Is the numbness in the balls of my feet coming from my back?
Nerves in the body are a complicated matter due to the fact that they can travel so extensively throughout so many different areas. Oftentimes, we initially assume that a loss of sensation felt in a specific location, such as the balls of the feet, automatically means that this is the origin of the problem. But with nerves, this is not always the case.
Causes of foot numbness
Although
foot numbness can be attributed to problems with the feet, they can
also come from other areas such as the back, legs or hips. A nerve
impingement in the lower back is a common cause of foot discomfort or a
loss of sensation. Peripheral neuropathy is a good example of this.
Nerves can become pinched due to a wide variety of reasons. The types of chairs that we sit in, sitting for long periods of time without moving around, how we walk, the shoes that we wear, our posture, having wallets in our back pockets, etc. are all factors which can contribute to back issues and, as a result, nerve damage of the feet.
Numbness of the balls of the feet can also be attributed to weight gain. Carrying around excess pounds can increase the pressure that is being placed on the back, hips and balls of the feet when we walk.
How nerve damage is identified
The best way to determine where the source of foot numbness is originating is through a physical examination. By isolating symptoms and pinpointing all of the areas where the patient is feeling discomfort, your doctor can determine which nerves are affected in what areas of the body. Sometimes, the use of a electromyogram (EMG) may be necessary to better isolate the cause.
What can be done about foot numbness
Sometimes, the remedy for relieving numbness in the balls of the feet can be as simple as changing the shoes that you wear. Other times, the course of action involves realigning a vertebra that is slightly out of alignment in our back. If a hip is un-level, it can also throw the balance of the pelvis off and contribute to pinched nerves in the legs and feet.
Since the ball of your feet are designed to absorb a large portion of the force generated when we walk or run, it is important to wear the right shoes which offer the best in support.
Nerves in the body are a complicated matter due to the fact that they can travel so extensively throughout so many different areas. Oftentimes, we initially assume that a loss of sensation felt in a specific location, such as the balls of the feet, automatically means that this is the origin of the problem. But with nerves, this is not always the case.
Causes of foot numbness
Although
foot numbness can be attributed to problems with the feet, they can
also come from other areas such as the back, legs or hips. A nerve
impingement in the lower back is a common cause of foot discomfort or a
loss of sensation. Peripheral neuropathy is a good example of this.Nerves can become pinched due to a wide variety of reasons. The types of chairs that we sit in, sitting for long periods of time without moving around, how we walk, the shoes that we wear, our posture, having wallets in our back pockets, etc. are all factors which can contribute to back issues and, as a result, nerve damage of the feet.
Numbness of the balls of the feet can also be attributed to weight gain. Carrying around excess pounds can increase the pressure that is being placed on the back, hips and balls of the feet when we walk.
How nerve damage is identified
The best way to determine where the source of foot numbness is originating is through a physical examination. By isolating symptoms and pinpointing all of the areas where the patient is feeling discomfort, your doctor can determine which nerves are affected in what areas of the body. Sometimes, the use of a electromyogram (EMG) may be necessary to better isolate the cause.
What can be done about foot numbness
Sometimes, the remedy for relieving numbness in the balls of the feet can be as simple as changing the shoes that you wear. Other times, the course of action involves realigning a vertebra that is slightly out of alignment in our back. If a hip is un-level, it can also throw the balance of the pelvis off and contribute to pinched nerves in the legs and feet.
Since the ball of your feet are designed to absorb a large portion of the force generated when we walk or run, it is important to wear the right shoes which offer the best in support.
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