Foot Numbness

Foot numbness is one of the typical sciatica symptoms experienced by patients, regardless of their diagnosis. Numbness in one foot is associated with unilateral sciatica, while bilateral sciatica might cause 2 numb feet. Remember that numbness in the feet can also be caused by a variety of other problematic conditions, including diabetes, so all new symptoms should be reported directly to your treating physician.

Sciatica Foot Numbness

Sciatic nerve pain syndromes involving numbness in the feet can be caused by many possible spinal and non-spinal sources. Herniated discs and bone spur complexes are the most commonly diagnosed reasons used to explain sciatica pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in the lower body. However, these diagnoses are often incorrect, especially in the cases of long term sciatica which does not respond to indicated treatment.

True objective numbness in the feet, without pain or tingling, is far more likely to be sourced by a spinal causation, but not always. However, subjective numbness is much more common. Both symptomatic expressions are typically the result of oxygen deprivation of the spinal nerves, local musculature or sciatic nerve itself.

Numbness in the Foot Solution

Numbness in the foot or feet often gets worse when the body is at rest, such as in a horizontal position. This is a true indicator of ischemia in most patients, since the decreased heart rate and positioning both contribute to a further lack of regional oxygenation.

To solve any sciatica pain syndrome, an accurate diagnosis is essential. Without it, subsequent treatment is based on GUESSES rather than facts. When you are talking about treatment choices such as DRUGS, INJECTIONS and SURGERY, you surely do not want to GUESS!

Foot Numbness Advice

As long as serious health conditions have been ruled out by your doctor, finding the actual source of numbness in your foot or feet should not be too difficult. If a structural diagnosis is made, such as a pinched nerve in the spine, then symptoms should correspond exactly with what is clinically expected. If they do not match, then the diagnosis may well be wrong. In this case, I advise you to research ischemia, since this is the most prevalent source of long term chronic sciatica and the same condition which plagued me for 18 years. If there is a verified anatomical issue causing your pain, at least you know that treatment should resolve the matter and allow you to regain your health and full functionality.

Foot Numbness to Sciatica Home
11/24/09