Why Do Feet Become Numb?
Most everyone has, at one point or another, felt that pins-and-needles sensation when their foot falls asleep. Why does that happen? It is generally a temporary result of pressure being put on the foot's nerve, and unless it is prolonged, is not a cause for concern. The condition can be relieved by allowing the nerve to regain its proper function, and, if necessary, can be treated medically.
Facts
When feet become numb, it can be considered a temporary neuropathy, or damage to a nerve. The foot falls asleep when pressure is put on the nerve. Pressure interferes with the blood supply and sets off a abnormal sensation of pins and needles, also know as paresthesia.
Types
Paresthesia can be transient or chronic. Transient paresthesia results from pressure exerted on a limb's nerve, but can also be a symptom of hyperventilation or a panic attack. Chronic paresthesia can result from poor circulation, neuropathy or many other conditions, including fibromyalgia, hypoglycemia, lyme disease infection, menopause, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, vitamin B deficiency and whiplash.
Causes
Dr. Robert Daroff, a neurology professor at Case Western Reserve University, says two things can actually happen when pressure is put on part of the leg or other limb: Arteries can be compressed, so that they are unable to supply tissues and nerve cells their nutrients, or nerve pathways can become blocked, preventing them from transmitting normal impulses to the brain. If the nerves aren't functioning properly, they stop firing. Other nerves may start firing, leading to mixed impulses to the brain. There, it is interpreted as prickling, tingling or numbness.
Effects
Relieving the pressure of the feet, by moving around, will restore the nerve's blood supply. The nerve will then function normally and the pins-and-needles sensation will stop. Usually there will be no nerve damage. But if the nerves are compressed for many hours, permanent damage can occur, Daroff says.
Prevention/Solution
Treatment for paresthesia is done by a neurologist. A CT scan may be used to diagnose the problem and if it caused by a disorder, the disorder is treated. Other treatment options may be medication and loosening up the muscles. When temporary pressure is the cause, symptoms can be relieved by resting, avoiding putting pressure on the nerve, putting heat on the area or taking NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, to reduce inflammation in the affected area.
Tags: Become Numb, blood supply, falls asleep, Feet Become, foot falls, foot falls asleep