Have you ever felt a strange tingling, buzzing, or “pins and needles” sensation in your feet? You’re not alone. Occasional tingling can be harmless — maybe your foot “fell asleep.” But if tingling happens often or doesn’t go away, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs attention.
Here are the top 10 causes of tingling in your feet.
1. Peripheral Neuropathy (Often Related to Diabetes)
Peripheral neuropathy happens when the nerves in your feet and legs become damaged. The most common cause is diabetes, especially when blood sugar levels have been high over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Tingling, numbness, or burning pain in the feet or legs
- Cold or painful feet
- Trouble balancing or walking
If you also notice extreme thirst, frequent urination, or changes in vision, see your doctor right away. Your physician may refer you to an endocrinologist for diabetes management and a podiatrist for specialized foot care.
Why it matters: Diabetic neuropathy increases the risk of foot ulcers and infections, which can go unnoticed due to loss of sensation. It’s vital to treat these right away to prevent limb loss.
2. Autoimmune Diseases
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and hypothyroidism can all affect the nerves and cause tingling, numbness, or burning sensations.
Your doctor can diagnose these conditions with a medical history, exam, and blood tests.
3. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
PAD occurs when plaque builds up in your leg arteries, restricting blood flow to your feet.
Risk factors include:
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Being overweight
- Over age 65
You may notice tingling or pain that starts during activity and eases with rest, often along with leg cramps or fatigue.
Diagnosis — our office offers the Smart ABI test to determine if you have this condition.
Lifestyle changes — like quitting smoking, improving your diet, and regular walking — can help reduce symptoms.
4. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
This condition occurs when the posterior tibial nerve near your ankle becomes compressed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel (similar to carpal tunnel in your wrist).
Causes include:
- Flat feet or overpronation (rolling inward)
- Arch collapse or overuse injuries
- Inflammation or growths pressing on the nerve
Symptoms include tingling, burning, or shooting pain that radiates into the foot. A podiatrist can confirm this diagnosis and offer treatments like orthotics, physical therapy, or MLS laser therapy.
Learn more about Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome here.
5. Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 helps keep your nerves healthy. A deficiency can cause tingling, weakness, or walking difficulties.
You may be at higher risk if you:
- Follow a vegan diet
- Have Crohn’s or celiac disease
- Take certain medications that affect absorption
- Have autoimmune disorders like Graves’ disease or lupus
Other symptoms can include fatigue, dizziness, mental health problems, or vision changes.
6. Infections
Certain viral or bacterial infections can damage nerves and lead to tingling feet. These include Lyme disease, shingles, hepatitis B or C, Epstein-Barr virus, HIV/AIDS, and herpes simplex.
If you have one of these conditions, talk with your doctor to determine whether it’s contributing to your symptoms.
7. Medication Side Effects
Some medications can cause tingling or numbness as a side effect — especially chemotherapy drugs, certain blood pressure medications, and anticonvulsants used to treat epilepsy.
If you suspect your medication is the cause, don’t stop taking it on your own. Instead, talk with your doctor about possible alternatives.
8. Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
This is a rare inherited nerve disorder that affects the lower legs and feet. It can cause tingling, weakness, and muscle loss, leading to deformities such as hammertoes or high arches.
Physical therapy and braces can be used to prevent tightening and loss of muscles and to assist with walking.
9. Trauma or Overuse Injuries
Sometimes tingling develops after a foot injury or from repetitive stress, such as long-distance running or training on hard surfaces. The swelling or compression from overuse can irritate nearby nerves.
Rest, ice, and evaluation by a podiatrist can help ensure proper healing and nerve recovery.
10. Anxiety and Hyperventilation
Finally, tingling isn’t always physical. Anxiety or panic attacks can cause changes in breathing (hyperventilation), leading to a temporary tingling or “pins and needles” sensation in your hands and feet.
Mind-body techniques, breathing exercises, or counseling can help manage these symptoms.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you’re experiencing persistent tingling, burning, or numbness in your feet, don’t ignore it. These symptoms are your body’s way of saying something isn’t right.
At the Foot and Ankle Center of Lake city in Seattle, we specialize in diagnosing and treating nerve, diabetes, and circulation problems that affect the feet and ankles. Early diagnosis can prevent complications and keep you active and pain-free.
