Five Common Causes of Numbness in Feet

Has your elderly loved one mentioned that his feet feel different? Maybe they feel like they’re asleep all of time, or perhaps they have pins and needles feeling on and off throughout the day. He might even mention that he feels like he can’t quite feel the ground beneath his feet when walking.

Foot Problems and The Elderly

It’s not uncommon for the elderly to have foot problems. Those feet have been working for decades to carry them to all the places they need to go. They’ve worn ill-fitting shoes, have gone barefoot on painful ground coverings, and have probably suffered a stubbed toe now and again, but what is causing them to be numb? Let’s look at some common causes of toe and foot numbness.

• Diabetes. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of foot numbness in the elderly. Diabetes can often lead to peripheral neuropathy, in which the nerves are damaged. This damage is often first felt in the feet, creating sensations of numbness or tingling, and may eventually lead to a complete loss of sensation.
• An injury. Whether it’s a severely ingrown toenail or a stubbed toe, the swelling that comes from an injury can often constrict nerves and make the area feel numb or tingly as it heals.
• Wearing the Wrong Shoes. Shoes that don’t fit properly can restrict blood flow. Shoes with a tight toe box are often at fault for putting the toes not only in pain but also making them “fall asleep.” Make sure your loved one’s shoes still fit properly. Shoes that fit 10 years ago may no longer fit as well if his feet have changed size.
• Arthritis. Arthritis in the big toe or other joints of the foot can make those areas swell and compress the nerves, causing numbness.
• Coldness. Some people struggle during the winter months if their feet are perpetually cold. The causes blood vessels to constrict as they try to maintain heat. The result is less blood flow to the exterior parts of the body, such as the toes, making them numb and more susceptible to frostbite.

Caring for Feet

If your loved one has problems with feeling his feet, it’s important to get him examined right away to discover the cause. Once the reason has been found, helping your loved one reduce the damage to his feet, as well as the risk that comes with having numb feet, is important. His doctor will walk you both through what steps that should be taken to improve his foot health.

In the meantime, if your loved one needs help caring for his feet, you might consider having a home care provider step in and assist with his foot care. From applying lotion to trimming nails properly, your loved one may simply not be able to do it on his own due to flexibility issues or poor eyesight. A home care provider can help your loved one with his daily foot care needs by assisting him in applying lotion as needed, checking for any injuries (so they get immediate attention), and helping with nail care. If your loved one’s numb feet also make it difficult for him to get around, a home care provider can assist him with walking, as well as help with household chores that may not be easy for him to do anymore, thus reducing the risk of him falling due to his foot issues.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Belgrade, MN, please contact the caring staff at Alternative Senior Care today.
Providing Home Care in Central Minnesota and Surrounding Communities. Call us today at (320) 352-3350