A Complete Guide to Understanding and Treating Numbness in the Heels

Understanding Numbness in the Heels

Having numb heels can be an unsettling sensation. You go to stand up and realize you can barely feel your feet touching the ground. Or maybe you've been standing for a while and suddenly feel pins and needles in your heels. This numb, tingly, painful, or weak feeling in the heels is medically known as paresthesia. It happens when the nerves supplying sensation to your heels become compressed or damaged in some way. While numb heels may feel alarming, in many cases the cause is benign. However, persistent or worsening numbness should always be evaluated by a doctor. This article explores the wide range of potential causes, when to see a doctor, and how to find relief if heel numbness is impacting your daily life.

What Causes Numbness in the Heels?

There are a variety of reasons why someone might experience numb heels, including:

• Sitting cross-legged or kneeling for long periods can compress the peroneal nerve as it runs around the fibula, leading to numbness in the heel or outer foot.
• Wearing shoes that are too tight can squeeze the foot, irritating nerves and causing temporary numbness.
• Injury or trauma like an ankle sprain can damage nerves and lead to heel numbness.
• Medical conditions like diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or autoimmune disorders can cause nerve damage in the feet.
• A pinched nerve in the back from conditions like a herniated disc or sciatica can radiate pain and numbness into the heels.
• Blood clots, varicose veins, or poor circulation reduces blood flow to the heels and causes numbness.
• Deficiencies in B vitamins, iron, or magnesium due to poor diet can contribute to nerve problems.
• Excess alcohol consumption is toxic to nerves and may lead to odd sensations in the feet.
• Some chemotherapy drugs can damage peripheral nerves.
• Multiple sclerosis damages the myelin sheath around nerves, which can cause numbness in the extremities like the feet.

When to See a Doctor

In many cases, mild or temporary numbness in the heels is not a major concern. It may resolve on its own or can be alleviated by simple lifestyle adjustments like wearing looser or more supportive shoes, taking regular movement breaks, exercising to improve circulation, or massaging the feet. However, it's important to consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Numbness that persists for more than 1-2 weeks without improvement
• Inability to feel your heels when standing or walking
• Pain, burning, pins and needles, or hypersensitivity in the heels
• Numbness accompanied by color changes, swelling, coolness, or sores on the heels or feet
• Weakness in the feet or legs
• Loss of balance, falling, or difficulty walking due to numb heels
• Spreading numbness that starts in the heels and moves up into the legs or hands
• Bowel or bladder problems accompanying heel numbness

These types of symptoms may indicate an underlying medical issue that requires further evaluation and treatment. Prompt medical care can be crucial for conditions like diabetes, blood clots, or nerve compression that can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Medical Evaluation

To diagnose the cause of heel numbness, doctors will typically:

• Ask about medical history, including any previous injuries, trauma, or relevant diseases.
• Perform a physical exam of the legs, heels, and feet to check for signs of poor circulation, nerve damage, or abnormalities.
• Order blood tests to look for vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, rheumatoid disorders, or other medical conditions.
• Use imaging tests like x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to get a detailed view of the heels, ankles, back, or nerves.
• Conduct nerve conduction studies to measure how well nerves are functioning.
• Refer to specialists like neurologists, endocrinologists, or orthopedists for additional targeted testing.

Based on the exam findings and test results, doctors can identify any underlying medical problems and provide appropriate treatment options.

Common Causes and Treatments

Here are some of the most common reasons for numb heels and how they are typically treated:

Diabetic Neuropathy

High blood sugar levels in diabetes can damage peripheral nerves over time. This often first causes tingling, numbness, or pain in the feet that may spread up the legs. Treatment involves keeping blood sugar tightly controlled with insulin, oral medications, and diet. Medications to alleviate nerve pain like gabapentin or lidocaine creams may also help.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Low levels of vitamins B1, B5, B6, B12, folate, and E or minerals like iron and magnesium are linked to nerve problems. Doctors may recommend taking supplements, improving diet, or getting IV infusions to correct deficiencies. Nutritional supplements may help reduce numbness.

Sciatica

A pinched sciatic nerve from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis can cause numbness to radiate down the legs to the heels and feet. Treatments like physical therapy, steroid injections, chiropractic adjustments, and surgery may help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Plaque buildup narrowing arteries reduces blood flow to the lower extremities, depriving nerves of oxygen. Stopping smoking, medications to improve circulation, or procedures like angioplasty can open blocked blood vessels and help resolve numbness.

Chemotherapy Side Effects

Certain chemotherapy medications are toxic to nerves, which can cause numbness, tingling, and pain. Switching medications, lowering doses, or taking nerve pain medications like duloxetine or pregabalin may alleviate side effects.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

While waiting to identify the cause or in conjunction with medical treatment, several home remedies may temporarily reduce numb heel discomfort:

• Massaging feet stimulates circulation and nerve activity.
• Using heating pads or warm soaks boosts blood flow to numb areas.
• Wearing loose, padded shoes reduces pressure on feet.
• Doing gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or stretching improves mobility.
• Taking B vitamin supplements provides nerve support.
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol enhances nerve function.
• Practicing stress management techniques reduces nerve aggravation.

Making healthy lifestyle changes like maintaining a normal weight, eating a balanced diet, staying active, and adequately controlling conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can also benefit numb heels in some cases.

When Should You Be Concerned About Numb Heels?

Occasional, temporary numbness in the heels, especially after prolonged standing, exercise, or wearing uncomfortable shoes is usually not worrisome on its own. However, consistent or worsening heel numbness or numbness spreading up the legs should be evaluated promptly, as it may indicate an underlying condition requiring medical treatment.

Seek emergency care for sudden numbness accompanied by paralysis, loss of bowel or bladder control, falling, or difficulty walking, as these may be signs of a stroke or neurological emergency requiring rapid intervention.

