Many people experience tingling or numbness in their feet from time to time. This condition has multiple causes, ranging from temporary and harmless factors to chronic health issues that require medical attention.

1. Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetes is one of the most frequent causes of tingling in the feet. Over time, high blood sugar levels can gradually damage nerves. [2]

Nearly two-thirds of people with diabetes experience varying degrees of nerve damage, ranging from mild to severe, a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. Symptoms may include:

• Tingling and burning sensations in the feet.
• Gradual loss of sensation, which increases the risk of injuries going unnoticed.

2. Poor Circulation

Poor blood circulation is one of the most common causes of tingling in the feet. It occurs when blood does not flow adequately to the lower extremities, which may result from prolonged setting and inactivity or medical conditions such as atherosclerosis or blood clots. [1]

3. Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

A deficiency in certain vitamins, such as Vitamin B12, can cause nerve damage in the hands and feet, leading to tingling sensations. Additionally, low magnesium and potassium levels may contribute to muscle cramps and tingling. [3]

4. Nerve Compression

Pressure on the nerves in the spine or ankle can cause tingling in the feet. Some common examples include: [2]

• Sciatica – This occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, leading to pain and tingling that starts in the lower back and extends down to the foot.
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome – This condition happens when the posterior tibial nerve in the ankle is compressed, causing symptoms such as tingling, numbness, pain, and a burning sensation in the ankle and sole of the foot. Symptoms often worsen with movement or prolonged standing. This condition is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the hand.

5. Exposure to Toxins 

Exposure to toxic substances, such as heavy metals like mercury and lead, can damage the nerves. This damage can result in toxic neuropathy, which often includes tingling sensations in the feet. [2]

6. Chronic Neurological Disorders

Certain chronic neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Guillain-Barré syndrome, can lead to tingling in the feet. In these cases, the nervous system is attacked by the body's immune system, causing temporary or permanent nerve damage. [4]

7. Side Effects of Certain Medications

Tingling in the feet can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as: Blood pressure medications and diuretics, which may affect fluid and electrolyte balance, and Chemotherapy drugs [4]

8. Alcohol Addiction

People who struggle with alcohol addiction are at a higher risk of developing vitamin deficiencies, especially thiamine (Vitamin B1), which is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption itself can directly damage the nerves, a condition known as alcoholic neuropathy. [2]

9. Other Possible Causes

There are many other conditions that may cause tingling in the feet, such as: [2][4]

• Pregnancy – Increased weight and fluid retention can put pressure on the nerves, leading to tingling sensations.
• Hypothyroidism – can slow circulation and weaken nerve function.
• Certain Viral Infections – such as shingles (herpes zoster) and Lyme disease, can cause nerve inflammation, leading to tingling and numbness.
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease – A genetic disorder that affects both motor and sensory nerves in the hands and feet, causing progressive muscle weakness, movement difficulties, and persistent tingling.

Experiencing persistent tingling or nerve issues? Our Neurology Department is here to provide an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment to help you feel better

References

1. Clevelandclinic - Poor Circulation: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment 
2. WebMD- Tingling Hands & Feet: Causes, symptoms, & treatment
3.  Harvard Health puplishing - Peripheral neuropathy: Causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention - Harvard Health‍
4. NINDS - Peripheral Neuropathy | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke