You may have said, “My feet are sleeping!” at times. This strange term often describes painful burning or numbness in the feet.
A minor case of tingly or numb feet from sitting cross-legged on the floor may stop you from moving around for a short time, but tingling in the feet that persists for more extended periods may indicate a severe condition.
You might wonder what causes tingly or numb feet and what you can do about it.
Tingly Feet: Causes and Treatment
There are a variety of causes for tingling or pins-and-needles sensations in the feet, which can range from benign to severe.
The following are some of the most common causes of tingly feet:
- Sitting in the same position for too long can cause foot pain. Sitting in a car for too long, crossing your legs, or sitting on your knees can cause the nerves that lead to your feet to become tingly, even painful.
- A pinched nerve can cause numbness in your feet.
- You may have vascular problems.– A lack of blood circulation can cause numbness and tingling in the feet.
- You may have fibromyalgia. Many people with fibromyalgia report feeling “pins and needles” in their feet.
- Nerve damage can affect the feeling of your feet.
- Patients with peripheral neuropathy may experience numbness in their feet. It is common for diabetic patients to share this.
Other health conditions may cause tingly or numb feet.
Tingly feet and diabetes
Diabetes patients are at a higher risk of developing loss of feeling in their feet. The neuropathy of the feet is dangerous, as a patient might not realize that he’s injured his foot until the infection has set in. This can hurt the patient’s overall health and has, in some cases, even led to an amputation.
If your endocrinologist believes you suffer from severe diabetic nerve damage, a referral to an orthopedic specialist may be recommended. The podiatrist can screen for ulcers and other foot conditions and suggest the best socks and shoes take better care of feet.
Diabetic foot pain does require regular medical care.
What Does an Athlete’s Foot Look Like?
Our feet are the last thing on our minds regarding health. When we feel pain, smell a funny smell, or see something strange, we pay attention.
The common condition of an athlete’s feet can affect anyone. What do athletes’ feet look like?
What is an Athlete’s Foot?
A fungal infection, known medically as tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), affects the feet. It’s called athlete’s foot because it is common among athletes. But don’t be fooled by the name; it can affect anyone.
Dermatophytes are the fungi responsible for athletes’ feet and skin infections. It grows in warm, moist areas. This is why it usually begins between the toes.
The spread of Dermatophytes is also a concern.
- Tinea. manuum is a condition that affects the hands.
- Groin. Also known as jock itch, this condition can also affect the inner thighs and anus.
- Toenails
Athlete’s Foot Symptoms
How do athletes’ feet look? It begins as a rash that itches and burns. Untreated, the skin may crack, blister and peel. You will see redness and scaling if the inflammation extends to the soles and inside of your foot.
You should also be aware of the following:
- Bumps or blisters on the feet
- Toenails that become thick and yellow. They may even fall out.
- Unpleasant smell
How is Athlete’s Foot treated?
Over-the-counter medications, home remedies, or prescription medications may treat athletes’ feet.
Over the Counter Medications
Most athletes’ feet can be treated using topical antifungal medications that are available over the counter. Depending on its severity, the infection can last from a few weeks to a few months.
These antifungal drugs include:
- Clotrimazole is available as a lotion or an aerosol.
- Sulconazole (Exelderm)
- Econazole (Spectazole)
Home Remedies
You can try soaking your feet in some common remedies to cure athlete’s heel:
- Saltwater
- Diluted vinegar
- Tea tree oil solution
Prescribed Medication
You may need to consult a doctor in rare cases who can prescribe a more aggressive antifungal topical or oral treatment.
How to Prevent Athlete’s Foot
It’s always better to prevent an infection than treat it, no matter how minor. Keep your feet clean and as dry as you can. You can adopt the following habits:
- Every day, wash your feet thoroughly.
- After every shower, dry your feet, particularly between your toes.
- After you have taken a shower, wear a pair of clean socks.
- Alternate the shoes that you wear each day to give your shoes a rest.
- Shoes that are not too tight will allow your feet to breathe.
- Avoid sharing shoes.
Most athletes’ foot spread in public showers, gyms, public pools, and showers at the workplace. Rain in sandals if you are going to shower in these places.
Credit: NoRXPharmaUSA.com
