Numbness in Foot or Hand – Causes & Treatment in Phoenix, AZ

Introduction

If you’ve ever experienced tingling, burning, or complete numbness in your foot or hand, you know how alarming it can feel. Occasional numbness may simply result from sitting awkwardly or sleeping in a poor position, but when it becomes frequent or persistent, it could signal a more serious nerve or spine-related issue.

At Desert Spine and Pain, we regularly see patients across Phoenix, Arizona who experience numbness caused by nerve compression, spinal disc problems, or musculoskeletal conditions. Understanding the cause is the first step toward finding lasting relief.

What Causes Numbness in the Hands or Feet?

Numbness is often linked to a disruption in nerve function, which prevents normal communication between the brain and body. This can occur anywhere along the nervous system, from the spinal cord to peripheral nerves in the arms or legs.

Common Causes Include:

1. Pinched Nerve (Radiculopathy)

A pinched nerve occurs when bone, disc material, or swollen tissue compresses a spinal nerve root. Depending on where it occurs, you may experience:

• Cervical Radiculopathy: Numbness in the hands, arms, or fingers

• Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica): Numbness in the legs, feet, or toes

2. Herniated or Bulging Disc

Discs act as cushions between your spinal vertebrae. When one bulges or ruptures, it can press against nearby nerves, leading to tingling or numbness.

3. Spinal Stenosis

This condition causes narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord or nerves. It commonly affects adults over 50 and can cause both pain and numbness in the extremities.

4. Peripheral Neuropathy

Often caused by diabetes, infections, or vitamin deficiencies, neuropathy damages nerves outside the spinal cord, producing numbness, burning, or weakness in the hands and feet.

5. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Compression of the median nerve in the wrist can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers, especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

6. Poor Circulation

Reduced blood flow from vascular disease or peripheral artery disease (PAD) can mimic nerve numbness, often in the feet and lower legs.

7. Nerve Injuries

Trauma, repetitive motion, or prior surgery can lead to nerve irritation or scarring, resulting in chronic numbness.

Symptoms That Require Medical Evaluation

While brief numbness isn’t always concerning, you should see a spine or pain specialist if you experience any of the following:

• Numbness lasting longer than a few days

• Tingling or burning that spreads

• Muscle weakness or loss of coordination

• Difficulty walking or gripping objects

• Numbness accompanied by back or neck pain

• Loss of bladder or bowel control (seek emergency care immediately)

These symptoms often point to nerve compression or spinal pathology that requires professional evaluation.

How a Spine Specialist Diagnoses Numbness

At Desert Spine and Pain, we take a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to diagnosing the root cause of numbness in the hands or feet.

Our Diagnostic Process Includes:

1. Detailed Medical History – Reviewing symptoms, duration, and potential triggers

2. Physical and Neurological Exam – Assessing reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation

3. Imaging Tests – Using MRI, CT scan, or X-ray to identify disc or joint problems

4. Electrodiagnostic Testing – Conducting EMG or nerve conduction studies to pinpoint nerve damage

These tools help us determine whether your symptoms stem from a spinal issue or another underlying condition.

Treatment Options for Numbness in the Foot or Hand

Treatment depends on the cause of the numbness. At Desert Spine and Pain, we focus on minimally invasive and non-surgical approaches whenever possible.

1. Conservative Treatments

• Physical Therapy: Improves strength, flexibility, and posture to relieve nerve compression.

• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, neuropathic pain medications, or muscle relaxants.

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Weight management, ergonomic corrections, and regular stretching.

2. Interventional Pain Management

If conservative measures don’t resolve the problem, minimally invasive procedures can provide relief by targeting the affected nerve root.

Common Procedures Include:

• Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI): Reduce inflammation around compressed nerves.

• Nerve Blocks: Temporarily interrupt pain signals from irritated nerves.

• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Uses heat energy to disable pain-transmitting nerves.

• Trigger Point Injections: Relieve muscle tightness contributing to nerve irritation.

3. Surgical Options

In severe cases where nerve compression is significant, surgery may be recommended to decompress or stabilize the affected area. Examples include:

• Microdiscectomy – Removes herniated disc fragments pressing on nerves.

• Laminectomy or Foraminotomy – Expands spinal space to relieve pressure.

• Spinal Fusion or Artificial Disc Replacement – Restores stability and alignment.

Our experienced team at Desert Spine and Pain ensures that surgery is always the last resort, chosen only when absolutely necessary.

Can Numbness Be Prevented?

While not all causes of numbness can be prevented, adopting healthy spine and nerve habits can reduce your risk.

Prevention Tips:

• Maintain good posture when sitting and standing.

• Take breaks from prolonged computer or phone use.

• Exercise regularly to support spinal health and circulation.

• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use, which damage nerves.

• Use ergonomic equipment for work or home setups.

Prevention is especially important for individuals in physically demanding jobs or those with a family history of spine conditions.

Why Choose Desert Spine and Pain

As one of Phoenix’s leading spine and pain management centers, Desert Spine and Pain offers expert care for patients with numbness, tingling, and nerve-related disorders.

Our Advantages:

• Fellowship-trained spine and pain specialists

• Advanced imaging and diagnostic testing

• Expertise in minimally invasive treatments

• Patient-centered, personalized care plans

• Convenient locations across Phoenix and the Valley

We believe that every patient deserves precise diagnosis, compassionate care, and the most effective treatment for lasting results.

When to Schedule an Appointment

If numbness in your foot or hand persists, worsens, or interferes with daily life, it’s time to see a specialist. Early diagnosis can prevent permanent nerve damage and restore proper function.

Contact Desert Spine and Pain to schedule a consultation. Our expert team will evaluate your symptoms, explain your options, and develop a treatment plan to help you regain comfort, movement, and confidence.

Conclusion

Persistent numbness in the hands or feet is more than just a minor inconvenience — it can signal a serious nerve or spine condition that needs attention.

At Desert Spine and Pain, we provide comprehensive diagnostics and cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatments to help Phoenix residents live pain-free and active lives.

Don’t ignore numbness — let our specialists help you find the cause and the cure.