Tingling In Feet: 16 Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatments - Healthline

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16 Causes of Tingling in Feet and How to Treat Them

Medically reviewed by Megan Soliman, MD — Written by Megan Dix, RN, BSN and Megan Yee — Updated on January 26, 2024

Chronic conditions
Other causes
When to see a doctor
FAQ
Takeaway

Your feet may tingle if you’ve been in the same position for a long time. However, tingling feet may also be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as diabetes and kidney failure, among others.

Tingling in the feet is a common sensation that isn’t usually a reason for concern.

For example, you may experience “pins and needles” in your feet if you stay seated in a position too long. This feeling should go away when you move.

However, tingling in the feet that is persistent may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Keep reading to learn more about the possible causes of tingling in your feet and their diagnoses and treatments.

Chronic conditions that could cause tingling in feet

The following chronic conditions may cause tingling or numbness in the feet.

1. Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy

Diabetes is a common cause of persistent tingling in the feet. Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of nerve damage caused by high blood sugar.

Other symptoms of diabetes may include:

frequent urination
extreme thirst
dry mouth
itchy skin
fruity smelling breath
pain or numbness in the hands
pain or numbness in the feet
increased hunger
unexpected weight loss
slow healing of cuts or sores
yeast infections
drowsiness or lethargy
vision changes
nausea and vomiting

To diagnose diabetes, a healthcare professional will:

take a medical history
complete a physical exam
run blood tests

Diabetes can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications, such as insulin.

2. Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disease. It causes the immune system to attack myelin, which is the protective covering on nerves.

This results in nerve damage and disruption in communication between the brain and body.

Tingling or numbness is a common symptom of MS that could affect your body, face, hands, and feet. It may be one of the first signs of MS, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Other symptoms of MS may include:

fatigue
weakness
pain and itching
gait and balance difficulties
muscle spasms
vision changes
dizziness
bladder and bowel problems
sexual problems
cognitive changes
emotional changes
depression

Currently, there is no single laboratory test that can determine whether you have MS. That said, a doctor will do several tests to determine the cause of your tingling feet.

Some of the tests used to diagnose MS may include:

MRI
lumbar puncture
evoked potential test
neurological exam to test reflexes, coordination, balance, and functioning of the cranial nerves
blood tests to rule out other conditions
spinal fluid analysis

There’s no cure for MS, but many treatment options may help slow the progression of the disease and manage symptoms. These may include oral drugs, injections, and infusions.

3. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid is underactive and can’t produce enough thyroid hormone to support your body’s needs.

At first, symptoms of hypothyroidism may seem mild and could be attributed to other conditions. These may include:

fatigue
weight gain
puffy face
heavy or irregular menstrual periods
thinning hair
a slow heart rate
muscle weakness, aches, tenderness, and stiffness
joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
goiter
memory problems

Untreated hypothyroidism may lead to peripheral neuropathy. This is damage to your peripheral nerves. Tingling and numbness in your feet are some of the effects of peripheral neuropathy.

To diagnose hypothyroidism, a doctor will order a blood test called a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test. High TSH levels may indicate that you have hypothyroidism.

Treatment for hypothyroidism involves taking an oral synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, and Unithroid). A doctor will monitor your TSH levels and adjust your levothyroxine dosage as needed.

Treatment for hypothyroidism is usually lifelong.

4. Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS)

Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) causes pain, tingling, or burning in the ankle, heel, or foot. This condition is caused by compression of the tibial nerve, which runs along the inside of the ankle and foot.

To diagnose TTS, a healthcare professional will ask you about your symptoms and medical history.

They’ll also perform a Tinel’s sign test, during which they’ll put pressure on your tibial nerve. If this pressure results in tingling in your foot, the test is considered positive for TTS.

Treatment for TTS will vary depending on the individual and their symptoms. Some treatment options include:

rest
taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
wearing orthotics
physical therapy
corticosteroid injections

You may need surgery to decompress the nerve if your symptoms are severe or they persist despite treatment.

5. Kidney failure

Kidney failure may cause tingling in the feet. Kidney failure has many causes, but the most common are diabetes and high blood pressure, according to the National Kidney Foundation.

