You should worry about tingling feet if it's persistent, worsening, or accompanied by weakness, balance issues, skin changes, or loss of bladder/bowel control, especially if you have diabetes or other chronic conditions, as this can signal nerve damage (neuropathy) requiring prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications like ulcers or amputation. While occasional "pins and needles" from sitting too long are normal, ongoing tingling needs a doctor's evaluation.
When to see a GP. It's important to see a GP if you experience the early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. These include: pain, tingling or loss of sensation in the feet.
As your uterus grows, it may press on the nerves in your legs. This may cause some numbness and tingling (feeling of pins and needles) in your legs and toes. This is normal and will go away after you give birth (it may take a few weeks to months). You may also have numbness or tingling in your fingers and hands.
Nerve fiber disruption can affect bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea), and can occasionally affect bladder control, too. Sexual dysfunction. Your autonomic nervous system controls sexual arousal. That's why autonomic problems can cause sexual dysfunction.
Infections. These include Lyme disease, shingles (varicella zoster), cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr, herpes simplex, and HIV and AIDS. Autoimmune diseases. These include chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Rarely, in some cancers, the body may make substances that damage the peripheral nerves. This is called paraneoplastic syndrome. It may happen in people with lung cancer, myeloma or lymphoma.
The first signs of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often involve vision problems (like blurred or double vision, pain with eye movement), sensory changes (numbness, tingling, pins and needles), and balance issues (dizziness, unsteadiness). Other common early symptoms include overwhelming fatigue, muscle weakness, stiffness, spasms, cognitive difficulties (memory/concentration), and bladder/bowel problems, though symptoms vary greatly from person to person.
Neurogenic bladder causes bladder problems, including loss of bladder control, leaks and peeing more than usual. Your nerves send electrical signals between your brain and every other part of your body.
You're likely to start by seeing your health care professional. You may then be referred to a doctor trained in nervous system disorders, also called a neurologist. Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment.
"This is a progressive condition that, if left untreated, can eventually cause permanent nerve damage, leading to loss of function in the body," warns Dr. Li. "Early intervention can help produce better outcomes, so it's important to recognize the signs of neuropathy and take action."
Third Trimester Tingling: Focus on the Feet
As pregnancy progresses, tingling feet become the third trimester of pregnancy, many women experience tingling in their feet. This occurrence is primarily due to increased pressure from the growing uterus on nerves and blood vessels, combined with natural fluid retention.
Also, cholestasis of pregnancy increases the risk of complications during pregnancy such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. In babies, the complications of cholestasis of pregnancy can be severe. They may include: Being born too early, also called preterm birth.
Some women experience many of the symptoms of pregnancy, while others may have only a few. Symptoms of early pregnancy include missed periods, breast changes, tiredness, frequent urination, and nausea and vomiting (morning sickness).
Symptoms surrounding foot numbness are not always directly related to the foot, and that is why it is essential that when you experience numbness in the foot, you see an expert Podiatrist.
Tingling or numbness in the feet is never normal. Whether the tingling feet causes are neuropathy, circulatory issues, or systemic diseases, early intervention by The Foot Institute's podiatrists can prevent irreversible damage. Don't dismiss these warning signs—schedule an evaluation if symptoms persist.
If tingling starts suddenly, appears with weakness, or affects your face or one side of your body, seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms can signal a stroke or another urgent neurological issue.
Diagnostic Tests
People are also more likely to develop peripheral neuropathy as they age. It most commonly occurs in people in their 70s and 80s. There is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, but controlling underlying conditions (like diabetes) and managing symptoms may prevent the problem from worsening.
Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes. People with peripheral neuropathy usually describe the pain as stabbing, burning or tingling.
Digestive problems consistent with neuropathy
Early satiety (feeling full after just a few bites of food) Regurgitating undigested food. Constipation. Diarrhea.
Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms
Symptoms can range from tingling or numbness in a certain body part to more serious effects such as burning pain or paralysis. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Foot problems are common in people with diabetes. They can happen over time when high blood sugar damages the nerves and blood vessels in the feet. The nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy, can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or a loss of feeling in your feet.
What are the early symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
Numbness and tingling can occur in your feet, legs, hands, arms or face. In my example, it started in my feet and then spread to my legs.
You cannot test yourself for MS at home. Medical professionals and equipment are needed for an accurate diagnosis. However, tracking and recording your symptoms can help doctors understand what you are experiencing and the conditions that may be linked.