Are you currently experiencing pins and needles in your feet? Then you are in the right place. Below you will come across some of the things that can be blamed for it most of the time.
Before you panic, it’s important to note that pins and needles that gradually go away as soon as you change your sitting position is nothing to be worried about. Such is usually due to pressure applied on a nerve when you stay in a particular position for a long time.
However, it’s a different matter completely if pins and needles are constantly bugging your feet. At times your feet may become painful or numb, too. If severe, the problem may interfere with your everyday living. For instance, it can keep you from walking normally or exercising regularly.
The following are some of the most common causes of pins and needles in your feet:
Pregnancy
If you’re in the family way, especially if your belly is already bulging, then it’s not unlikely for you to experience pins and needles in your feet. Such is due to the pressure applied by your growing baby on the nerves that supply sensation to your legs and feet. If the pins and needles sensation is bugging you all the time, let your OB know to make sure that nothing serious is going on.
Medication Intake
Certain medications are notorious for causing side effects, and some of them include having that unmistakable pins and needles sensation in the feet. A few examples are those that are meant for dealing with high blood pressure, heart problems, cancer and seizures. Especially if a medication is prescribed by a doctor, don’t just stopping it. Pay him or her a visit in order to report the side effects.
Peripheral Neuropathy
It’s no secret that diabetes can come with so many different health complications. One of those is what’s called peripheral neuropathy, which is damage to the peripheral nerves or nerves that are situated outside of your central nervous system. One of the telltale signs of peripheral neuropathy includes that characteristic pins and needles sensation. Aside from the feet, the legs, arms and hands can be affected, too.
Vitamin B Deficiency
B vitamins are important for healthy nerves. That is why being deficient in it can cause problems concerning the nerves, and a most likely symptom that may be encountered as a result of such is pins and needles in the feet. It’s not uncommon for a doctor to recommend vitamin B supplement intake to help correct deficiency in it and reestablish healthy nerves. Opting for a diet that contains B vitamin-rich foods can help, too.
Autoimmune Diseases
Health authorities say that there are more than 100 types of autoimmune diseases, which happen when the body’s immune system starts attacking healthy and completely harmless cells or tissues of the body. A few autoimmune diseases can cause pins and needles in the feet. Some of the most common ones include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease and Sjorgen’s syndrome.
Certain Infections
There are various types on infections that can cause pins and needles sensation in the feet. They include shingles, hepatitis B and C, lyme disease, leprosy, HIV and AIDS. These infections and many others can cause the nerves to become infected, thus causing pins and needles. Certainly, an infection also tends to come with a bunch of other highly noticeable signs and symptoms.
WARNING
If the problem refuses to go away or intensifies, make sure that you pay your doctor a visit as soon as you can. This is especially true if the pins and needles sensation is accompanied by other unusual symptoms. Don’t forget that the pieces of information shared above should not be taken as professional advice that only your doctor can give.
