Tingly Feet – Should You Be Worried?
Tingly Feet – Should You Be Worried?
Have you ever noticed tingling, burning, or numbness in your feet? Sometimes described as “pins and needles,” these sensations might seem harmless at first. But when they persist, they could be a sign of peripheral neuropathy, a condition that requires attention, especially if you live with diabetes.
At Gait and Rehab in Knowle, we see many people with these symptoms. Our role as podiatrists is not only to check what’s happening but to help you protect your feet for the long term.
What Does Tingling or Numbness in the Feet Mean?
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves in your feet don’t work properly. These nerves normally allow you to:
Feel temperature, pain, and pressure.
Sense the ground when you walk (so you don’t lose balance).
Detect injuries like cuts or blisters.
When the nerves are damaged, you may experience:
Loss of feeling: A cut, blister, or sore can go unnoticed.
Altered sensations: Tingling, burning, or sharp pains, especially at night.
Muscle weakness: Nerves also control movement, so you may notice changes in walking.
This matters because if you can’t feel your feet properly, you’re less likely to notice a problem early and that can lead to ulcers, infections, and, in the most serious cases, amputations.
Why It Matters Even More With Diabetes
In diabetes, high blood sugar can damage both nerves (neuropathy) and blood vessels (circulation problems). Together, this creates a “high-risk foot” – one that may not feel injuries and also struggles to heal.
This is why every small change matters. A blister from a tight shoe, a crack in dry skin, or a small cut could develop into something more serious if unnoticed.
Early detection is the key to preventing complications. That’s why podiatry care is central to diabetic foot health and why we take tingling feet very seriously at Gait and Rehab.
How Podiatry Helps
1. Comprehensive Assessments
At Gait and Rehab, our diabetic foot health checks are detailed and evidence-based. We don’t just look at your feet; we test them.
Sensory testing: Using monofilaments, tuning forks, and temperature checks to detect changes in nerve function.
Circulation testing: Using Doppler ultrasound to “listen” to your blood flow – a crucial part of healing.
Gait analysis: Identifying pressure points or changes in walking that could increase risk.
Footwear assessment: Ensuring your shoes protect, rather than harm, your feet.
2. Personalised Care Plans
If we find early signs of neuropathy or circulation issues, we can help you manage them with:
Footwear advice or prescription orthotics to offload high-pressure areas.
Skin and nail care to reduce risks of infections.
Exercise programmes to improve mobility and strength.
Lifestyle advice around foot health and long-term self-care.
3. Ongoing Monitoring
Neuropathy doesn’t always improve, but with regular podiatry review, we can spot changes quickly and prevent complications. At Gait and Rehab, we place our patients on audit recall systems so no one slips through the cracks.
What You Can Do at Home
We encourage all patients with diabetes or tingling feet to:
Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, swelling, or colour changes.
Moisturise regularly to prevent dry, cracked skin.
Wear supportive shoes that protect your feet and fit well.
Seek podiatry review if you notice numbness, tingling, or wounds that aren’t healing.
Remember: prevention is far easier and safer than treating advanced complications.
Why Choose Gait and Rehab
At Gait and Rehab, we combine:
Advanced technology -Doppler ultrasound, gait analysis system.
Expert podiatry care for diabetes, neuropathy, and musculoskeletal health.
A holistic approach, working with you (and your wider healthcare team) to keep you active, mobile, and safe.
Our focus is not only on treating problems but also on prevention and education. By working together, we can help ensure your feet carry you comfortably and safely for years to come.
Don't ignore tingling feet - book your assessment today:
Tingling feet should never be ignored. Whether it’s an early sign of peripheral neuropathy, a circulation issue, or something else, the sooner it’s checked, the better the outcome.
Book in with us at Gait and Rehab if you’ve noticed changes in your feet. With the right care, reassurance, and monitoring, you can stay one step ahead of complications and keep moving with confidence.
Located at 2 Chester Court, Knowle B93 0LL, with free parking and ground floor access. Serving Knowle, Dorridge, Balsall Common, Solihull and surrounding areas. We're here to help you get back to the activities you love, comfortably and confidently.
Emails us at [email protected]
Call us on 01564 314614
