Why do I have tingling in my foot? — Physiotherapy London Ontario

I’ve got tingling in my feet! Why does this happen?

I’ve had a lot of people in the Break Free Community ask me about tingling in their feet. Where does it come from? Why does it happen? Why does it happen in one foot for me but for some people it happens in both? People often share that it’s extremely frustrating because it affects their mood and makes them fearful to move a certain way. I’m going to share four very common things that could be the cause. This list is not exhaustive, but it can certainly lead you in the right direction.

Tight shoes

Maybe your shoes are the wrong fit? I’ve had many people come in for an assessment and later we find that their shoes are way too tight! Some people prefer it snug but if there is too much pressure, you can compress nerves and restrict blood flow leading to tingling in your feet. Sometimes you can relace running shoes so that there is more space, but ultimately most running shoes do not break in, so it might be time for a new pair! If you’re on your feet a lot, make sure that you remember that your feet swell later in the day. Some suggest that it may be better to try on shoes later in the day for that reason.

Diabetes

Do you have tingling in both feet and your shins? We call this stocking paresthesia, which is common with diabetic neuropathy. This occurs because of high blood sugar levels that can injure nerves throughout your body. This can also happen in your hands as well, so if you start noticing symptoms like these, seek help from your doctor. They should be able to get you the help you need to manage the symptoms and prevent future complications.

**This illustration depicts nerves travelling down the leg from the lower back to the feet.**

Back and/or Hip

Your back is a common culprit for tingling in the feet. Nerves from your lower back travel down your leg to your feet. It’s a common myth, but some people believe you have to have back pain at the same time if it’s related to your feet. I often find in the clinic that this isn’t true. The same goes for your hips! Often if you have limited hip mobility, it can affect how nerves conduct down your legs. The best way to approach it is to ask yourself, “what I am doing when I feel the tingling in my feet?”. If you bring that information to your physiotherapist, you can both work together to find its source!

For more information about how your back may be involved with leg and feet tingling/numbness, check out this blog that Corey guest authored on PainHero.

Ankle or Foot

Perhaps an old injury, accident, or repetitive strain has changed the way you load your feet. If certain muscles are weak, it can put pressure on nerves. Another possibility is you could have a stiff ankle, and can’t flex it as much as before. A physiotherapist would be able to find out by doing a thorough examination of your foot to determine if you have any of these problems.