Let's take care of everything from numbness in the soles of the feet to tingling in the soles of the left feet.

Numbness in the soles of the feet It is a symptom that anyone can experience at least once, but if it is repeated or lasts long enough to interfere with daily life, it may be a sign of a nervous system disorder or a specific disease rather than simple fatigue.

 

In particular, if you feel numbness only on the left or right side or tingling all the way to the toes, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are very important depending on the cause.

 

In this article, we will comprehensively cover everything from the causes of numbness in the soles of the feet to diagnosis, treatment, and preventative care.

 

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✅Causes of numbness in the soles of the feet

 

1. Peripheral Neuropathy

This symptom arises from damage to the peripheral nerves, with diabetic neuropathy being a prime example. Persistent high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, resulting in symptoms such as numbness, burning, and pain in the soles of the feet.

 

- Diabetes
- Renal failure
- Vitamin deficiency (especially B12)
- Alcohol abuse
- Side effects of certain medications (such as anticancer drugs)

 

 

2. Nerve compression disease

 

- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

This is a disease that occurs when the plantar nerve on the inside of the ankle is compressed, causing numbness, pain, and sensory abnormalities in the sole of the foot.

 

- Morton's Neuroma

The nerves between the toes become abnormally thickened, causing numbness and burning pain, mainly between the third and fourth toes.

 

3. Lumbar Radiculopathy

This occurs when the lumbar nerve roots are compressed due to conditions such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, causing numbness that extends to the soles of the feet. It is usually characterized by back pain and radiating pain.

 

4. Blood circulation problems

Numbness may occur due to insufficient blood flow to the legs.

 

Representative diseases:

- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
- Varicose veins
- Compression of the sciatic nerve, etc.

 

5. Other systemic diseases

- Hypothyroidism
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis
- Psychological stress and anxiety disorders

 

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✅How to diagnose numbness in the soles of your feet

 

1. Medical history taking and physical examination

- Check the time of symptom onset, pattern, location, and accompanying symptoms.
- Evaluation of decreased sensation in the soles of the feet, weakened muscle strength, and abnormal reflexes

 

2. Blood test

- Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood sugar
- Vitamin B12, thyroid function, kidney function, etc.

 

3. Video inspection

- Lumbar MRI: Check for disc herniation, stenosis, etc.
- Foot X-ray: Check for bone structure abnormalities

 

4. Electrophysiological examination

- Nerve conduction study (NCS)
- Electromyography (EMG): Determine the location and extent of nerve damage

 

 

✅Treatment for numbness in the soles of the feet

 

1. Drug treatment

- Diabetic neuropathy: Use of gabapentin, pregabalin, antidepressants, etc.
- Pain management: painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, local anesthetic ointments, etc.

 

2. Physical therapy and manual therapy

- Nerve stretching, myofascial release
- Electrical stimulation therapy (TENS)

 

3. Use of orthodontic and assistive devices

- Arch support insole
- Use functional insoles when accompanied by plantar fasciitis

 

4. Treatment of the cause

- Blood sugar control, vitamin supplementation
- Nerve compression surgery (plantar nerve decompression, etc.) is performed in cases where there is no response to conservative treatment.

 

 

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✅Prevention and self-care for numbness in the soles of the feet

 

1. Regular stretching

- Calf, ankle, and sole muscle relaxation exercises
- Recommended plantar fascia stretching

 

 

2. Wear comfortable shoes

- Wear shoes with a wide toe box and arch support.
- Avoid high heels, pointy shoes, and old sneakers.

 

3. Management of underlying diseases

- Control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
- Vitamin B group intake

 

4. Regular exercise and weight control

- Low-intensity aerobic exercise such as swimming, cycling, and walking is recommended.
- Reduce sedentary lifestyle

 

 

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✅Conclusion

Numbness in the soles of your feet can be a simple sign of fatigue or a circulatory problem, but it can also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as nerve damage, spinal problems, or metabolic disorders.

 

If symptoms recur or worsen, be sure to Neurology or Rehabilitation Medicine It is important to see a specialist to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment.

 

Even if you respond well in the early stages, you can prevent chronic pain and nerve damage, so we recommend that you do not ignore it and accurately identify and manage it.

 

 

 

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