Numbness in the heel can be a debilitating condition that can interfere with daily activities such as walking, standing, and even sleeping. The heel is a crucial part of the foot and is responsible for supporting the weight of the body. When it becomes numb, it can lead to a loss of balance and increase the risk of falls. In this article, we will explore the common causes of numbness in the heel, as well as the treatments available.

Causes of Numbness in the Heel

Nerve Damage

One of the primary causes of numbness in the heel is nerve damage. This can occur due to a variety of factors, including injury, compression, or inflammation of the nerves. Nerve damage can be temporary or permanent, and it can affect people of all ages.

Poor Circulation

Poor circulation can also cause numbness in the heel. This is because the nerves and blood vessels in the feet rely on proper circulation to function correctly. Poor circulation can be caused by a variety of factors, including diabetes, smoking, and heart disease.

Wearing Improper Footwear

Wearing shoes that are too tight or do not provide proper support can cause numbness in the heel. This is because the shoes can compress the nerves and blood vessels in the feet, leading to reduced circulation and nerve damage.

Symptoms of Numbness in the Heel

The symptoms of numbness in the heel can vary depending on the cause. Some common symptoms include:

• • A tingling sensation in the heel
  • Numbness or loss of feeling in the heel
  • Pain or discomfort in the heel
  • Weakness in the foot or ankle

Treatment Options for Numbness in the Heel

The treatment for numbness in the heel will depend on the cause. Here are some ways of how to treat heel numbness:

Managing Underlying Medical Conditions

If poor circulation or nerve damage is the cause of the numbness, it is important to manage any underlying medical conditions. This may involve lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or managing diabetes, or medication to help improve circulation or reduce inflammation.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be helpful in treating numbness in the heel. A physical therapist can help you develop exercises and stretches that can help improve circulation and strengthen the muscles in your feet.

Wearing Proper Footwear

Wearing shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support can help reduce pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in your feet. This can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of nerve damage.

Numbness in the heel can be a very uncomfortable condition, but it is often treatable. By understanding the causes and symptoms of numbness in the heel, you can take steps to manage the condition and prevent it from becoming more severe. If you are experiencing numbness in your heel, it is important to talk to your Houston foot doctor at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes numbness in the heel?

Numbness in the heel can be caused by nerve compression or damage, such as from plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or a pinched sciatic nerve. Other causes include poor circulation, diabetes-related neuropathy, or prolonged pressure on the heel.

How do you treat numbness in the feet?

Treatment depends on the cause. Options include physical therapy, stretching exercises, addressing underlying conditions like diabetes, improving circulation, or reducing pressure on the affected area. Orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in some cases, surgery may also be recommended.

When should I worry about arm numbness?

You should worry if arm numbness occurs suddenly, is accompanied by weakness, chest pain, or confusion (which may indicate a stroke or heart issue), or persists without improvement. Chronic numbness could signal nerve damage, a herniated disc, or other conditions requiring medical attention.

How do I get rid of numbness in my leg?

Temporary leg numbness may resolve by improving posture or moving to restore circulation. For persistent numbness, treat the underlying cause, such as managing conditions like diabetes or sciatica. Stretching, physical therapy, or medications for nerve pain may also help. Seek medical care if it worsens or persists.

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The peripheral nervous system is responsible for sending information to the central nervous system (spinal cord) and the brain. Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the peripheral nerves and nerves outside the brain. The cause of neuropathy can be because of infections, exposure to toxins, traumatic injuries, inherited causes, and metabolic problems. These cause pain, numbness, and weakness, especially in the feet and hands.

Cause of neuropathy

Different health conditions causing peripheral neuropathy include

• Diabetes patients are more likely to develop a kind of neuropathy.
• Autoimmune diseases such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, vasculitis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
• Inherited disorders such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth.
• Bacterial and viral infections including hepatitis B and C, Lyme disease, HIV, shingles, leprosy, Epstein-Barr virus, and diphtheria.
• Bone marrow disorders, a form of bone cancer, abnormal protein in the blood, the rare disease amyloidosis, and lymphoma.
• Connective tissue disorders, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and liver disease.
• Other causes of neuropathies include alcoholism, medications, trauma to the nerve, pressure on the nerve, exposure to poisons, and vitamins B and E deficiencies.

If you are dealing with a nerve pain in your legs, you may want to seek help from a foot specialist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our foot and ankle doctor, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet.

Diagnosing peripheral neuropathy

The doctor first conducts a full medical history, including your family history of neurological disease, drinking habits, lifestyle, and exposure to toxins. The doctor can then recommend a neurological examination to check your sensations, nerve pain in legs, tendon reflexes, muscle tone and strength, coordination, and posture.

Tests used for diagnosis include

• Imaging test- MRI or CT scans to check for abnormalities such as tumors and herniated disks.
• Blood tests that effectively detect diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and abnormal immune function.
• Nerve function tests – In this test, a thin needle is inserted into the muscles to record the electrical activity of the muscle.
• Skin biopsy where a small portion of the skin is tested for the reduction of nerve endings.
• Nerve biopsy involves removing a small portion of the nerve to check for nerve abnormalities through a sensory nerve.
• Other nerve function tests include an autonomic reflex screen which records how the nerve fibers work, a sweat test to determine the body’s sweating ability, and sensory test to record reactions to different senses such as heat, cooling, touch, and vibration.

Treatment for neuropathy in legs and feet

If you are experiencing burning feet because of neuropathy, it is very important to stop the nerve damage. Treatment of underlying diseases can improve the symptoms of neuropathy, but if not the doctor can focus on treating the symptoms. Some medications that can be administered to relieve symptoms include

Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to relieve mild symptoms, but for severe symptoms, the doctor can prescribe medications.

Anti-seizure medications: these are used to treat epilepsy and very handy in relieving nerve pain.

Topical treatments: this includes the use of capsaicin cream, which contains a substance found in hot pepper. It reduces irritation and burning skin when applied and the symptoms lessen over time. Other topical treatments include lidocaine patch applied to the skin for pain relief.

Antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline and doxepin relieve pain by interfering with the chemical processes spinal cord and brain. Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, duloxetine, serotonin, and venlafaxine are extended-release antidepressants that ease pain likely caused by diabetes.

Therapies

TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) – A gentle electric current is administered at varying frequencies on the skin. This should be about 30 minutes for about a month.

Plasma exchange and intravenous immune globulin –beneficial for people with inflammatory conditions because it suppresses the immune system activity. Plasma exchange, your blood is removed, and anti-bodies and proteins removed from it then returned to the body. In immune globulin therapy, the body receives immunoglobulins, which work as antibodies.

Physical therapy– This improves movements and aids can be used such as foot and hand braces, a walker, cane, among others.

Surgery– if the condition is due to pressure on nerves from tumors.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Houston, TX. Our Houston, TX office can handle all of your foot and ankle issues. We will provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for treating all foot neuropathy related issues.

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