Symptoms of tingling feet caused by kidney failure include:

pain and numbness in the legs and feet
cramping and muscle twitches
muscle weakness

A doctor may perform the following tests to determine if kidney failure is causing your tingling feet:

neurological exam
electromyography (EMG), which measures muscle activity
nerve conduction study
blood tests

Treatment for kidney failure includes dialysis and a kidney transplant.

6. Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a group of inherited peripheral nerve disorders that may result in:

tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in your hands and feet
muscle atrophy and weakness
gait difficulties, such as having an awkward step
having high arches or hammer toe
muscle contractures

To diagnose CMT, a neurologist will ask about your family medical history and perform a neurological exam. They may also run tests, including:

blood tests to look for genetic abnormalities
EMG
nerve biopsy
nerve conduction study

There’s currently no cure for CMT, but treatment options may help you remain active and manage symptoms. These may include:

occupational therapy to help you complete daily activities
physical therapy to prevent or delay muscle weakness and deformity
using assistance devices, such as walking aids
braces or splints
medication to manage the pain
only drinking alcohol in moderation
surgery, such as arthrodesis and plantar fasciitis surgery

7. Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body attacks itself. Some conditions may cause tingling in the feet, including:

lupus
Sjögren’s disease
Guillain-Barré syndrome
celiac disease
rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

To determine if an autoimmune disease is causing the tingling in your feet, a doctor may:

take a family and medical history
complete a physical exam
run several blood tests

Treatments for autoimmune diseases vary. They may include dietary changes, medications, and therapy.

8. Infections

Several infections may cause nerve inflammation, which could lead to feet tingling. These infections include:

Lyme disease
shingles
hepatitis B and C
HIV
AIDS
Hansen’s disease

See a healthcare professional if you think you may have an infection. They’ll take a medical history, complete a physical exam, and likely draw blood to test for infectious diseases.

Treatment will vary depending on which infection you have, but it’ll likely include medication.

9. Alcohol use disorder and alcoholic neuropathy

Drinking heavily regularly may cause alcoholic neuropathy, which is damage to the peripheral nerves. Around 46% of people who chronically misuse alcohol experience peripheral neuropathy.

Alcoholic neuropathy may cause tingling in the feet, hands, or limbs. It may last anywhere from a few months to several years.

Additional symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy include:

muscle weakness and cramps
digestive issues
incontinence
nausea and vomiting

Alcohol use disorder is also associated with malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. This could make associating tingling in the feet with drinking alcohol difficult.

It’s important to speak honestly about your alcohol use with a healthcare professional. This could help them find the proper cause for tingling in your feet, as well as develop the best treatment plan.

A doctor may run the following tests:

neurological exam
nerve biopsy
nerve conduction study
EMG
endoscopy
blood tests

The most important steps in treating alcoholic neuropathy are considering stopping drinking and seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder. Other methods that may form part of your treatment plan include:

taking vitamin supplements
taking medications
doing physical therapy

It’s important to note that you may experience symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy even if you quit drinking.

Other causes of tingling in feet

Several other causes may be responsible for the tingling in your feet.

10. Pregnancy

It’s not uncommon to experience tingling in your feet during pregnancy. Your uterus grows during pregnancy, which may put pressure on the nerves that run down the legs. This causes the “pins and needles” sensation.

You may be able to relieve the tingling by:

resting with your feet up
changing positions
making sure you’re well hydrated

Speak with a doctor if the tingling worsens, doesn’t go away, or is accompanied by weakness or swelling. This may be a sign of something more serious happening.

11. Vitamin deficiency

Not getting enough of certain vitamins, particularly B vitamins, may cause tingling in the feet. Vitamin deficiency can be the result of an inadequate diet or an underlying health condition.

B12 is one of the vitamins associated with peripheral neuropathy. If you’re deficient in vitamin B12, you may have some of the following symptoms:

fatigue
shortness of breath
dizziness
tingling and coldness in the hands and feet
headache
chest pain
digestive issues
nausea
an enlarged liver

A doctor may take a medical and family history, complete a physical exam, and draw blood to determine if you have a vitamin deficiency.

You may need supplements or another treatment, depending on the cause of your low vitamin levels.

12. Medication use

Tingling in the feet may be a side effect of some medications. The most common drugs that cause this sensation are chemotherapy treatments for cancer and medications for HIV and AIDS.

