It happens to most of us once in a while--our feet tingle and we wonder why. Although some tingling in your feet is normal, there are a variety of diseases that can trigger this symptom. If the tingling you experience in your feet lasts for more than a day or two and you don’t have a reasonable explanation, it’s wise to get it checked out by a Seattle podiatrist.

Here are the Top 10 Reasons You Have Tingling In Your Feet

diabetic peripheral neuropathy can cause tingling in your feet1. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

One of the hallmarks of diabetic peripheral neuropathy is tingling in the feet that persists over time. If you have this condition, you’ll likely also have other symptoms in your feet and other parts of your body including:

  • Numbness in the feet and lower legs
  • Pain or burning sensation in your feet
  • Cold feet
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Extreme thirst and frequent urination
  • Difficulty with balance or walking
  • Vision problems
  • Kidney problems

It’s imperative that you get help from your physician right away if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. If you have diabetic peripheral neuropathy, you should be referred to an endocrinologist who specializes in treating this illness.

In addition, because it can impact your feet and ability to walk, you should also make an appointment with a podiatrist like Dr. Rion Berg, who specializes in diabetic foot care. Unfortunately, diabetic neuropathy can put you at greater risk for foot ulcers which can lead to amputation if not treated properly.

Learn how our office prevents and treats foot ulcers here!

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2. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral artery disease causes peripheral arteries to narrow which leads to poor blood circulation in your feet. Tingling in the feet and lower legs, leg cramps, and leg fatigue are all signs of this condition. Symptoms will often start up as a result of walking and then go away with rest. Peripheral artery disease is more common in people with diabetes, in those who smoke, have high cholesterol, or are overweight. Our office now offers testing to determine if patients have PAD.

While there is no cure for peripheral artery disease, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and eating a healthier diet can help reduce symptoms.

Learn more about peripheral artery disease here! 

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3. Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when a specialized nerve in the foot becomes compressed when it runs through the tarsal tunnel. Many different factors can cause this compression including people who tend to pronate or roll their feet inwards, overuse injuries, inflammation, and abnormal growths.

In addition to feeling tingling or ‘Pins and needles” in your feet, you may feel shooting pain, burning, numbness, and weakness in your foot muscles.

Learn more about tarsal tunnel tunnel syndrome here!

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4. Autoimmune Diseases

Several autoimmune diseases can also cause peripheral neuropathy including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, and hypothyroidism. In addition to tingling, patients may also experience numbness, burning, pricking sensations, or muscle weakness.

Your physician can determine if you have any of these conditions by taking a medical history and running blood tests,

5. Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Your physician may run a B12 test if you’re experiencing tingling in your feet to ensure you aren’t deficient in this vitamin. People at greater risk for this problem are more likely to be:

  • People on a vegan diet – animal sources are a major source of this vitamin
  • Have a condition that prevents absorption of this nutrient like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease
  • Have an immune disorder like Graves disease or lupus
  • Taking certain medications that interfere with Vitamin B12 absorption.

Other symptoms you may have along with tingling in the feet are:

  • Fatigue
  • Weakness or lightheadedness
  • Problems walking
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Mental health problems
  • Vision loss

6. Infections

Certain infections can cause tingling in your feet--specifically, Lyme Disease, shingles, Epstein Barr, herpes simplex, Hepatitis B and C, and HIV and AIDS. If you have any of these conditions, your physician needs to determine if your foot tingling is caused by this disease or has another cause.

7. Medications

Tingling in the feet can be a side effect of your medications. Some of the most common medications causing this side effect are:

  • Chemotherapy drugs
  • High blood pressure medications
  • Some drugs to treat infections
  • Anti-convulsants used to treat epilepsy

Talk to your doctor about whether any of your medications could be causing this problem.

8. Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease is an inherited condition which causes nerve damage in the peripheral nerves including the feet. Patients can experience tingling and burning sensations in the feet, a loss of sensation, or muscle contractions that can cause hammertoes and other foot deformities.

9. Trauma or Overuse Injuries

Tingling in the feet can also occur from trauma or overuse. Nerves can become compressed or damaged from acute trauma (such as dropping a heavy object on your foot) or through overuse (such as running a marathon or overtraining).

10. Anxiety and Hyperventilation

People who experience anxiety or who hyperventilate (breathing too rapidly) can have tingling in their feet, but likely they’ll also experience it in many other locations of their body. Your physician or mental health professional should work with you to identify medications and mind body techniques, such as proper breathing, that can help relieve your symptoms.

Need Relief From Tingling in Your Feet in Seattle, Washington? Request an Appointment Now!

Don't let plantar warts or other painful foot conditions cause you to miss out on the activities you enjoy. Complete the contact form on this page or call our office at 206-368-7000 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Berg.

Most new patients are seen within 1-2 week's time. During your initial visit, Dr. Berg will spend up to 30 minutes getting to know you, your podiatry complaints, and your goals so that he can recommend the treatment best meets your needs. Don’t wait—contact us today.

North Seattle Foot & Ankle Specialist Dr. Rion Berg offers compassionate podiatry care for all foot and ankle problems to those living in Seattle Washington and the surrounding areas. Call us today at 206-368-7000 for an immediate appointment or request an appointment online.

Dr. Rion Berg
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A podiatrist in North Seattle treating families for over 40 years.
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