“I feel slight numbness in my left foot. What could be the reason for this?”

If it is minimal and there are no other associated symptoms I would just ignore it. If the numbness is disturbing to you or increasing and specially if it's associated with pain then you need to be evaluated by an orthopedic physician or podiatrist.

It could be one of many things causing this. You would need an exam to find out.

It could be coming from a pinched nerve in the lower back and/or the ankle. You will need a nerve conduction study and EMG.

Diagnosis, treatment, cure. Consider an X-ray, MRI, and nerve tests.

It could be related to a pinched or stretched nerve. It can also be related to your lower back. See your Dr for evaluation. Vitamin B 12 can help nerve function.

There could be several reasons. If it’s bothering you, I’ll suggest you to visit a neurologist.

Could be diabetes. Could be related to back.

Numbness in the foot can be caused by many, many things. If associated with back pain, it could be a pinched nerve in the back. I could be a pinched nerve somewhere in the foot - either tarsal tunnel or a Morton's neuroma. Diabetes can cause foot numbness, but it usually causes numbness in both feet. If these symptoms persist, you need to see an orthopedic doctor.

Hope it helps,

Dr. Bose

Unilateral (on just one foot) “slight numbness” could be a tarsal tunnel syndrome where the tibial nerve, or more precisely, the medial plantar nerve is compressed within the tarsal tunnel. (Although considerably more rare, it is analogous the the carpal tunnel syndrome of the hand.The very existence of this diagnosis is controversial.)
The various causes of the compression are pes plano valgus (flat foot) whereby whereby it is theorized that the nerve is stretched as the foot turns out with weight bearing, venous insufficiency with congestion or varicosities (enlarged veins) within the tarsal tunnel, and/or scar tissue in the area from perhaps a previous injury. Lumbo-sacral (lower spine) nerve root compression, although unusual given this presentation may be responsible and should be investigated.

An early peripheral neuropathy from most commonly diabetes, perhaps alcoholism, or other more rare neuropathies can initially present with the symptom described. However, given the unilaterally
presentation, this would be atypical.

In terms of treatment, arch supports may be appropriate for the flat footed patient as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication assuming the patient has no pre-existing allergy to this type of medication, peptic ulcer or gastro-esophageal disease, and/or is taking an anti-coagulation (blood thinner) medication.
However, prior to any treatment, I would recommend an evaluation by a neurologist, or perhaps a primary care physician, to investigate a systemic cause.

Hello, this is a very good question. Numbness in extremities can be caused by multiple factors. The two most common non-traumatic causes are nerve compression and an intrinsic condition in the nerve called neuropathy. Injuries can also cause numbness as well. I would recommend a visit to your primary care physician who would do an evaluation and possibly recommend testing to evaluate the condition. A neurology consultation would also be an option. I hope this information has been helpful.

There are multiple reasons as to why you are feeling numbness in your foot. Your best option is to have an exam completed by your Orthopaedic doctor.