November 13, 2023
Stretches for foot pain on the top of the foot can go a long way for people with osteoarthritis, gout, extensor tendinopathy and tendonitis, bunions, problems with the bones of the foot (stress fractures) and more. Exercises for top of the foot pain will target the extensor tendons that run down along the top of foot with many of the stretches focusing on toe movement. Let’s explore the top exercises and stretches for the prevention of foot pain, and ultimately, foot pain relief! Exercises for Pain on the Top of your Foot Toe Flex and Raise Towel Scrunches Toe Splay Great Toe Extension Stretch Top of the Foot Stretch Photo by FreePik Toe Flex and Raise This exercise works the tibialis anterior, a large muscle on the front of your leg that can have an impact on top of the foot pain. As a bonus, it can help strengthen your ankles and treat plantar fasciitis. While standing, flex your toes high up towards the sky. Move forward so you are on your tiptoes. Lower yourself back slowly. Repeat the movement 15 times. Click here to see a Feet First Clinic demonstration! Towel Scrunches This exercise, also called toe curls, is all about keeping the top of your feet and toes strong. You’ll need a towel or blanket (or any fabric you can pick up with your toes). Stand up with your feet flat on a piece of material and keep your heels anchored to the floor. You can also sit on a chair as long as you can do the same movements with your feet. Scrunch your toes while grasping the material, pulling it towards you, almost like you are trying to pick it up with your toes. Make sure your heels stay firmly planted on the floor as you do this. Try the movements 15 times each, or more if you’re comfortable. You can also try two feet at the same time, or alternate. Click here to see a Feet First Clinic demonstration! Photo by iStock Toe Splay This is one of the top exercises for improved mobility, and also one of the easiest to perform! Sit down on a chair with your back straight and feet resting flat on the floor. Spread your toes apart (without touching them) and hold the position for five seconds. Repeat 10 times. Refer to Healthline for a demonstration of this exercise! Great Toe Extension Stretch This is a great exercise for arthritis, which often plagues the top of the foot with aches and pains. While sitting on a chair, place the foot experiencing pain on the top of your other knee. If both feet are painful you can alternate. While firmly holding your heel with one hand, use the other to pull your big toe back towards your ankle. Wait until you can feel the stretch in the bottom of the foot (don’t worry, it still helps the top of the foot too!). Repeat two to four times. Switch feet and repeat. MyHealth Alberta provides an excellent image reference for this exercise! Top of the Foot Stretch Given its name, this stretch is pretty straight forward in terms of how it can help your top of the foot pain, but it may also help with shin pain. This stretch has different variations but we’ll keep it as simple as possible. Sit at the very edge of a chair. Extend one of your feet back with the top of the foot facing the floor and the knee pointing downward. Gently press the top of the foot and toes against the floor until you feel the stretch working. Repeat this movement ten times or less if you need and alternate between feet. Refer to Athletico for a demonstration of this exercise! Photo by iStock
July 3, 2023
Top of foot pain can be tricky since many muscles and tendons pass through the upper part of your foot. Plus, pain can be felt in multiple places. Top of foot pain can be localized towards your toes or uncomfortable closer to your ankle. Fortunately, there are several effective remedies for top-of-foot pain, some of which can be done at home. There are also instances where seeing a specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is more appropriate. But first, reducing top-of-foot pain involves determining the underlying cause. In this blog post, you'll learn more about common causes of top-of-foot pain, potential remedies, and guidelines for consulting a specialist if necessary. Causes of top of foot pain Top of foot pain has several causes, from cracked bones to damaged tendons. Find a list of common causes of top of foot pain below. Extensor tendonitis Extensor tendonitis is inflammation of the extensor tendons, which helps lift your toes and support your ankle. When the extensor tendons are damaged, likely due to overstressing them, you may experience a flare-up of pain and discomfort. Metatarsal stress fracture Small cracks in the foot bones may be the cause of your pain. Stress fractures can stem from overuse or high-impact activities or could result from acute trauma, like if you dropped an object on your foot or stubbed the top part of your foot. Sprained ligament Overextending or tearing the ligaments supporting the top of the foot, usually from an injury or trauma, may cause