Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsChronic ConditionsOther CausesDiagnosisTreatmentWhen to See a Doctor
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Chronic Conditions
Other Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
When to See a Doctor
Tingling in the feet is a common symptom that can affect many people, causing pain,burning, or a pins-and-needle sensation. Symptoms may resolve when you change positions and move, which relieves pressure on your nerves.
When tingling in the feet persists and is unrelated to positional changes, other conditions may be causing nerve inflammation and irritation can result in tingling in the feet.
This article will describe symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of both common and unusual causes of tingling in the feet, plus when to see a healthcare provider.
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What Causes Tingling in the Feet?
There are some chronic conditions, such as diabetes, that may cause tingling in the feet. In other cases, tingling feet may occur because of temporary changes during pregnancy or due to medication. Idiopathic tingling in the hands and feet, meaning from an unknown cause, may require more time to diagnose.
These chronic medical conditions can cause tingling in the feet:
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body produces an immune system response against its own healthy cells, causing widespread inflammation. These autoimmune conditions can cause tingling in the feet:
Viral infectionscan attack nerve cells, causing damage that results in pain and tingling in the hands and feet. Some infections include:
Other Causes of Tingling in the Feet
In some cases, tingling in the feet may be due to a more temporary condition, or one that can be more easily resolved with time and therapy.
How Is Tingling in the Feet Diagnosed?
Blood tests are an invaluable tool for diagnosing a condition like hypothyroidism, which may be causing your tingling in the feet, or in correctly identifying an infection or vitamin deficiency. They’re also used to check how well a person is managing their diabetes.
For other conditions, such as kidney failure, MS, or peripheral artery disease, blood tests may be used in conjunction with:
Sometimes tingling in the hands and feet can result from an unknown cause. A physical examination and tests like blood work, nerve conduction studies, and MRIs may be performed to rule out other conditions.
Treatment for Tingling Feet
Treatment for tingling feet will depend on the cause and your specific diagnosis. For some people, that may mean taking an antibiotic and resting at home while recovering from a viral infection.
For others, a life-changing condition will mean symptoms have to be managed through medication, therapy, and other strategies.
At Home
Some causes, like a vitamin deficiency, can be treated at home through dietary changes and supplements. Stretching exercises and physical therapy may help with a pinched nerve. People living with MS may find their symptoms come and go, and that it helps to limit their exposure to increased stress, hot temperatures, and fatigue in order to avoid flare-ups.
Or, if a toxin exposure has been identified, you may consider remediation of the home environment, if necessary, and avoiding the cause of your exposure.
Other possibilities include:
If you have no clear diagnosis, your healthcare provider may suggest an over-the-counter pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication.
Best Home Remedies for Neuropathy in Feet
Treatment Options
People who experience tingling in the feet due to a chronic or more serious health condition will need to practice self-care at home, making lifestyle decisions like smoking cessation or diet changes that can improve their symptoms.
Depending on the cause, though, they are likely to need more comprehensive treatment. These may include:
Treatment may be aimed at slowing disease progression and managing underlying causes like high blood pressure and cholesterol that affect the overall diagnosis.
Most Effective Treatments for Neuropathy
When to See a Healthcare Provider
You should schedule a visit with your healthcare provider if you have been experiencing tingling in your feet that:
Summary
Certain conditions can cause nerve inflammation and irritation that results in tingling in the feet, such as nerve compression, infections, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders, certain medications, and more.
Treatment for tingling in the feet starts with treating the underlying cause to reduce inflammation and nerve irritation, typically through physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medication.
