Q. What might be the reason for feet numbness while playing football?
Hi doctor,
My son is now 17 years old. He is a football soccer apprentice in a professional football team. He is generally fit and healthy. He used to train with the team for five days a week and plays a match on Saturday. For a few years, he has been experiencing his feet going numb whilst playing the match. In training, throughout the week he does not feel any numbness in his feet. However, when he increases the intensity of the game he experiences a numb feel where he describes his feet as blocks of wood. He seems to have become slower in his game because of this problem. Do you have any idea of what this might be?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Numbness of feet especially at this level where he is playing professional football is really worrisome since numbness is usually related to the nerve compression. As your son does not report any episode of numbness during training, it indicates there is a problem only during the increased intensity of the match or using different match gear compared to his training gear. He should check his shoes whether it is appropriate for running or not. Tight shoelaces during a match can cause compression especially if tied in a circumferential manner. The use of extra pair of towel socks can also decrease foot space. The use of a shin guard during a match might be a cause of compression. I would suggest getting training in complete match gear to rule out any size mismatch of shoes or other problems, if any. His problem has been for years as you mentioned; is there any episode at rest or during sleep or without workout? I need a detailed history from the patient to get a conclusive diagnosis. If the problem persists, he must visit a local physician to undergo a complete neurological examination to rule out any mechanical cause. How has been his performance in training and on the field? The psychological factor does play a role in the pathophysiology of pain. I hope he does well in the near future and make his father proud. I wish him good luck in the game.
Thank you.
The Probable causes:
1. Chronic compartment syndrome.
2. Disc compression.
3. Psychological pain.
4. Tarsal tunnel syndrome.
5. Shoe size misfit.
Hi doctor,
Thank you for your response. He does complain of very tight calf but does stretch a lot which is strange. We took him to get his feet properly measured today and his width is apparently very wide. We are looking to purchase wider boots for him to see if this helps. The problem normally starts with strong tightness in the Achilles and arch of the foot area. As the game goes on the foot begins to numb and gets completely numb in a while. He did not yet experience any numbness apart from in a game. His blood pressure is 122/69.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I am glad that you answered those questions for me. On excessive workout like running in the forefoot that is toes, the adjacent area of foot spreads out. So, if running shoe is tight in the toe box initially it creates further problem on running as foot tries to expand in a tight space. Toe box of the running shoe should have adequate space. If you are using a smaller size shoe, I hope the change of footwear might be the solution in your case. If there is no problem apart from the game, it really rules out a lot of serious problems related to nerve compression at the level of the spine. Also, take care of the tendon Achilles as footballers and sprint athletes are prone to tendon Achilles damage. Consult the training coach or physiotherapist for exercise help in tendonAchilles tendinitis (preventive measure) and use silicon insole as they decrease pressure over heel. I hope new shoes should do the trick and best of luck for the game.
Thank you.
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