Has it ever happened that your feet are scorching hot as though they are on fire, or they seem like they are crawling with ants, or they somehow lose feeling? Making light of these experiences may be common, but they might show there is a more significant issue happening inside your body. The feet are usually the first to reveal signs of nerve and blood circulation trouble, which you should pay attention to so you can detect possible health issues earlier.
All three of the sensations you see in the image, burning (ardor), tingling (hormigueo), and numbness (entumecimiento), deserve attention—let’s look at them and when to take action.
- Ardor
When your feet feel very warm at night, it could indicate that there is damage or irritation in the nerves. Many times, this happens due to peripheral neuropathy, meaning nerves around the brain and spine are damaged. Many people who have diabetes are likely to experience peripheral neuropathy. Other things that could cause neuropathy are drinking too much alcohol, not getting enough B12, and some drugs.
There are a number of things that can lead to burning feet.
Some people also suffer from diabetes (nerve damage).
The habitual use of alcohol
Hypothyroidism
Kidney disease
Poor circulation
In case the pain continues and prevents you from sleeping or going about your day-to-day tasks, you must visit your doctor. Ignoring such problems might result in worse nerve injury or even diabetic foot ulcers.
- Hormigueo, which means a shaking or tingling sensation
Tingling gives you a sensation much the same as pins and needles or ants moving across your skin. Short-lasting tingling may be normal, but ongoing and severe tingling could show there is something else going on.
The possible reasons for tingling feet:
Pressure on your nerves from sitting in the same position or by bowing your legs
Lack of enough vitamins, especially B12
An example could be sciatica or a herniated disc that cause pain.
The beginning stages of neuropathy
Sometimes, people get a rare disease called multiple sclerosis.
If this feeling happens often or keeps getting worse, see a doctor for advice. Nerve compression or degeneration may be present at this point, and since it is easier to treat early, it should be checked right away.
- Numbness (Entumecimiento)
When you lose sensation in your feet or toes, it is called numbness. Missing injuries, cuts, or infections may happen if you don’t check your body. When you have any kind of numbness, it suggests there is a problem with nerve function.
What leads to numb feet?
Neuropathy that occurs in people with diabetes
Issues with blood circulation (called peripheral artery disease)
When there is an isolated–and sudden–stroke.
Injury to the spine
Some medications or treatmentslike specific types of chemotherapy
Get to a doctor as soon as possible if sudden numbness is visible and is linked to weakness or trouble walking. They could be evidence that something serious is happening in the brain.
How Should You React?
If you go through these sensations in your feet frequently, you should take the following steps:
It is important to check your blood sugar levels if you are diabetic or at risk.
Every day, try to take a B-complex supplement or boost your intake of foods such as green leafy vegetables, eggs, and grains.
Stay away from alcohol and tobacco, since they can damage your nerves.
Pick footwear that cushions your feet and helps blood flow through them.
See a doctor if you have symptoms that last more than a few days or become worse as the days go on.
Final Thoughts
Possibly, your feet are trying to convey something important to you. Although the feeling of burning, tingling, or numbness is unpleasant, it may mean there is nerve pain, poor blood flow, or another issue. Paying attention to your health and obtaining help early can greatly benefit your long-term condition.
