Pins and Needles in My Feet?
Pins and needles in feet could be caused simply by just having your legs crossed too long, or sleeping in a awkward position. There’s an easy fix for that – just shake out your feet until you get the feeling back. Unfortunately, for some people the pins and needles feeling doesn’t go away that easily.
Causes of Pins and Needles in My Feet
If you are getting pins and needles in your feet often, it is time to have it checked by a doctor. There are lots of different reasons that can cause this and you might be surprised to know that sometimes the cause doesn’t even come from your feet!
Spinal Stenosis
A pinched nerve in your back can cause pins and needles in feet. This is caused by a narrowing of the opening where the nerves leave the spine – called Spinal Stenosis. This might be treated by injection therapy in your back, physical therapy and as a last resort surgical intervention.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can cause tingling in your feet. Some other symptoms from this disease are unexplained weight gain, hair loss and dry skin. If you experience these symptoms, it is easy to get a diagnosis by just requesting a blood test. In order to treat this, you may need to take a synthetic hormone supplement to relieve the pins and needles.
Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes
Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes can also cause pins and needles in your feet. Diet and medication adjustment may be able to alleviate the tingling.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis is another disease that can cause pins and needles in feet. Other symptoms consist of double vision, clumsiness and bladder problems. An MRI can expose the sign of plaques or scarring on the brain or spinal cord. Although there is no cure at the moment, medications can help stave off the progression of the disease. Relief can be had through various medications.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Just like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the hand, there is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome in the foot. Nerves get trapped and irritated in the foot causing pain, numbness, and tingling. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome can be treated by injection therapy, medications, physical therapy, and splinting.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s Neuroma is a swelling and irritation of the nerve closer to the toes. It can cause numbness and pain on the bottom near the ball of the foot, radiating to the toes or into the arch of the foot. Sometimes Morton’s Neuroma is aggravated by wearing shoes that are too tight. Often, injection therapy or medications are administered. Surgery is sometimes indicated if the patient is not getting better with the prior treatments.
It’s Important to Find the Cause of Pins and Needles in Feet
If the initial cause of the pins and needles can be found, it is much easier to treat. If necessary, tests can be done like an MRI, CT scan or an EMG (this measures the electrical activity in the muscle) to help with a diagnosis.
Once you find the cause, the treatment is more likely to work.
For example, if it turns out you have a pinched nerve, you may be prescribed physical therapy or medication. But physical therapy is not likely to work if you have a hormone deficiency or diabetes.
If you are having tingling in your feet, give our office a call at (845) 298-9074, so we can try to get to the bottom of your discomfort. We now have Tuesday and Thursday evening appointments available for your convenience.
Hollowbrook Foot Specialist serving the Hudson Valley from Wappingers Falls.
By David Schlam
