If you’ve ever felt a strange burning sensation, pins and needles, or complete numbness in your feet, you’re not alone. These symptoms can be harmless and temporary. Or they can be a sign of something more serious. Here’s how to tell the difference.
Common Causes of Burning, Tingling, or Numb Feet
Temporary nerve compression is one of the most common reasons for tingling or numbness. Something as simple as sitting cross legged for too long or wearing tight shoes can pinch a nerve and cause these symptoms.
Diabetic neuropathy is another frequent driver. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the nerves in your feet, leading to chronic numbness, burning, or tingling sensations.
Pinched nerves or sciatica may be to blame if you have shooting pain or numbness that starts in your lower back and travels down your leg to your foot. This is often caused by a herniated disc or other back issues compressing the nerves.
Peripheral neuropathy, even when it’s not related to diabetes, can develop from other conditions like vitamin B-12 deficiency, heavy alcohol use, chemotherapy, or autoimmune disorders.
Poor circulation or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) may also cause these sensations. If you notice your feet are cold, painful when walking, or slow to heal from minor cuts, reduced blood flow could be part of the problem.
Injury or trauma to the foot or ankle can also damage nerves or cause swelling that leads to tingling or numbness.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition similar to carpal tunnel, but it affects the ankle. It’s caused by compression of the tibial nerve and can result in burning, tingling, or shooting pain in the foot.
Certain infections or inflammatory conditions, such as shingles, Lyme disease, or lupus, may trigger nerve-related foot symptoms as well.
When You Can Treat It at Home
You might not need to see a doctor if the sensation goes away quickly after changing your position or taking pressure off the foot. If the tingling is clearly tied to overuse, like after a long day of standing or walking, your feet may just need rest.
At home, try stretching, wearing more supportive shoes, elevating your feet, or using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication if needed.
When to Call the Doctor
You should schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists if the numbness or tingling keeps returning, lasts more than a day or two, or is paired with other concerning symptoms.
People with diabetes should always take new foot sensations seriously. Also, if you notice weakness, trouble walking, increased falls, swelling, pain, or changes in skin color or temperature, it’s time to get checked out right away. We’re here to help!
One of our doctors can perform a neurological and vascular exam to identify the root cause and create a personalized care plan, which might include further testing or imaging.
When to Call 911
Certain symptoms should never be ignored. Call 911 if you suddenly lose all feeling in your foot or leg, experience sudden weakness or confusion (potential signs of a stroke), or notice severe pain and swelling with no known cause.
If your foot turns cold, pale, or blue, that could indicate a dangerous loss of blood flow. This a medical emergency that needs immediate attention.
Bottom Line
Burning, tingling, or numb feet are more than just an annoyance. Whether the cause is minor or serious, getting answers early is the best way to protect your long term health.
If you’re unsure what’s behind your symptoms, our doctors are here to help!
