause can be identified.
Treatment first and foremost consists in addressing the cause, as well as symptomatic treatment with medication like gabapentin when necessary.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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What Causes Numbness In Feet?

Brief Answer: Possible peripheral neuropathy Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I am sorry about this symptoms you are feeling. It might have been useful to have some more info, such as when did the symptoms start, are they symmetrical in both feet, whether you have any other condition, whether you take any medication. The most likely cause of feet numbness is peripheral neuropathy, meaning damage to the peripheral nerves. It is common for this to manifest its symptoms in the feet, from the soles gradually upwards. Now damage to the nerves can have many many different causes. The most common ones are diabetes, alcohol consumption, nutritional deficiencies, some medications or exposure to toxic substances, some hormonal imbalances etc. First step would be to confirm it is indeed a peripheral neuropathy. For that a neurological exam by your physician is needed for signs like diminished reflexes, as well as to exclude other possibilities like issues with blood vessels. If exam supports the diagnosis a test called nerve conduction studies is needed to confirm it. Once diagnosis is made it must be searched for the cause. Often it is evident, diabetes, alcohol abuse history, drug or toxin exposure. But if that is not the case more tests are needed, like blood count, blood glucose and HbA1C, electrolyte panel, creatine kinase, vitamin B12, thyroid function, liver and kidney function tests, testing for some infectious diseases like lyme or HIV, testing for rheumatological conditions. According to results other tests for rarer causes might be needed as well. Frustratingly in around 25% of cases no cause can be identified. Treatment first and foremost consists in addressing the cause, as well as symptomatic treatment with medication like gabapentin when necessary. I remain at your disposal for other questions.