Have you ever felt burning, tingling, or electric shocks in your feet for no clear reason? You’re not alone! Nerve pain in the feet is more common than most people realize. It can come on suddenly or creep in gradually, showing up as sharp, shooting sensations, “pins and needles,” or even total numbness. These symptoms can affect the top, arch, or bottom of your foot: sometimes when you’re walking, and sometimes even when you’re resting. In some cases, the skin becomes overly sensitive to touch.
Today’s article will walk you through potential causes of nerve pain in the foot and even recommend ways to manage it at home. That said, identifying the root cause of these issues with a podiatrist is incredibly important to getting the support you deserve. Our doctors take nerve pain seriously and treat every patient with compassion and expertise. You deserve to move with confidence and comfort!
How Nerve Pain Works
Your foot’s nerves are constantly in communication with your brain. When you step on something sharp, sensory nerves instantly send a pain signal up the spinal cord to your brain. Then, your brain sends back an immediate command to pull away. When these nerve pathways are damaged, compressed, or irritated, the messages become distorted. That’s when you might feel burning, tingling, or stabbing pain even when nothing’s actually wrong with the skin or muscle itself.
Common Causes of Nerve Pain in the Feet
Peripheral Neuropathy: When Nerves Misfire
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves that carry signals to and from your feet become damaged or weakened.
Common symptoms include:
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Burning or tingling sensations
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Sharp, shooting pain
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Numbness or “pins and needles”
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Symptoms that start in the toes and move upward
Common causes: Diabetes, vitamin deficiencies (especially B12), alcohol use, certain medications like chemotherapy drugs
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Like Carpal Tunnel, but in Your Ankle
The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space on the inside of your ankle where the posterior tibial nerve runs. When swelling, injury, or flat feet compress that nerve, pain follows.
Symptoms:
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Burning pain in the inner ankle or sole
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Tingling or numbness
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Pain that worsens after walking or standing
Note: This is often mistaken for plantar fasciitis, but it’s actually a nerve issue.
Baxter’s Neuropathy
Baxter’s neuropathy occurs when the inferior calcaneal nerve (just under the arch) is compressed.
Risk factors: Plantar fasciitis, obesity, bone spurs, or flat feet.
Symptoms: Burning or aching pain near the heel or arch that worsens with standing or activity.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma develops when the tissue around a nerve between the toes thickens.
Symptoms:
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Pain or burning between the toes
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A “pebble in your shoe” sensation
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Tingling or numbness that worsens in tight shoes or high heels
Common causes: Narrow footwear, repetitive impact (like running), or inflammation in the joints.
Sciatica
Though it starts in the lower back, sciatica can send pain down through the buttocks, legs, and even into the feet.
Symptoms:
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Burning or shooting pain down one leg
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Weakness or numbness in the foot or toes
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Pain that worsens when sitting or standing for long periods
Diabetic Neuropathy
Over time, high blood sugar can damage nerves, especially those farthest from the heart, like the feet.
Symptoms:
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Tingling, burning, or stabbing sensations
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Sensitivity to touch or pain at rest
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Numbness that increases the risk of unnoticed injuries
How to Care for Nerve Pain in the Feet
Stay active (but safely).
Low-impact movement like walking, swimming, or cycling supports circulation without overstraining your feet.
Maintain healthy habits.
Balanced nutrition, hydration, and avoiding tobacco or excessive alcohol can help protect nerve function.
Check your feet daily.
Look for redness, cuts, swelling, or blisters. Nerve damage can dull sensation, so small injuries might go unnoticed.
Wear supportive shoes.
Avoid tight or narrow shoes that put pressure on nerves. Custom orthotics may help relieve irritation.
Get professional care early.
If you experience persistent tingling, numbness, burning, or sharp pains, don’t wait. Our team can identify the source and recommend conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or orthotics and are also prepared to talk about surgical options if necessary. Most importantly, we’ll customize the best plan with you and the rest of your care team.
You Deserve Comfort
Nerve pain in your feet isn’t just uncomfortable. It’s your body’s way of asking for attention. Whether caused by diabetes, compression, or another condition, early diagnosis and care can prevent lasting damage and restore comfort.