top-of-foot pain. Dorsal compression syndrome Dorsal compression syndrome occurs when the nerves on the top of the foot are pinched. Typically, your nerves may pinch when your foot flattens (when your arch collapses or lowers to the ground), adding pressure to your bones and the top of the foot. Arthritis Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain and inflammation in the joints of the foot. Osteoarthritis in the joints can also cause bone spurs on the top of the foot, namely the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Remedies for top-of-foot pain Treatment for top-of-foot pain varies as discomfort may be isolated to 1-2 areas, or you may experience pain in a larger area of the foot. Treatment also depends on the cause, as well as for how long you've been experiencing symptoms. Remedies for top-of-foot pain include the following: Rest and ice: Reduce strenuous activities or anything that aggravates the top of your foot. If it hurts, you're likely not making the condition any better. When you find pain subsides, ease back into activity accordingly, depending on the rest length. Add ice packs to the affected area for 10-15 minutes daily or until swelling and pain subside. Elevation: Elevate your foot above your heart (for instance, when lying down, elevate your feet above the level of your head) to reduce swelling and promote healing. Pain relief: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Supportive shoes: Invest in high-quality footwear made for your foot and its use. Shoes should provide adequate arch support, protection, as well as cushioning, and should accommodate your gait pattern and foot type. You should also wear specific shoes for the specific activity you're doing when wearing the shoes. Custom orthotics: Custom orthotics or over-the-counter inserts can provide additional support and alleviate discomfort. Orthotics aims to correct common biomechanical issues like flat feet or high arches to better distribute weight across the foot. Gentle stretching: Light stretching and exercises improve flexibility, relieve tension, and promote better blood flow to the area. When to see a specialist for top-of-foot pain Proactively seeing a specialist when you experience pain is recommended. It's challenging to replicate at home getting a proper diagnosis, determining the cause, and building a treatment plan like you would with a foot specialist. However, not all conditions or pain require seeing a specialist. We recommend booking an appointment if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms: Sharp pain and swelling: If the pain is intense or accompanied by severe swelling, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Persistent symptoms: If you continue to experience symptoms like pain or discomfort and don't see signs of improvement after a week, you may benefit from seeing a specialist. Difficulty walking: You may benefit from seeing a specialist if light activity or walking is unbearable. Traumatic injury: Getting evaluated is essential to rule out fractures or severe damage if the pain results from a specific injury or accident. Pre-existing conditions: If you have a history of foot problems or conditions like diabetes, it's best to consult a specialist to ensure proper management.
March 20, 2023
Are you experiencing foot arch pain? You’re not alone. The arches of our feet support our weight when we're upright, providing a critical function for the body. Your arch also influences how you move, making it essential to keep them healthy and supported. But, sometimes, pain can creep up. We're here to help. This blog post outlines how foot arch pain develops and how to nip foot arch discomfort early to prevent long-term effects. What is foot arch pain? Foot arch pain can be a subtle or intense discomfort in the curved, raised area along the bottom of the foot (the arch). The arch is the midpoint of the foot between the ball and the heel of the foot. It comprises bones, ligaments, and tendons in the foot, which support the body's weight and help absorb shock during walking and other activities. A person's arch is unique. The height and shape of the arch vary from person to person. Genetics, age, and the type of shoes a person wears all play a role in the arch's shape. Foot arch pain is a common source of discomfort and may occur for various reasons. You may experience pain in different parts of the arch: the medial arch (inside edge), the lateral arch (outer edge), and the transverse arch (middle). Next, we get into the causes of foot arch pain. What causes foot arch pain? Foot arch pain can be acute or chronic, typically stemming from inflammation. Pain can also range from a dull soreness to an intense sensation. Below, we outline the various causes of foot arch pain. Overuse or repetitive stress Foot arch pain can be simply the result of doing too much in too short a period. Repeated stress or overuse of the feet can lead to inflammation and