Questions that naturally arise are: When should numbness be considered harmless, and in which cases should you seek the help of a healthcare professional?
The cause for numbness is often entirely benign. Prolonged standing or improper posture, for example, can cause numbness in the legs and feet. However, it's important to know that chronic and long-lasting numbness in the legs and feet almost always indicates certain more serious medical conditions.
If you experience numbness symptoms that are not related to your postural habits or the lifestyle you lead, if the numbness is accompanied by any changes in the colour, shape, and temperature of the legs and feet, or if you have associated chronic symptoms, this is a problem that should not be ignored, and you need the assistance of a healthcare professional to address it.
Treating numbness issues in the Fizionova Center
In case you suspect or have a confirmed diagnosis related to spinal problems, our team can help. The Fizionova team includes therapists, kinesiologists, physiotherapists, and practitioners. We offer all types of specialized examinations and treatments that are tailored to each patient individually. Our goal is for each patient to leave our centre with their problem solved through specialized but non-invasive therapy. In the Fizionova Center, you can receive all recommendations and treatments, ranging from prevention, laser, magnetic, and electrotherapy to exercises and therapeutic massages. Additionally, in the treatment of this issue, we also apply the most advanced focused FSWT therapy.
Before coming for a consultation, it's important to have answers to a few questions so that our therapists can determine your diagnosis as quickly and accurately as possible. Consider the following: first, when the numbness occurs, does it intensify during movement or during prolonged sitting and standing? Next, identify the region where numbness most commonly occurs so you can accurately pinpoint it. Also, consider whether numbness often occurs at night, during rest, or is it associated with various activities.
Based on your description and ultimate tests, we will first ensure to identify the cause that led to numbness issues and then propose a treatment and prevention plan for your specific case. The treatment plan usually involves our specialized protocols depending on the exact cause that led to the symptoms that brought the patient to us.
For the most successful treatment, it's important to recognize the problem in a timely manner and start therapy before more serious deteriorations occur, while the disease is still in the acute phase. Then treatment is carried out quickly and most effectively.
Call us and schedule your examination today: 011/21 00 588.
Causes of Numbness in the Legs and Feet Associated with Spinal Injuries and Disc Issues
In the case of numbness in the buttocks, the back of the thigh, or numbness in the calf area, the cause may be disc issues at the L5-S1 vertebrae level.
If the numbness is on the outer side of the thigh, the outer side of the shin, and/or in the ankle area, the cause may be disc issues at the L5-S1 vertebrae level.
Numbness in the front of the thigh, groin, all the way down to the knee is linked to disc issues between L1 and L4 vertebrae.
In cases of injuries to the trunk, spine, hips, legs, ankles, and feet, nerve compression may occur, leading to potential numbness in the legs and feet.
Is numbness in the feet dangerous?
Feet endure a significant load due to the body's weight, often leading to symptoms like fatigue and numbness that usually subside after a short rest. However, if the condition recurs even during periods of rest, numbness in the feet may be an indicator of an underlying issue or a more serious medical condition that requires treatment.
Numbness in the Feet - Causes and Symptoms Indicating an Underlying Condition
When numbness in the feet recurs, it's essential to carefully monitor the causes and symptoms to determine the exact reason for the issue and respond effectively to address the root of the condition.
Causes of Numbness in the Feet
The primary cause of numbness in the feet should be sought among musculoskeletal issues and neurological conditions.
Individuals with disc herniations, spinal injuries, nerve impingements, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, as well as problems with the pelvis, hips, legs, ankles, and thyroid can experience numbness in their feet. These conditions often manifest as nerve compression and numbness in the feet.
The cause can also be found in various conditions that damage the cardiovascular system, resulting in poor blood circulation, which can lead to intermittent numbness. Heart and blood vessel diseases, diabetes, and kidney failure can produce symptoms such as occasional numbness, emphasizing the importance of identifying complex factors affecting different parts of the body.
Possible Symptoms of Foot Numbness
When dealing with numbness in the feet, it's crucial to associate the causes and symptoms accurately to identify the issue properly. Symptoms can vary from mild numbness to complete loss of sensation in the feet. Additionally, tingling, burning, and numbness can occur, especially after prolonged leg strain.
However, if symptoms persist or if you have underlying conditions, it's best to consult a doctor to assess your health.
Numbness in the Feet - Treatment
The primary goal is to treat the underlying cause of the symptoms. Additionally, addressing foot numbness can help alleviate discomfort and rectify the problem.
Losing excess weight can be an excellent way to maintain musculoskeletal health while also allowing your feet and legs to rest. Cold compresses and massages can reduce swelling and promote circulation. Depending on the primary source of the problem, a physician may prescribe medications, physical therapy, or, in advanced cases, surgery. If foot numbness is present, treatment is usually a combination of approaches, with the ultimate goal of alleviating the underlying cause.
