That “TV static” feeling when your foot falls asleep is a common experience, but what causes it, and when should you worry? While occasional numbness and tingling are usually harmless, frequent or persistent episodes warrant the attention of trained podiatrists like ours at Your Next Step. Let’s explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and when it becomes a cause for concern.

The Science Behind Foot Numbness

What’s happening when you feel your feet “falling asleep” (technically called paresthesia)? Essentially, it results from the temporary compression of nerves.

Nerves transmit signals between your brain and the rest of your body, and when pressure is applied, it disrupts the signal flow. This initial disruption causes a loss of sensation, but as the pressure is relieved, the nerve wakes up. Therefore, the pins-and-needles sensation is actually those nerve signals returning.

Is Foot Numbness Harmless?

Most of the time, your feet fall asleep due to simple, temporary pressure. For most people, this happens when they sit or stand for too long, cross their legs, or wear tight shoes. In these cases, the numbness and tingling resolve quickly once the nerves stop compressing, such as when they sit back down, stand back up, or remove their shoes.

When To Call Your Doctor About Foot Numbness

Frequent or persistent numbness and tingling in your feet, especially if it’s not easily relieved or is accompanied by other symptoms, can indicate a more serious underlying issue.

You should head to your doctor if you have numbness that doesn’t go away quickly, pain, weakness, or changes in temperature in your foot, numbness that spreads up your leg, loss of balance, changes in skin color, or foot sores.

Foot Conditions That Cause Numbness and Tingling

Why? Because such symptoms may indicate several foot and ankle conditions, such as:

• Peripheral Neuropathy: This is nerve damage, often caused by diabetes, but also by other conditions like vitamin deficiencies, infections, and certain medications.
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: This occurs when the tibial nerve, which runs along the inside of your ankle, is compressed.
• Morton’s Neuroma: This involves a thickening of tissue around a nerve in the ball of the foot (often between the third and fourth toes).
• Nerve Entrapment: Nerves can be chronically compressed in various locations of the foot and ankle.
• Vascular Problems: Poor circulation can reduce blood flow to the feet.

As a patient, it’s not your responsibility to differentiate between harmless and potentially significant foot numbness and tingling. While this information provides a basic understanding, we urge you to consult a doctor or podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, and Dr. Cassandra Stache are happy to solve your foot and ankle problems. Book your appointment and contact us today!