pain in the arches. Overuse is especially prevalent in sports, with running, jumping, or even standing for long periods (like at work or if you stand at your desk while working from home). Flat feet Flat feet occur when the arch comes in complete contact with the ground due to weakened tendons and ligaments that can no longer hold up the arch. While flat feet may not always cause problems, individuals with fallen arches may require treatment such as supportive shoes or custom orthotics to alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage. Plantar fasciitis Plantar fasciitis affects the bottom of the foot and causes heel pain. This foot condition occurs when the band of tissue between your heel and toes becomes irritated. Plantar fasciitis can happen for various reasons, such as overuse, repetitive strain, or injury to the foot. People who are overweight, have flat feet or high arches, or engage in activities that stress the feet, such as running or standing for long periods, are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. You may experience pain and stiffness in the heel or arch of the foot, especially in the morning or after walking, running, or standing. Arthritis Arthritis describes conditions that cause inflammation and damage to the joints. Various forms of arthritis can lead to arch pain. Types of arthritis that cause arch pain include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Injury You may experience foot arch pain because of past trauma or injury. Conditions like sprains, strains, or falls can cause arch pain due to acute muscle damage, ligament, and tendon damage. Now that you know the various causes of arch pain, let's get into treatment methods. How can foot arch pain be treated? Foot arch pain treatment can sometimes be frustrating due to our reliance on our arch. Staying off our feet to reduce stress on the arch can be challenging, but fortunately, there are several effective treatment options for foot arch pain. Depending on the intensity of the pain, you may choose a DIY treatment method. If your arch pain is persistent or severe, we recommend seeing a foot specialist to discuss treatment options and create a treatment plan. Rest and ice A mix of rest and ice is an effective treatment method for foot arch pain. First, temporarily reduce impactful activities and allow your feet to rest. Supplement rest with icing to keep swelling and inflammation down. (You can even use a frozen water bottle as an icy massage tool by rolling your feet on the bottle.) Then, when you feel like you're on the upswing, ease slowly back into physical activity. Avoid returning to strenuous activity to allow your body to readjust from rest to being active. Stretching Stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and relieve tension in the arches. Here are a few effective stretching and strengthening exercises for arch pain: Place a towel on the floor, and grab the towel with your toes pulling it towards you. Grasp your toes (while seated), and scrunch them towards you to feel a stretch in your arch. Lean against a wall with your arms extended, and move your hips forward to stretch your calves. Shockwave Therapy This non-invasive innovative treatment delivers high-energy sound wave pulses to the affected area. Shockwave therapy triggers your body’s natural healing response to repair the damaged tissue in the arch area and reduce pain. Shockwave therapy is scientifically proven to be a highly effective treatment for chronic arch pain caused by plantar fasciitis. It is an excellent supplement to other treatments like orthotics and supportive footwear. Orthotics Custom-made orthotics can provide additional support and cushioning to the arches, which can help reduce pain and discomfort. Orthotics work to correct or accommodate biomechanical abnormalities, foot deformities, and other conditions to improve your gait and manage pain. The purpose of orthotics is to redistribute the force and pressure placed on our muscles and joints when we move. Equal distribution across your feet means fewer aches and pains as your muscles work better in tandem instead of select groups overworking. Supportive footwear Shoes with good arch support can alleviate arch pain, much like orthotics can. Wearing the proper footwear for your feet and the purpose is the least we can do for our feet. Supportive footwear acts to provide both the correct cushioning and Physical therapy Physical therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the feet and ankles. Keeping your feet strong and balanced is vital to proper arch support. Over time, the tendons and ligaments of the arch tend to weaken. Physical therapy can help combat age and fallen arches. Medications You may supplement the above treatment methods with over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce inflammation. Consult a doctor if you have intense pain or have questions about dosage or the recommended medication.
