Numbness in Feet: Circulation Issues and Neurological Concerns

Numbness in the soles of the feet, poor blood circulation?

My mother is 51 years old and has been experiencing several health issues, including hypertension, urticaria, anxiety disorder, and intestinal adhesions.
Recently, she has been troubled by a significant problem: her legs feel numb, especially at night, which prevents her from sleeping.
When lying down, both legs start to feel numb, and when sitting, her calves become numb.
There was even an instance where she felt numb all over her body, describing it as if the numbness was emanating from within her.
She also experiences dizziness and palpitations.
I apologize for the numerous symptoms, but we are unsure which specialist to consult.
Despite researching, we remain confused.
I suspect that my mother may have poor blood circulation and metabolism issues, and I am beginning to wonder if this could be a precursor to a stroke.

meimei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/07/23

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology

Numbness can be due to peripheral nerve abnormalities, central nervous system disorders, peripheral circulation issues, central vascular circulation problems, or emotional causes.
There are many potential reasons.
If a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is suspected, it is advisable to first consult a neurologist, as they may be better equipped to identify the underlying causes of the numbness.

Reply Date: 2016/07/23

More Info

Understanding numbness in the feet, especially in the context of your mother's existing health conditions, is crucial for determining the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Given her symptoms of numbness, particularly worsening at night, along with dizziness and palpitations, there are several potential explanations that could be explored.

Firstly, the numbness in her feet could be related to peripheral neuropathy, which is a common condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This condition can be caused by various factors, including diabetes, vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamins), alcohol abuse, and certain medications. Given your mother's age and existing health issues, it is essential to consider whether she has any underlying conditions that could contribute to nerve damage.

Another possibility is circulatory issues. Conditions such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) can lead to reduced blood flow to the extremities, causing symptoms like numbness, pain, and cramping in the legs and feet, particularly during rest or at night. High blood pressure, which your mother has, can also contribute to vascular problems over time. It would be beneficial to assess her blood circulation through tests such as an ankle-brachial index (ABI) or Doppler ultrasound.

Additionally, the symptoms of dizziness and heart palpitations raise concerns about her cardiovascular health. These could be signs of orthostatic hypotension, where blood pressure drops significantly when standing up, leading to dizziness and faintness. This condition can be exacerbated by dehydration, certain medications, or autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

Given the complexity of her symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional who can perform a comprehensive evaluation. A neurologist would be appropriate for assessing the numbness and any potential nerve-related issues. They may recommend tests such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to evaluate nerve function. Additionally, a cardiologist could assess her heart health, especially considering her symptoms of palpitations and dizziness.

It is also important to consider lifestyle factors that could be contributing to her symptoms. For instance, anxiety can manifest physically, leading to sensations of numbness or tingling, especially during stressful periods. Encouraging your mother to engage in relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or gentle yoga, may help alleviate some of her anxiety and associated symptoms.

In summary, your mother's symptoms of numbness in her feet, along with dizziness and heart palpitations, warrant a thorough medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, circulatory issues, or cardiovascular problems. A multidisciplinary approach involving both neurology and cardiology may provide the best insights into her health concerns. It is essential to address these symptoms promptly to improve her quality of life and prevent potential complications.

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