Numb Feet? Potential Causes Beyond MS

Understanding Numbness in the Heel

Experiencing a numb heel can be alarming. But there are various potential causes for loss of sensation in this part of the foot.

Where Does Heel Numbness Occur?

Heel numbness refers to decreased or absent feeling affecting the thick, padded area at the back of the foot. More precisely, numbness occurs in the fat pad directly under the heel bone (calcaneus).

This sensation can span just the back portion or extend across the entire width of the heel. Numbness can be mild or severe enough to cause difficulty walking normally.

Common Symptoms Alongside Heel Numbness

Beyond loss of normal sensation, you may experience:

• Tingling or burning in the heel
• Sharp, shooting heel pain
• Difficulty balancing on the affected foot
• Pain radiating up the leg or into the arch
• Weakness or instability in the ankle or leg

What Causes a Numb Heel?

There are a variety of possible explanations for heel numbness, ranging from mild to severe underlying conditions.

Common Causes

Some frequent reasons people develop numbness in the heel include:

• Plantar Fasciitis - Inflammation of thick tissue along the bottom of the foot
• Fat Pad Atrophy - Loss of protective heel fat padding
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome - Compressed nerve in the ankle
• Baxters Neuropathy - Inflammation of a heel nerve
• Achilles Bursitis - Swelling of fluid sacs above the heel

Other Contributing Factors

Numb heels may also occur due to:

• Footwear with inadequate cushioning
• Obesity putting excess weight on heels
• Standing or walking for prolonged time periods
• Injuries like ankle sprains or heel fractures
• Poor circulation or nerve damage from diabetes

When to See a Doctor for Numb Heels

In some instances, it is crucial to promptly consult a podiatrist or orthopedic doctor about heel numbness, including if you have:

• Chronic unexplained numbness lasting over 2 weeks
• Sudden or severe onset of numbness
• Difficulty moving the foot normally
• Weakness in leg muscles near the heel
• Diabetes mellitus or peripheral arterial disease
• History of cancer, HIV or other concerning health conditions

Severe or progressive numb heels warrant imaging like x-rays, MRI scans and nerve conduction tests to check for ominous causes like:

• Herniated discs Pinched spinal nerves in the back
• Strokes Nerve damage from blocked blood vessels
• Multiple sclerosis Nervous system disorder
• Chemotherapy toxicity Nerve injury from cancer medications

Treatments for Numb Heels

Treatment plans focus on resolving the underlying condition causing loss of heel sensation. This may incorporate:

1. Medications

Drug options attempt to control inflammation and discomfort such as:

• NSAID pills like ibuprofen to relieve pain
• Steroid injections to reduce swelling pressing on nerves
• Muscle relaxants easing painful muscle contractions
• Topical creams with menthol providing cooling numb heels relief

2. Supportive Devices

Taking pressure off irritated nerves using pads, casts, or orthotics like:

• Heel cups or pads cushioning the heels
• Night splints maintaining a proper foot stretch overnight
• Casts or walking boots immobilizing and resting the feet

3. Physical Therapy

Stretching and strengthening exercises like:

• Calf and hamstring stretching increasing flexibility
• Arch and ankle strengthening providing stability
• Massage loosening tense heel muscles

4. Surgery

If conservative treatment fails, possible surgical procedures include:

• Nerve decompression surgery
• Removal of inflamed tissue or scar tissue
• Bone spur removal
• Nerve grafts restoring lost function

Preventing Future Numb Heel Issues

Following heel numbness treatment, you play a big role minimizing recurrence risk. Helpful prevention tips include:

• Wearing well-cushioned shoes with arch support
• Stretching calf muscles before exercise
• Losing excess weight burdening feet
• Using custom orthotics correcting any misaligned walking pattern
• Resting feet periodically if you stand for work

Staying aware of how shoes and activity impact your feet allows for modifications preventing future bouts of numb heels.

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.