March 16, 2023
If you suffer from Rheumatoid arthritis, chances are you're already scheduling regular appointments with a chiropodist. And if you aren't, you may be overdue. This serious condition requires assistance and guidance from a healthcare professional. That said, it's truly amazing what practicing foot care on your own time can help you achieve. The two main goes of foot care for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are pain management and avoiding complications. Today we will discuss how lifestyle factors such as shoe choices and exercises can help you structure your life around RA with less discomfort. But first, let's break down everything we'll discuss today: What is Rheumatoid arthritis? Best shoes for Rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis and exercises Additional foot care practices for RA What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that wreaks havoc on your joints by mistakenly targeting the body's healthy cells, leading to inflammation. It most commonly affects the feet, hands, wrists and knees. It's critical to take Rheumatoid arthritis seriously. If you don't pay attention to foot care and neglect regular check-ups, you may be putting yourself at risk of developing complications. These include osteoporosis, an increased body mass index (BMI), heart and lung problems, and a compromised immune system that leaves you more vulnerable to infections. Click here to read more on RA, including symptoms, treatments from a chiropodist, and helpful medications. Best Shoes for Rheumatoid Arthritis One way to practice foot care and pain management with RA is to be extremely vigilant about your shoes. Medical News Today notes that people with RA should look for shoes with a wide-toe box, rocker bottoms and cushioning with arch support. Adjustable straps and breathable materials can also be beneficial to maximize comfort levels. Rocker bottoms: Also called rocker soles, this shoe feature can reduce pain and help with mobility and activity limitation in RA patients. They are designed to reduce pressure under the ball of the foot and excessive toe motion. Wide toe box: Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to foot deformities in the form of severe bunions, claw toes and hammertoes. It can also cause severely flat feet, and a widened forefoot, sometimes called splay foot. Rheumatoid nodules (firm bumps of tissue) can also pop up anywhere along the affected area. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box is imperative for maintaining a certain comfort level and accommodating these deformities. Adjustable straps: When you have Rheumatoid arthritis, having more room in the entire shoe to accommodate stiff joints and deformities can be a major plus. Breathable materials: A 2019 study highlighting important features of retail shoes for women with RA found that breathable materials (such as soft mesh uppers) were crucial for most patients. Cushioning and arch support: The same study reported that most women found shoes with adequate rearfoot and forefoot cushioning most comfortable. Women said the same about longitudinal arch support. The Clarks Wave 2.0 has a rocker sole Rheumatoid Arthritis and Exercise An exercise routine can help most people with arthritis in the lower extremities. We're not talking about exerting energy levels you aren't comfortable with or practicing difficult workouts and training. We know that mobility constraints will always be an issue. Exercises should simply work the muscles in your feet and lower half to prevent atrophy from a lack of use and help with pain management and mobility. Here are some multi-purposeful exercises that can also help with RA: Toe Flex and Raise https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/782007922800908317/ Ankle Circles / Alphabet https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/782007922798992582/ Calf Stretch on a Stair https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/782007922800908193/ Be sure to also check out our two-part series on the best exercises for arthritis! Part 1 Part 2 Additional Foot Care Practices for RA The RICE Method: Sometimes, your pain may flare up to the point where all you can do is be patient and wait until it passes. Luckily the magical combination of rest, ice (or heat), compression, and elevation can help you accommodate severe pain and swelling. Summer footwear: During the warm months, wear sandals with open toes. Warmth: Keep your feet as warm as possible, as cold air can worsen joint pain. A heating pad can also be very helpful for loosening stiff muscles. Foot baths: The warm water in foot baths can loosen up stiff joints. Try adding Gehwol foot bath products for added comfort! Meditation: Stress can often trigger RA flare-ups, so reducing anxiety via healthy, quiet rumination can be a wonderful preventative measure. Other stress-reducing lifestyle habits include taking walks (when physically able) and listening to soothing music.
February 23, 2023
