Most people have experienced the sensation before: you sit in one position for too long, then try to stand or move around. The prickly, tingly feeling that results can be quite painful. Some people, however, have to deal with those tingling feet sensations on a regular basis, which could signal a serious limb health concern.
The Source of the Sensation
This condition is actually a symptom of some other problem, which can range from mild to serious. The sensation could be temporary or chronic as well, depending on the source of the discomfort. Typically the pins-and-needles, tingling feeling is caused by pressure or other damage to nervous tissue. The simplest problem could be crossing your legs or sitting on your foot for too long, causing it to “fall asleep.” Your foot is then uncomfortable as sensation returns to it.
There are far more serious causes, though. Chronically pinched nerves, like tarsal tunnel syndrome, can cause the tissue to misfire painfully. Peripheral neuropathy from diabetes and poor circulation are common sources of tingling discomfort. Health issues like hormone imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, alcoholism, or even traumatic injuries can cause nerve damage. Systemic diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis, can significantly impact your nerve function as well.
Symptoms of Bigger Problems
Any additional symptoms of your condition will vary depending on the underlying source of the problem. Beyond the pins-and-needles effect, you may notice itching, numbness, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking. If the problem is related to circulatory issues, you may develop rashes or other skin changes on your lower limbs. If these problems persist, they may signal more serious nerve damage or diseases. You will need to have your lower limbs monitored by experts, like our staff here at Absolute Foot Care Specialists, to diagnose the source so your condition can be treated accurately.
Managing the Issues
Dr. Noah Levine will need to perform a variety of tests to identify the cause of your tingling feet. In some cases, this may involve diagnostic images to check for damage that may pinch your nerves. Once our team has a diagnosis for your foot discomfort, we can begin treatment plans to restore your lower limbs.
Treating this problem depends entirely on the underlying condition. Therapies could range from supplementing the vitamins in your diet to using medications to treat a systemic condition. You may need to get involved in a safe physical therapy program or immobilize and ice a pinched nerve. You might need to make adjustments to your sitting or activity habits, if those create problems for your feet. Shoe changes or orthotics can help protect your lower limbs from biomechanical issues that could lead to nerve damage. You may also need to cut down on your alcohol intake.
Tingling feet are uncomfortable, whether or not the source of the issue is serious. That is reason enough to investigate and manage the problem. The symptoms could also be your body’s way of warning you that a serious condition exists. Don’t ignore the pain—contact Absolute Foot Care Specialists here in Las Vegas for an appointment to investigate the issue. Call (702) 839-2010 or use our online request form to reach our offices.