Home Remedies Provide Short-Term Relief

While waiting for a medical diagnosis, simple home remedies like foot massages, heating pads, exercise, and supplements may temporarily reduce mild heel numbness and discomfort. But these do not treat the root cause.

Diabetes and Nerve Damage Are Common Culprits

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common causes of heel numbness. Other types of nerve damage, nutritional deficiencies, injuries, pinched nerves, reduced circulation, or autoimmune disorders can also be to blame.

Prompt Medical Attention is Crucial

If heel numbness persists, spreads, or impairs walking, seek immediate medical care. Early intervention for conditions like diabetes, blood clots, or nerve compression is vital to prevent complications of untreated numb heels.

What Diseases Cause Numb Heels?

There are a number of different medical conditions that can potentially contribute to numbness in the heels, including:

Diabetes

One of the most common causes of numb heels and feet is diabetes. Over time, elevated blood sugar from diabetes can damage the peripheral nerves supplying the legs and feet, causing tingling, burning, pins and needles, or numbness. This is known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Keeping blood sugar tightly controlled can help minimize nerve damage.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Deficiencies in certain B vitamins (B1, B5, B6, B12, folate) or minerals like iron and magnesium are linked to nerve dysfunction and sensations of numbness or tingling in the extremities. Doctors may recommend supplements, dietary changes, or IV treatment to correct deficiencies.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Narrowed arteries restrict blood flow to the lower body, depriving peripheral nerves of oxygen and nutrients. This can manifest as intermittent numbness or pain, typically with exercise. Quitting smoking and medications to improve circulation help treat PAD.

Hypothyroidism

An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) slows metabolism, which can impair nerve function and sensation. Thyroid hormone replacement medication helps restore levels to normal.

Chemotherapy

Certain chemotherapy medications are directly toxic to peripheral nerves. This can sometimes cause numbness or tingling in the hands and feet as a side effect. Switching drugs or lowering doses may help.

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis cause inflammation that can damage nerves and provoke numbness in the extremities. Immunosuppressive medications, steroids, or lifestyle changes help treat these conditions.

When to Seek Emergency Treatment for Numb Heels

In most cases, numbness isolated to the heels is not an emergency. However, there are certain symptoms that require prompt medical attention or even emergency care, including:

• Sudden onset numbness - This may indicate a stroke, blood clot, or other urgent neurovascular condition.
• Numbness spreading up the legs - Can signify a serious nerve compression or neuropathy requiring rapid diagnosis.
• Weakness or inability to move the feet - Signals potential nerve damage needing immediate evaluation.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control - Suggests spinal cord or nerve root compression requiring emergency spine imaging and treatment.
• Falling or difficulty walking due to numb heels - Imbalance or impaired mobility may result from a neurological emergency or spinal cord lesion.

Seek emergency medical care if numb heels are accompanied by any of the above red flag symptoms. Call 911 or have someone drive you to the closest emergency room for rapid assistance and to rule out life-threatening conditions requiring immediate treatment.

Tips for Finding Relief from Numb Heels at Home

Here are some tips to help gain temporary relief from numb or uncomfortable heels while waiting for a diagnosis or medical treatment:

Massage Feet and Legs

Gentle foot and lower leg massage can help stimulate circulation, increase nerve activity, and reduce numbness. Use kneading, stroking, and circular motions. You can massage yourself or have a loved one help.

Try Heating Pads or Warm Baths

Applying heating pads or soaking heels in warm water helps expand blood vessels, improving circulation to numb areas. This provides soothing, temporary relief in many cases.

Wear Supportive, Well-Fitted Shoes

Choose shoes with padded soles and decent arch support. Make sure they are roomy enough to avoid squeezing or irritating feet. Proper footwear reduces pressure on heels and nerves.

Exercise Regularly

Light cardiovascular exercise like walking, swimming, or stationary cycling maintains mobility and stimulates blood flow to the lower limbs and feet, providing healing benefits.

Take Nerve-Supporting Supplements

Vitamin B complex, magnesium, alpha lipoic acid, and other supplements support nerve health and may reduce neuropathic symptoms like numbness.

While home remedies can temporarily alleviate discomfort, it's still vital to see a doctor to determine the cause of persistent heel numbness and get appropriate treatment when needed.

When to See a Doctor for Numb Heels

It's normal to have some mild, temporary numbness in the heels after activities like standing for long periods or working out. However, you should make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Numbness lasting more than 1-2 weeks
• Difficulty feeling your heels when walking
• Tingling, burning, pins and needles, or hypersensitivity
• Weakness in the ankles or feet
• Loss of balance or falling
• Numbness spreading up the legs
• Color changes, sores, coolness, or swelling in the feet

Persistent or worsening numb heels should always be evaluated, as they may result from an underlying condition requiring medical treatment. Early diagnosis and management of disorders like diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, blood clots, or nerve damage can help prevent severe complications and permanent disability.

Your Doctor Can Identify the Cause

Based on your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will examine your legs and feet and order appropriate diagnostic tests to pinpoint the reason for your numb heels. Finding and addressing the root problem is key.

Early Treatment Can Improve Outcomes

Getting a prompt diagnosis enables early treatment for conditions like diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, infections, or nerve compression syndromes. This can halt disease progression, minimize nerve damage, and maintain mobility.

Don't Delay Medical Evaluation

While home remedies may temporarily alleviate discomfort from numb heels, they don't fix the underlying problem. See your doctor without delay if numbness persists or impacts your balance, strength, or activity levels.

Catching heel numbness early often leads to better health outcomes in the long run. So don't wait it out - consult a doctor if symptoms don't improve or get worse. With proper treatment, you can get back to normal sensation and function.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.