Foot health isn't just important because it keeps the foundation of your body in good condition. There is also a direct link between foot health and overall wellness! Forgetting to practice foot care and foot pain management can trigger a domino effect that leads to other health problems. If you have a nagging sense that your body and mind feel generally "unwell," it could all stem from neglecting to take care of your body's foundation and lower extremities. Here are some of the most common problems associated with poor foot health that we'll discuss today: Back, hip and knee pain Posture and balance Heart health and diabetes Mental health Back, Hip and Knee Pain Our body's joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves need our feet to be in good shape. If they aren't, it can lead to a concerning trickle-down (or trickle-up!) effect that jeopardizes the rest of our body. The most common symptoms of this effect are back pain, hip pain and knee pain. First, your lower back will take a hit if you don't wear shoes with proper shock absorption and arch support. The effects will transfer upwards, resulting in low back pain. People who work long hours without the right footwear often notice this and not know the reason why. Furthermore, if you have frequent foot pain, it will alter your gait. This means you adopt abnormal walking patterns to navigate life with chronic pain, such as using your tip-toes or the outside of the feet to bear weight. The unusual walking pattern causes extra strain on the joints and muscles in your lower body from having to move in ways they weren't designed to move. This kickstarts feelings of pain and tightness in the lower back and knees. Your ankles may also roll slightly inwards or outward while walking. People with flat feet or high arches are at risk of experiencing gait-related back and knee pain. Plantar fasciitis and bunions can also trigger back pain. If you neglect to treat plantar fasciitis, the plantar fascia ligament can become so inflamed that other muscles have to compensate in order to support your weight. This ultimately affects your back. Likewise, bunions cause a misshapen structure in the feet, which can alter your posture and make it difficult to fit into supportive shoes. Modifying movements due to foot pain also takes a toll on your hips. Bilateral foot pain can lead to pain in the corresponding hips, often due to multi-joint arthritis. Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels Heart Health and Diabetes These connections aren't as farfetched as you think! Your heart is responsible for transferring oxygen-enriched blood and nutrients to your lower extremities, so if the heart cannot do this for any reason, your feet can mirror your general heart health and wellness. For example, illnesses like diabetes can be a major sign of extremely restricted blood circulation; foot swelling and numbness can be symptoms of this. Your feet can also show signs of serious heart issues, like heart disease and peripheral artery disease. You may not be able to feel a pulse in your feet, or you may notice excessively shiny skin or hair loss on your toes. Heart failure can also cause foot swelling due to excessive fluid build-up. Plaque accumulation in the arteries can also lead to foot numbness and pain, warning you of peripheral artery disease. Photo by Puwadon Sang-ngern from Pexels Posture and Balance There is a direct correlation between foot and ankle health and posture and balance. According to a study on gait posture published by the National Library of Medicine, poor postural balance in the upright position can pose a greater risk of sudden falls and resulting foot injuries in older people. The study found that improving toe flexor strength via foot stretches and exercises contributes to overall improved postural balance in people over 60. But it could also be the shape of your foot that lets you down. For instance, people with flat feet risk experiencing muscular imbalances in the legs, ankles and hips. Luckily, simple and non-invasive foot clinic services can help people with flat feet curb this problem, such as wearing custom orthotics or shoes that support a flat arch. Mental Health Can't hike on your favourite trails due to foot pain? Or perhaps you simply struggle to get out of the house due to mobility issues. Since our feet keep us moving, there is a clear link between mental and foot health. Time and time again, fitness proves to be helpful to those struggling with mental illness. But without cooperative feet, it can feel impossible to be physically fit, which leads to a sedentary lifestyle. Feeling stuck inside too often can also cause psychological stress and loneliness. Furthermore, the feeling of consistent pain can cause anxiety and depression. It can also work both ways. According to a study in Arthritis Care and Research Vol. 66, chronic foot pain can also be a symptom, or manifestation, of major depression. Photo by Suzy Hazelwood from Pexels
December 8, 2022
Have you ever felt a prickling, tingling, or pins and needles sensation in your feet? You may be experiencing numbness in your toes. At times, it may even feel like your foot has fallen asleep, which occurs after keeping your foot in the same position for an extended duration. What's happening in your foot and toes when they go numb? The underlying sensation is likely a result of peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a catch-all term for more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy. It refers to damage to the nervous system, which hinders the network of nerves that relays information to your brain. There are various reasons why you experience numbness in your feet or your toes. Possible causes may include poor blood circulation or a byproduct of diabetes. The sensation may be numb; in other cases, you may not feel anything since your feet or toes lack feeling. In this article, we outline five potential causes for why your feet or toes may go numb. Frostbite/Frostnip It's no secret that Canada experiences cold winters. Low temperatures and high humidity can make keeping your feet warm and dry difficult. That's why frostnip, and its successor, frostbite, are possible during Canada's winter months. There are various degrees of skin and tissue damage due to cold. They are: Frostnip is a mild cold exposure injury that doesn't cause permanent skin damage. A slight numbing sensation may occur during the frostnip stage and minor (but temporary) nerve damage. Frostnip should subside naturally by escaping the cold and returning to warmer temperatures. Superficial frostbite is the second stage of cold damage to your toes. Your skin may feel warm, and you likely experience a more intense numbing