Why Do My Feet Tingle, Feel Numb, or Are Cold All the Time?

Have you ever felt tingling, numbness, coolness in your feet that doesn’t go away? Occasional numbness isn’t a big deal, but if it happens often or becomes constant, it could be a sign that something more serious is going on.

At Vascular Surgery Associates, we help patients understand the underlying causes of these unusual sensations and provide guidance on how to alleviate their symptoms.

Causes of tingling and numbness or coolness in the feet

There are many possible reasons for foot tingling and numbness. Here are the most common ones:

1. Poor circulation

When blood doesn’t flow properly to your feet, your nerves and tissues don’t get enough oxygen and nutrients. This issue can trigger tingling, numbness, or even pain. Poor circulation is often caused by:

Diabetes
Smoking
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Raynaud’s Syndrome

PAD is a common condition we treat at Vascular Surgery Associates. It occurs when your arteries become narrowed or blocked, which is typically due to a buildup of plaque (a sticky coating formed from cholesterol and waste products). Tingling feet are often an early warning sign.

2. Peripheral neuropathy

Neuropathy (nerve damage) is common in people with diabetes, affecting up to 66% of patients. Over time, excessive blood sugar levels can injure nerves, especially ones in your feet and legs. Chronic skin inflammation, such as the kind that can occur with poorly treated leg swelling, can also cause peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

Numbness or tingling
Burning or sharp pain
Muscle weakness
Loss of balance

Other causes of neuropathy include alcohol abuse, vitamin B12 deficiency, chemotherapy, and certain infections.

3. Spinal issues

Nerve compression in the lower spine due to conditions such as herniated discs can also cause numbness or tingling in the lower limbs. These issues arise from pressure on the sciatic nerve that travels down your legs. The resulting condition — sciatica — affects up to 40% of people at some stage in their lives.

4. Pinched nerves

A pinched nerve in your hip, leg, or foot can cause tingling or numbness in a more localized area. You may experience symptoms after sitting or standing in the same position for too long.

When foot tingling, numbness, or coolness are a cause for concern

If you feel occasional tingling after sitting cross-legged for a while, that’s usually nothing to worry about. However, if numbness or tingling occurs frequently or persists, you should seek our advice. Call us at Vascular Surgery Associates if you experience:

Numbness that lasts more than a few minutes
Tingling that’s getting worse or spreading
Pain, weakness, or muscle loss in your legs
Wounds or sores on your feet that won’t heal
Cold feet or changes in skin color

These symptoms may point to circulation problems or nerve damage that require medical attention.

To diagnose the cause, we begin with a thorough medical evaluation, including a review of your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. To get a clearer picture of what’s going on, we may recommend one or more of the following diagnostic procedures:

Vascular ultrasound

Vascular ultrasound is a painless test that checks how well blood is flowing to your feet.

Ankle-brachial index (ABI)

ABI is a simple test that compares blood pressure in your ankle to that in your arm.

Nerve conduction studies

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests determine signs of peripheral neuropathy.

Blood tests

We might take blood to check for diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or other health issues.

Once we identify the cause, we create a care plan tailored to your specific needs. Treatment depends on the underlying condition:

Poor circulation

You can improve poor circulation by making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, exercising, and maintaining a heart-healthy diet. You might also need medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and/or blood sugar. More severe problems like blocked arteries may require minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty and stenting to improve blood flow.

Peripheral neuropathy

Better blood sugar control is vital for people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. You may also benefit from medications to relieve nerve pain, supplements to address any vitamin deficiency, and foot care to prevent wounds or infections.

Spinal or nerve compression

Physical therapy is highly beneficial for musculoskeletal problems. You may also need anti-inflammatory medications and, for more severe conditions, a referral to a spine specialist.