I recently received this question:
Dear Doctor,
When I am performing aerobic exercise, such as, running/jogging/walking on the treadmill, using the eliptical trainer and/or jumping rope, the bottom of my feet begin burning and tingling like little tiny needles. It becomes painful and causes me to stop exercise. This happens with new and old shoes. I am slightly overweight and I have flat feet. Do you know why this happens?
Tingling or "needles" in the feet is oftentimes related to a nerve problem. A common problem in the feet is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (similiar to carpal tunnel syndrome in the hands). Tarsal tunnel is due to a nerve entrapment at the inside of the ankle and the timgling or nerve irritation radiates into the arch, ball and toes.
that happens to me, too. is it something that should be checked by a doctor, or is stopping the exercise in the moment enough?
Hi Sraronson -
Tingling in the feet is not normal. Pins and needles type symptoms in general could be the first clue of some type of underlying problem, such as diabetes or thyroid. Tingling triggered by exercise is oftentimes an irritation of a nerve or an outright pinched nerve. It could be a simple neuroma in the ball of the foot or tarsal tunnel syndrone. Regardless, I would suggest you do get it checked out by a good podiatrist.
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