You’re sitting on the couch watching TV when you notice it. A pins-and-needles sensation in your toes. Maybe your foot feels like it’s “fallen asleep,” even though you haven’t been sitting on it. Or perhaps you’ve noticed that you can’t feel the floor quite the same way you used to.
Numbness and tingling in the feet are incredibly common. Sometimes they’re harmless, the result of sitting in one position too long or wearing shoes that are too tight. But when these sensations stick around, or when they show up without an obvious cause, they can be a sign of something more serious: neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a general term for nerve damage or dysfunction. When it affects your feet and hands, it’s called peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral nerves carry signals from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body. They control sensation, movement, and even things you don’t think about, like regulating blood flow and sweating.
When those nerves are damaged, the signals get scrambled. You might feel tingling when there’s nothing touching you. You might lose the ability to feel a pebble in your shoe or the difference between hot and cold. In some cases, neuropathy causes burning pain or sharp, stabbing sensations.
Common Causes of Neuropathy
There are many reasons why neuropathy develops. Here are the most common ones we see at Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists.
- Diabetes is the leading cause. Over time, high blood sugar damages nerves throughout the body, especially in the feet. This is why regular diabetic foot exams are so important.
- Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B vitamins, can affect nerve health. A simple blood test can check for this.
- Certain medications can cause nerve damage as a side effect. If you’ve started a new medication and noticed tingling in your feet, mention it to your doctor.
- Alcohol use over many years can damage peripheral nerves.
- Kidney disease, thyroid problems, and autoimmune conditions can all contribute to neuropathy.
Sometimes, doctors find no clear cause. This is called idiopathic neuropathy.
When to Worry
Not all tingling is cause for alarm. But certain signs should prompt a conversation with a podiatrist or your primary care doctor.
- The numbness or tingling has lasted more than a few weeks.
- It’s getting worse over time.
- It’s spreading from your toes up into your feet or legs.
- You’re noticing weakness in your feet or tripping more often.
- You have a wound or sore on your foot that you didn’t notice because you couldn’t feel it.
That last one is particularly important. One of the most dangerous consequences of neuropathy is that it robs you of your ability to feel injuries. A small cut or blister can go unnoticed and become infected. For people with diabetes, this is how serious foot ulcers begin.
What You Can Do
If you’re experiencing neuropathy symptoms, the first step is a proper evaluation. At Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists, we’ll examine your feet, test your sensation, and talk through your medical history to identify possible causes.
Treatment depends on the cause of the neuropathy. If diabetes is the culprit, managing blood sugar is the foundation. If a vitamin deficiency is found, supplements can help. If a medication is the cause, your doctor may adjust your prescription.
Beyond treating the underlying cause, you can manage symptoms and protect your feet. Wear well-fitting shoes, check your feet daily, and avoid walking barefoot. Some patients find relief with medications specifically designed for nerve pain.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Your feet are talking to you. Numbness and tingling are signals that something might be wrong. Ignoring them won’t make them go away, and in some cases, waiting allows the damage to progress.
If you’ve been experiencing numbness, tingling, burning, or any change in sensation in your feet, call us. We’ll help you understand what’s going on and what to do. Request an appointment online or contact our Newtown, PA, office. Your nerve health is worth protecting.