or tingling sensation. Deep frostbite is the third stage and most severe form of cold damage. You may experience total numbness and loss of sensation in your toes. The toe muscles and joints may no longer work, and you're at risk of permanently damaging the skin and nerves in your toes. Blisters form 24-48 hours after exposure. Afterwards, the area may turn black and harden as the tissue dies. It's critical to recognize signs early. If you're outside for extended periods and feel your feet and toes are cold, it's time to head inside. Once you reach the numbing and tingling sensation, the damage begins to occur and will only worsen if not addressed. With minor forms of frostnip, the feeling will return to your feet and toes with no long-term effects. With frostbite, you risk permanent and irreversible damage. Diabetes Diabetes is a severe condition characterized by high blood sugar levels that can lead to blood flow and nerve issues. 3.4 million Canadians, or roughly 8.1% of the population, live with diabetes as of 2017–2018. Regarding the foot, diabetes can complicate the nerves and blood vessels in two ways: Diabetic neuropathy, a common long-term complication of Type-2 diabetes, causes nerve damage, leading to loss of sensation in the legs, feet and toes. A lack or loss of feeling in your feet and toes is dangerous as it can mask injuries, cuts, or other conditions. In peripheral vascular disease, sugar accumulates in the bloodstream and can cause poor blood circulation. Blood vessels can narrow, block, and spasm due to PVD. The best action for diabetes is to monitor your symptoms consistently. Further, a foot specialist can check for adequate circulation, signs of neuropathy, and risk for foot ulcers. Rheumatoid arthritis Both rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid vasculitis can cause numbing and tingling in your feet and toes. RA, an autoimmune disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your body, can affect the nerves in your feet through inflammation and swelling. Similarly, rheumatoid vasculitis targets the blood vessels in the feet, inhibiting their ability to transport blood. Reduced circulation can cause your feet and toes to be numb, creating a tingling sensation. Typically, one develops rheumatoid vasculitis after having RA for some time. Tarsal tunnel syndrome Tarsal tunnel syndrome is an ankle nerve condition that has downstream effects on the feet and toes. Analogous to carpal tunnel syndrome in our hands, tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when a nerve becomes compressed—specifically, the posterior tibial nerve inside the ankle. The tarsal tunnel itself is a narrow space next to the ankle bones. It's covered with thick ligaments and contains veins, arteries, tendons, and nerves (including the tibial nerve). When the tunnel becomes compressed, so does everything inside. Compression reduces blood circulation and puts pressure on the nerves that connect your feet and toes with the rest of your body. The exact cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome can be tricky. In many cases, it's a variety of factors, including: Flat feet Bone spurs and cysts in the ankle Varicose veins Inflammation Osteoarthritis Tight shoes Acute ankle injuries Tarsal tunnel syndrome symptoms include sharp, shooting pain, pins and needles, or a burning sensation on the inside of your foot, close to where your foot meets your ankle. The numbness may radiate to the toes as well. Morton's neuroma You may suffer from Morton's neuroma if you've ever felt a sensation akin to having a pebble stuck in your shoe. This type of neuroma targets the base of the third and fourth toes. When the muscles and tendons become inflamed, the nerve becomes increasingly compressed, inhibiting its function. You may develop Morton's neuroma with poor biomechanics - namely, overpronation (when your foot rolls too far inwards when walking or running). Biomechanical abnormalities unevenly distribute weight in your feet, adding too much (and too little stress) to certain parts of the foot. Over time, overpronation adds stress to the ball of the foot, causing it to thicken and become inflamed. As such, the foot's nerves can become compressed. High heels (which promote poor biomechanics) are also a common contributing factor to Morton's neuroma. The best course of action to treat Morton's neuroma is for a foot specialist to fit you with proper footwear or custom foot orthotics. Fixing your footwear and correcting your biomechanics will help distribute weight and stress in your feet more evenly. Other causes of numb feet or toes You may experience numb feet or toes for reasons other than those outlined above. For instance, your feet may fall asleep when you are asleep, and as a result, your feet may feel numb upon waking up. Being sedentary and keeping your feet and toes in the same position for extended periods may also create a numbing or tingling sensation. Other, more uncommon causes may include: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a group of conditions that can cause nerve damage. It's genetic, and the mutations in the genes affect the nerves in your feet and the protective coating of your nerves, which can inhibit signals between your feet and brain. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare disorder where your immune system attacks your body's nerves. You may experience weakness, tingling, and numbness when it affects your feet. Vasculitis describes inflammation of blood vessels. Most types of vasculitis are rare. Vasculitis can cause a numb sensation in the feet due to a thickening blood vessel wall. As such, the thickening of the vessels can restrict blood flow to the limbs. When in doubt, if you ever feel numb or have a tingling sensation in your feet for abnormal or irregular reasons, contact a professional for a proper diagnosis.
