Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Pins And Needles Sensation In Feet?
Question: My feet are usually somewhat numb with pins and needles oftentimes. My ankles tend to swell. It is difficult to walk many times. I wear orthotics which help somewhat with the ankle swelling but not at all with the pins and needles. I assume this is some type of neuropathy. I am 59 yrs old and recently told I had a fatty liver and high cholesterol. I'm 6'2, 220 lbs which is a lot for me. I've started a workout program to try to lose weight but I find losing weight now to be very difficult. Diabetes? Heart? Something as simple as plantar faciaitis? My skin is a little mottled in my lower calf area. Thanks
Brief Answer:
Many possible causes, tests are needed.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Looking at that description of pins and needles, involving both limbs distally it is true that peripheral polyneuropathy comes to mind. The diagnosis has to be confirmed by physical exam (evidencing absent or low reflexes) as well as by tests such as nerve conduction studies.
If it is confirmed then there is the issue of the cause. Diabetes is by far the most common cause of polyneuropathy, your weight makes you a high risk person, so naturally it should be investigated. Peripheral neuropathy can have many different other causes though, nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B12), autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis). At times even after extensive testing no cause can be found.
Apart from polyneuropathy other causes might be the plantar fascitis you mentioned, bilateral tarsal tunnel syndrome (compression of tibial nerve by rheumatoid changes, cysts, varicose veins etc), chronic circulation issues.
Treatment depends on tests results, if a cause is found it should be addressed, the polyneuropathy the symptoms themselves if really bothersome may be treated with neuropathic pain medication (anticonvulsants or antidepressants).
Many possible causes, tests are needed.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Looking at that description of pins and needles, involving both limbs distally it is true that peripheral polyneuropathy comes to mind. The diagnosis has to be confirmed by physical exam (evidencing absent or low reflexes) as well as by tests such as nerve conduction studies.
If it is confirmed then there is the issue of the cause. Diabetes is by far the most common cause of polyneuropathy, your weight makes you a high risk person, so naturally it should be investigated. Peripheral neuropathy can have many different other causes though, nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B12), autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis). At times even after extensive testing no cause can be found.
Apart from polyneuropathy other causes might be the plantar fascitis you mentioned, bilateral tarsal tunnel syndrome (compression of tibial nerve by rheumatoid changes, cysts, varicose veins etc), chronic circulation issues.
Treatment depends on tests results, if a cause is found it should be addressed, the polyneuropathy the symptoms themselves if really bothersome may be treated with neuropathic pain medication (anticonvulsants or antidepressants).
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
