Numb feet may be a symptom of a deeper problem or it may simply indicate the need for a straight-forward remedy. Before worrying about the illnesses associated with numb feet, consider what might be causing it. Are you wearing the wrong type of shoes, do they fit correctly? If you are standing or walking on hard surfaces you might need alittle cushion in the shoes? Start by eliminating these factors. Buy better fitting shoes with ample support. Can you avoid standing for long periods of time and walking on hard surfaces? Elevate your feet as often as possible and relax. The more you can do for yourself, the more you can improve your feet.
But are you waking up with numb feet, or do you periodically feel loss of sensation in the feet or one foot during the day, if so there could be an underlining problem? Did you play a lot of sports when you were young? Or are you playing a lot of sports now? Was there some incidence in the past or past like an auto accident or a slip and fall? The incident could have happen yesterday or years ago? The numbness could be coming from a disk in your low back. The disk could have shifted yesterday or years ago and a small microtrauma like stumbling or even sneezing can inflame this region. The disks in your low back supply (sensory) sensation, and (motor) muscle control to your lower thighs and legs? If you are feeling these sensations, you should consult a chiropractor because they are experienced with these problems. An examination will be performed which includes neurological tests and x-rays taken if clinically necessary. After the evaluation the chiropractor will decide the type care, chiropractic adjustments, and therapy. If the numbness continues you could then possibly be referred for further diagnostic tests such as an MRI.
There could also be a fracture? You then would consider an orthopedist or a podiatrist. If you have ever broken your foot in the past you could have altered your normal nerve patterns in your foot. This would be indicated with numbness in one foot rather than in both feet.
There is also another consideration where you may need a doctor or specialist that specializes in Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This specialist could help with the diagnosis. Patients with these diseases can often wake in the morning with tingling or numbness of the feet and of the hands. But you could still benefit from chiropractic because it is a preventative care and effects all systems of the body.
It is well-known that diabetes affects limbs including the feet. If you know you have diabetes or they run in your family, you should report your numb feet to your doctor immediately. they will perform a blood test to rule this out. It could be the sign of growing complications from diabetes. Numb feet are also reported in some kidney disease cases. This may or may not be related to diabetes as well.
Numbness in feet could also reflect a neurological disease that is attacking not only your feet but other organs. Numb feet can indicate multiple sclerosis or Lyme disease.