Regular exercise, adequate sleep, proper diet, and good hydration can help to reduce inflammation and limit symptoms. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate diagnosis of where the tingling in your feet is coming from to create a treatment plan that’s right for you.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. National Library of Medicine. Genetics Home Reference.Multiple sclerosis.National Library of Medicine.Peripheral artery disease - legs.Arnold R, Issar T, Krishnan AV, Pussell BA.Neurological complications in chronic kidney disease.JRSM Cardiovasc Dis. 2016;5:2048004016677687. doi:10.1177/2048004016677687Lupus Foundation of America.What is lupus?Perzyńska-Mazan J, Maślińska M, Gasik R.Neurological manifestations of primary Sjögren’s syndrome.Reumatologia. 2018;56(2):99-105. doi:10.5114/reum.2018.75521National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet.Grisold W, Carozzi VA.Toxicity in Peripheral Nerves: An Overview.Toxics. 2021 Sep 11;9(9):218. doi:10.3390/toxics9090218.Pagano E, Souto EB, Durazzo A, et al.Ginger (zingiber officinaleroscoe) as a nutraceutical: Focus on the metabolic, analgesic, and antiinflammatory effects.Phytotherapy Research. 2021;35(5):2403-2417. doi:10.1002/ptr.6964
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. National Library of Medicine. Genetics Home Reference.Multiple sclerosis.National Library of Medicine.Peripheral artery disease - legs.Arnold R, Issar T, Krishnan AV, Pussell BA.Neurological complications in chronic kidney disease.JRSM Cardiovasc Dis. 2016;5:2048004016677687. doi:10.1177/2048004016677687Lupus Foundation of America.What is lupus?Perzyńska-Mazan J, Maślińska M, Gasik R.Neurological manifestations of primary Sjögren’s syndrome.Reumatologia. 2018;56(2):99-105. doi:10.5114/reum.2018.75521National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet.Grisold W, Carozzi VA.Toxicity in Peripheral Nerves: An Overview.Toxics. 2021 Sep 11;9(9):218. doi:10.3390/toxics9090218.Pagano E, Souto EB, Durazzo A, et al.Ginger (zingiber officinaleroscoe) as a nutraceutical: Focus on the metabolic, analgesic, and antiinflammatory effects.Phytotherapy Research. 2021;35(5):2403-2417. doi:10.1002/ptr.6964
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. Genetics Home Reference.Multiple sclerosis.National Library of Medicine.Peripheral artery disease - legs.Arnold R, Issar T, Krishnan AV, Pussell BA.Neurological complications in chronic kidney disease.JRSM Cardiovasc Dis. 2016;5:2048004016677687. doi:10.1177/2048004016677687Lupus Foundation of America.What is lupus?Perzyńska-Mazan J, Maślińska M, Gasik R.Neurological manifestations of primary Sjögren’s syndrome.Reumatologia. 2018;56(2):99-105. doi:10.5114/reum.2018.75521National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet.Grisold W, Carozzi VA.Toxicity in Peripheral Nerves: An Overview.Toxics. 2021 Sep 11;9(9):218. doi:10.3390/toxics9090218.Pagano E, Souto EB, Durazzo A, et al.Ginger (zingiber officinaleroscoe) as a nutraceutical: Focus on the metabolic, analgesic, and antiinflammatory effects.Phytotherapy Research. 2021;35(5):2403-2417. doi:10.1002/ptr.6964
U.S. National Library of Medicine. Genetics Home Reference.Multiple sclerosis.
National Library of Medicine.Peripheral artery disease - legs.
Arnold R, Issar T, Krishnan AV, Pussell BA.Neurological complications in chronic kidney disease.JRSM Cardiovasc Dis. 2016;5:2048004016677687. doi:10.1177/2048004016677687
Lupus Foundation of America.What is lupus?
Perzyńska-Mazan J, Maślińska M, Gasik R.Neurological manifestations of primary Sjögren’s syndrome.Reumatologia. 2018;56(2):99-105. doi:10.5114/reum.2018.75521
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet.
Grisold W, Carozzi VA.Toxicity in Peripheral Nerves: An Overview.Toxics. 2021 Sep 11;9(9):218. doi:10.3390/toxics9090218.
Pagano E, Souto EB, Durazzo A, et al.Ginger (zingiber officinaleroscoe) as a nutraceutical: Focus on the metabolic, analgesic, and antiinflammatory effects.Phytotherapy Research. 2021;35(5):2403-2417. doi:10.1002/ptr.6964
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