Is It Normal for My Feet to Go Number When I'm Walking?

Beth Ann Mayer

Sat, February 17, 2024 at 12:25 AM UTC

5 min read

Woman rubbing her feet after they became numb

If we had to guess, we'd probably say feeling your feet on the ground is something you don't think twice about, and understandably so. If you can walk, you've likely felt your feet on the ground for longer than you can remember—toddlerhood or even infancy, depending on when you took your first steps (hey, some of us are really advanced).

So, it can be concerning when you suddenly notice your feet are numb as you walk. Experts say that flagging the issue on your own is a first and critical step to determining the cause.

"It's essential to pay attention to how your feet feel when walking because our feet are the foundation of our mobility," says Dr. Kelvin Fernandez, MD, an internal medicine physician with Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and medical residency advisor at Ace Med Boards. "Changes in foot sensation or comfort can signal health issues ranging from minor, such as ill-fitting shoes, to more serious conditions like nerve damage or circulatory problems."

In short, foot numbness when walking may or may not be serious. In cases when it's not severe, do doctors classify it as normal? Physicians weighed in, sharing common causes of foot numbness and what they suggest people do next.

Is It Normal When My Feet Go Numb When Walking?

It's certainly not something to remain, well, numb to. "It is not normal for feet to go numb while walking," Dr. Fernandez says. "While occasional numbness might not be a cause for alarm, persistent or recurring numbness could indicate an underlying health issue that might need attention."

Another doctor echoed this. "Numb feet while walking is a common occurrence," says Dr. William Buxton, MD, a board-certified neurologist and director of Neuromuscular and Neurodiagnostic Medicine and of Fall Prevention at Pacific Neuroscience Institute. "If it happens occasionally and clears up after taking a few steps, it is probably just from positioning and putting temporary pressure on a nerve in the leg or the foot."

However, Dr. Buxton says numbness that is frequent or doesn't resolve in a few moments could indicate something more serious, like a spinal issue or underlying medical condition.

Reasons Feet Might Go Numb When Walking

The reasons a person's feet go numb when walking range from harmless (but worth fixing) to more serious. Some of the most common triggers include:

Shoe problems. Dr. Buxton says that ill-fitting or poorly positioned shoes can compress nerves in the feet and ankles, numbing the feet.
Claudication. This term is a fancy one for artery blockage. "Often, diabetic patients can experience the sensation of pain or numbness in the feet with moving due to a blockage in the arteries that supply the leg and foot," explains Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, MD, a cardiologist and functional medicine practitioner.
Spinal stenosis. Dr. Bhoraj says numbness while walking that gets better when leaning forward (as if you are pushing a shopping cart) could be a sign of spinal stenosis or a "narrowing of the spinal canal" in the lower back.
Long-distance walking. Dr. Bhoraj says that feet may go numb while hiking long distances, especially with a heavy backpack or poorly fitting shoes.
Peripheral neuropathy. In simple terms, peripheral neuropathy is when nerves in your feet are damaged. "This can result from conditions such as diabetes, where high blood sugar levels over time can harm your nerves, leading to numbness," explains Dr. Fernandez.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)."When arteries in the legs are narrowed due to plaque build-up, blood flow to the feet is diminished," Dr. Fernandez says. Cramping can also occur because the feet aren't getting enough oxygen.
Vitamin deficiencies. Folate (found in whole grains, nuts and leafy-green veggies), B6 (chickpeas and tuna) and B12 (eggs and dairy) assist with nerve function. Dr. Bhoraj says not consuming enough of these vitamins can lead to numbness.

Remedies for Feet That Go Numb When You're Walking

Lifestyle and medical treatments are available for people who experience foot numbness while walking. To try to rectify the situation immediately, Dr. Fernandez suggests:

Stopping and resting your feet.
Wiggling your toes and circling your ankles to improve circulation.
Checking your shoes to make sure they're not too tight.
Elevating your feet if they're swollen.

Dr. Bhoraj says warm foot soaks can also help, and Dr. Buxton suggests ensuring shoes fit (and treating yourself to a new pair of kicks if they don't).

Your healthcare team can also prescribe treatments."If it is due to a nerve or back problem, physical therapy can be helpful," Dr. Buxton says. "If it is due to a medical problem, treatment of that condition is recommended."

Dr. Buxton stresses two critical recommendations. "If someone has diabetes or prediabetes, getting sugars under control early is very important," Dr. Buxton explains. "Also, minimizing and ideally avoiding alcohol can help prevent worsening and future problems.

When to Call a Doctor About Numb Feet

While you should always feel comfortable contacting your doctor with concerns, providers share there are times when you shouldn't wait to reach out for help with numb feet.

Dr. Fernandez suggests calling a doctor if:

Numbness is persistent or worsening
You have diabetes or another medical condition that can cause neuropathy
Pain or changes in skin color accompany numbness
It starts suddenly or is associated with weakness in the leg
The numbness interferes with daily activities, causing tripping or falls

Dr. Buxton adds a few others. "If foot numbness doesn't clear up with repositioning or if you are also experiencing other symptoms such as weakness or balance problems, speak to a doctor," Dr. Buxton says.

Next up: 'I'm a Cardiologist—This Is the Afternoon Snack I Eat Almost Every Day'

Sources

Dr. Kelvin Fernandez, MD, an internal medicine physician with Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and medical residency advisor at Ace Med Boards
Dr. William Buxton, MD, a board-certified neurologist and director of Neuromuscular and Neurodiagnostic Medicine and of Fall Prevention at Pacific Neuroscience Institute
Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, MD, a cardiologist and functional medicine practitioner

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