It’s World Diabetes Month and was World Diabetes Day on the 14th November!
And so, we want to talk about one of the most misunderstood conditions that can be associated with diabetes – tingling feet 🦶.
Diabetes can cause tingling feet to occur – but it’s not the only reason this can happen!
It is actually a fairly common symptom people experience. It can also be felt as a ‘pins and needles’ or numbness sensation.
Some of the time, this isn’t a cause to be concerned. It can be the result of sitting on our feet for example, but much of the time there is a reason that it happens! 💁♀️
If the tingling is persistent and continues and comes with or without pain, it’s time to seek expert help.
Causes of foot tingling or numbness include:
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetes is an increasingly common condition, and diabetic neuropathy is the result of nerve damage cause by having high blood sugar 🧁. The change in blood damages the small arteries that supply blood to the nerves and this can cause the sensation of tingling, pins and needles or numbness.
Symptoms include frequent urination, extreme thirst 🥤, dry mouth, itchy skin, fruity smelling breath 🍓, increased hunger, unexpected weight loss, slow healing of cuts or sores, yeast infections, drowsiness, nausea and changes to your vision.
Pay attention to what you’re experiencing as this problem needs quick medical action. If you’re unsure, seek out guidance from your GP. Diabetes can be a result of genetic predisposition, but commonly it is connected to lifestyle and diet.
Trapped Nerves
Having a pinched nerve, most commonly in your lower back, can cause the tingling in your feet!
Pinched or trapped nerves can happen for several reasons, including an injury, inflammation, repetitive movements causing damage or as the result of a disc herniation. You might also have pain 🤕, weakness, muscle spasm or reduced flexibility.
A thorough assessment and diagnosis is important, so we can ascertain the underlying cause. Treatments may include massage and chiropractic adjustments 💆♀️, as well as rest and lifestyle change.
Circulation problems
There can be so many causes of poor circulation in our bodies – including diabetes, again – but also various issues in the blood flow 🩸 (for instance, things like obstacles in the system like clots or damaged veins, particularly varicose veins), as well as obesity and other conditions.
The treatment for these really does depend on the kind of circulation problems you’re experiencing. It’s important to seek advice if you’re worried.
Vitamin deficiency
You can get tingling in your feet from a lack of certain vitamins, particularly B12 vitamins.
This can be caused by diet or an underlying condition, and can cause fatigue , shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches , chest pains, digestive issues, nausea. And, of course, tingling (and even a sensation of cold) 🥶 in the hands or feet.
Pay attention to your diet and start ensuring that you’re getting a good variety of fruits and vegetables 🥗, and less sugary or processed foods. Often, you may require an B12 injection.
Some less common conditions…
Multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barre syndrome can also cause tingling and would require further medical investigations.
If tingling feet is something you’re experiencing and is becoming a concern, come and check it out with us for the spinal causes, and check in with your GP too! Together we can start getting to the bottom of the cause of your tingling feet.
