5 Tips for Managing Numbness and Tingling in Your Feet

Maybe you’ve noticed that certain areas of your feet have lost sensation and are going numb. Or perhaps you’re dealing with a tingling sensation in your lower limbs.

In all likelihood, these symptoms are due to peripheral neuropathy, which is the medical term for nerve damage. One of the biggest culprits behind peripheral neuropathy is diabetes, which affects about 38.4 million Americans.

November is National Diabetes Month, so our team of diabetic foot health experts at Neuhaus Foot and Ankle wants to focus on some of the more common complications of this chronic disease, and peripheral neuropathy tops this list.

Here’s a look at why numbness and tingling can develop in your feet and the best practices for managing these symptoms.

Diabetes and peripheral neuropathy

To give you an idea about how common peripheral neuropathy is when you have diabetes, the nerve damage eventually affects about half of those with the condition.

The reason for this is uncontrolled blood sugar levels, thanks to a lack of insulin and/or insulin resistance. 

Without enough insulin to clear glucose in your blood, you have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels that can damage peripheral nerves, especially those that are farthest from your heart, such as those in your lower legs, ankles, and feet.

One of the earliest signs of this nerve damage is numbness and tingling in your feet and lower legs. 

Managing neuropathy-related numbness and tingling

Now, let’s dive into some strategies for managing numbness and tingling in your lower limbs due to peripheral neuropathy.

1. Get a proper diagnosis from the start

One of the most important steps you can take is to schedule an appointment at the first signs of numbness and tingling in your feet. During this visit, we can identify what’s causing the problem and the extent of the nerve damage.

With early neuropathy, it is possible to reverse some of the nerve damage. Even if the damage is irreversible, we can review ways to slow or halt the progression.

2. Manage your blood sugar

As soon as you start to develop complications from diabetes, such as numbness and tingling in your feet, it’s time to double down on your efforts to manage your diabetes. Work with your primary care physician to make sure you have the tools you need to regulate your blood sugar. 

3. Get moving

When you have numbness and tingling in your feet, a great way to send blood and valuable resources into the damaged nerves is through exercise. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day.

4. Perform daily foot checks

When you have numbness in your feet, you might not feel an injury. Check your feet every night before going to bed for any unnoticed wounds.

5. Get custom orthotics

To slow peripheral neuropathy and better manage your symptoms, you need the right footwear. Preferably something that allows your feet and toes to spread out.

A great way to convert almost every pair of shoes into supportive footwear is to outfit yourself with custom orthotics. With custom orthotics, you can protect and support your feet, which can also help prevent further nerve damage.

There are more great strategies for managing peripheral neuropathy in your feet, and we’re happy to share them with you. To learn more, simply contact one of our 16 conveniently located offices in Tennessee to schedule a consultation.