Others include medications used to help treat:

seizures
heart conditions
high blood pressure

Speak with a doctor if you’re taking a medication and experiencing tingling in your feet. They’ll be able to determine if the tingling is a side effect of your medication. They’ll also decide whether your dose needs to be changed.

13. Pinched nerve

A pinched nerve in your back can cause tingling in your feet. Pinched nerves may be caused by injury, inflammation, and a herniated disc, among others.

Other symptoms of a pinched nerve may include:

pain
changes in the sensation in your feet
decreased range of motion

A doctor’s analysis to diagnose a pinched nerve may include:

medical history and physical exam
EMG
MRI
X-ray
ultrasound

Treatment for a pinched nerve may include:

rest
at-home remedies, such as exercises and stretches
over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and NSAIDs
prescription medications, such as oral steroids
physical therapy
surgery

14. Toxin exposure

Exposure to certain chemicals and toxins can cause toxic neuropathy. Some symptoms may include:

tingling
numbness
pain
weakness
difficulty walking

Some toxins that can cause tingling in the feet if they’re swallowed or absorbed through the skin include:

lead
arsenic
mercury
black mold
thallium
silver
antifreeze
glue
alcohol

It can be difficult to diagnose toxin exposure as the cause of tingling in the feet.

A healthcare professional will take a medical history, including details about your work and home environment, your diet, and any supplements you take.

They may also perform other tests, including blood tests.

Treatment may include medications, new safety measures, and changing your environmental exposure to toxins at work or home.

15. Hyperventilation

Hyperventilation occurs when you breathe too deeply and rapidly. It causes a decrease in carbon dioxide in your blood, which can make you feel lightheaded, short of breath, and anxious.

Decreased carbon dioxide levels may cause a tingling sensation in your feet or hands.

Hyperventilation is a symptom of emotional stress or other conditions, such as:

anxiety disorders
lung infections
lung diseases
heart conditions
diabetic ketoacidosis
altitude sickness

If you’re hyperventilating, a healthcare professional will ask you about your other symptoms and medical history. They may also give you a physical exam and use blood tests to check for certain conditions, such as infections.

Treatment for hyperventilation requires addressing the underlying condition that’s causing the hyperventilation.

Home remedies to treat a hyperventilation episode aim to slow down your breathing and increase your body’s carbon dioxide levels.

Here are some techniques to try:

breathing through pursed lips
breathing into a paper bag, which you shouldn’t do if you have heart or lung problems
belly breathing

16. Unknown causes

Sometimes people experience tingling in their feet and there’s not a known cause. Doctors call this “idiopathic.”

A healthcare professional will complete a physical exam and perform several tests to rule out anything that could be causing your symptoms.

Treatment may include pain medication, safety measures, and special shoes.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you experience tingling in your feet that:

doesn’t go away
gets worse
is accompanied by pain
keeps you from walking well

You may be at risk for falls if you can’t feel your feet properly.

If you experience tingling in your feet accompanied by a severe headache, tingling in your face, or sudden weakness, get immediate medical attention. These may be signs of a stroke, which can be life threatening.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get my feet to stop tingling?

Treatment for tingling in your feet will depend on the cause. If it’s from a common cause like sitting for too long, then walking should help restore blood flow. If tingling in your feet is caused by an underlying condition, then you may require medical treatments like medications, physical therapy, or surgery.

Can high blood pressure cause tingling in feet?

High blood pressure is a risk factor for conditions that could cause tingling in your feet, such as diabetes and kidney failure. Medications used to help treat high blood pressure may also lead to tingling in your feet.

What are the first signs of neuropathy in your feet?

Early signs of neuropathy in your feet may include numbness, tingling, loss of sensitivity, a burning sensation, or sharp pain.

Takeaway

Tingling or numbness in the feet is a common sensation that typically goes away on its own.

However, tingling in the feet that doesn’t go away or is accompanied by other symptoms may be a sign of an underlying health condition.

Speak with a healthcare professional if your tingling feet don’t get better after a few days. They could help find the cause and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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Julian T, et al, (2018). Alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00415-018-9123-1
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Medically reviewed by Megan Soliman, MD — Written by Megan Dix, RN, BSN and Megan Yee — Updated on January 26, 2024

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