Your body sends signals every day to warn you about your health. If you experience recurring foot numbness, seek a doctor's help to rule out serious conditions and states. Take care of yourself in a timely manner!
Other Causes
Other potential causes associated with numbness in the feet and legs include:
Posture
Certain postural habits that put pressure on nerves or reduce blood flow to the lower limbs are the most common cause of temporary numbness in the feet and legs. The medical term for this condition is temporary paresthesia. Certain positions, such as prolonged sitting or kneeling or wearing tight clothing and footwear, can also induce numbness.
Diabetes
Individuals with diabetes may experience numbness symptoms, particularly in cases where diabetes leads to nerve damage. The medical term for this is diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet and legs.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral arterial disease involves the narrowing of peripheral arteries in the legs, arms, and abdomen. This narrowing results in reduced blood circulation, leading to numbness in the affected areas.
Tumors
Depending on their location, some tumours can exert pressure on nerves, resulting in numbness as a symptom.
Additional Tips for Numbness in the Legs
There are several ways to prevent numbness in the legs that you can apply at home:
Rest
Ensure you get enough rest: Rest is essential for the normal functioning of the body and for improving many conditions associated with numbness in the legs and feet. Adequate sleep is also crucial because chronic sleep deprivation can lead to various problems that may result in numbness in the legs and feet.
Cold Compress
Use cold compresses: Cold compresses are an excellent way to reduce swelling, which can be a cause of nerve compression. Treating the affected area with cold compresses for 15 minutes a few times a day can help reduce swelling, along with the symptoms of numbness.
Apply Warmth
Heat can be useful in cases of stiff, painful, and tense muscles, which can cause numbness in the legs due to pressure on certain nerves. However, it's essential to know that numb feet and legs should not be overheated, as inflammation can worsen during inflammation, leading to numbness.
Massage
When massaging numb legs and feet, blood circulation in that area improves, which can relieve numbness symptoms. It's important that the massage is gentle and not aggressive to avoid putting additional pressure on the nerves.
Exercise
Movement is one of the best ways to maintain good circulation. In the case of chronic inflammation, numbness, and pain in the legs, especially when there are other diagnoses related to reduced leg mobility, swimming and yoga are recommended.
Balanced Diet
Proper nutrition with sufficient vitamins and nutrients can help alleviate chronic inflammation and pain that leads to numbness. On the other hand, poor nutrition and chronic deficiencies in specific vitamins and minerals in the body, especially a lack of vitamin B, can lead to nerve damage resulting in numbness and tingling. Ensure you have a balanced and varied diet, and your doctor may recommend additional vitamin B supplementation in case of a suspected deficiency.
Is numbness in the toes an indicator of a more serious illness?
Everyone has encountered paresthesia in their extremities, a phenomenon characterized by tingling that can be uncomfortable but often passes after a certain amount of time. The condition is not dangerous if it happens sporadically due to physical strain, but it can also indicate a more serious medical condition that requires treatment.
Numbness in the Toes - Possible Causes
To determine whether numbness in the toes is serious or not, a doctor will conduct a thorough examination, starting with a description of the symptoms and the situations in which numbness occurs. Problems with the spine and nerve impingement are among the possible causes, so if there is back pain, ossification, disc problems, numbness may spread along the leg to the toes.
Injuries to the hips, legs, leg joints, or ankles can also cause numbness in the toes, so physiatrists are essential to perform a comprehensive examination and evaluation.
Tumours and vascular diseases can create the same problem in different ways: a tumour may compress a nerve, while vascular diseases simply reduce blood flow to the lower extremities, initially manifesting as numbness in the toes.
What Is the Treatment?
If a doctor determines that an underlying condition is causing numbness in the toes, treatment is based on addressing the primary source of the issue. Improving your overall health will alleviate these symptoms as your health improves. In addition to treating the root cause of the symptoms, rest your feet, elevate them, and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling and relax the muscles. Foot and leg massages are also recommended as they can improve blood circulation. Depending on the primary source of the problem, your physician may prescribe medications, physical therapy, or surgery in advanced cases. When numbness in the toes is present, treatment typically involves a combination of approaches, all aimed at addressing the underlying cause.
If you experience recurring numbness in your feet or toes, consult with a physician to rule out any serious medical conditions and seek prompt medical attention to take care of yourself in a timely manner.
SCHEDULE A PHYSIATRIST'S EXAMINATION
Dr Jelena Kluz-Đurđević, a specialist in physical medicine
After a conversation with the patient, Dr. Jelena will conduct an examination to obtain a more comprehensive view of your health status, helping to determine whether it's an injury or a diagnosis.
The examination lasts for 30 minutes and includes:
Schedule a specialist examination by calling 011 2100 588 for the cost of 4,000 RSD.