Many women will sometimes experience a tingling or numb sensation in their feet. If this happens to you, you are not alone. However, it can still be a frustrating feeling. Read more to learn about why this happens and what you can do to stop tingling and numbness in feet.
Reasons for Tingling and Numbness in Feet
Hormonal cause
Although it is not widely known, tingling in feet can actually be a result of hormonal imbalance. When levels of estrogen in the body are too low, such as during menopause, several different activities in the body can be altered. Tingling in extremities, commonly experienced as tingling and numbness in feet, is a common side effect of these low levels of estrogen.
Other causes
Poor circulation
Tingling feet may also be caused by a lack of blood flow to the area. This can arise from a number of reasons. The most commonly experienced problem is when the feet and legs have been in one odd or raised position for too long - such as keeping legs crossed for long periods of time - causing them to fall asleep. Problems like poor circulation may be the cause behind a feeling of tingling or numbness. Finally, the underlying issue is lessened blood flow to the feet.
Pinched nerve
It is also possible for a pinched nerve, often in the neck or back, to have wide-reaching repercussions in the body and to cause numb feet. Because a network of nerves is responsible for communicating all of our physical sensations to the brain, an interruption along any part of the nerve network can interrupt feeling at any point in the body.
Many nerves are concentrated in the back and neck, because they travel up to the brain along with the spine, so it is common to experience nerve problems in that area that can cause tingling feet or other odd sensations in distant parts of the body. A nerve may also be pinched in another location, such as the leg, but it is less common.
Solutions for Tingling and Numbness in Feet
If the problem is a lack of blood flow, there are several remedies you can try before resorting to medical assistance.
- Lifestyle changes like getting more exercise and trying to eat healthier (i, e; add to your diet cabbage, cranberry, and onions) can actually improve your body's ability to pump blood.
- Alternative therapies. There are also a few natural remedies like massage and acupuncture that have been shown to improve blood flow. Also, herbal supplements like ginseng and hormone-regulating substances can compensate hormonal deficiency, the principal cause for tingling.
Quick Fact
Tingling and numbness in feet can be a sign of something very wrong.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty controlling bladder
- Paralysis or trouble walking
- Head or neck injury
- Slurred speech
- Vision problems
- Confusion
If the problem becomes severe, there are also medications that may be prescribed by a doctor. For a pinched nerve, a doctor should be consulted to ensure that no more damage occurs to the nerve. The most common recommendation for this condition is rest to prevent the nerve from becoming otherwise injured, but there may be physical therapy or other interventions that will help.
Tingling and numbness in feet is an annoying symptoms, but understanding the causes, and with these solutions for your numb and tingling feet, you should be able to find a way to stop the sensation. However, if you have pain as well, talk to your doctor to identify why should be the right treatment for you.
