Have you ever felt like your feet were on fire, crawling with ants, or strangely numb? While it may be tempting to brush off these sensations as temporary discomfort, they could be signs of something more serious happening in your body. Our feet are often the first place where nerve and circulation problems show up—and paying attention to these symptoms can help you detect underlying health issues early.
Let’s break down the three main sensations shown in the image: burning (ardor), tingling (hormigueo), and numbness (entumecimiento)—what they mean and when you should take action.
1. Burning Sensation (Ardor)
A burning feeling in your feet, especially when it occurs at night, may point to nerve damage or irritation. This is often linked to peripheral neuropathy, a condition where nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are damaged. One of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes. Other possible causes include alcohol abuse, vitamin B12 deficiency, and certain medications.
Common causes of burning feet:
- Diabetes (nerve damage)
- Chronic alcohol use
- Hypothyroidism
- Kidney disease
- Poor circulation
If the burning is persistent, especially if it disrupts your sleep or daily life, you should consult a doctor. Ignoring it could lead to worsening nerve damage or complications like foot ulcers in diabetics.
2. Tingling Sensation (Hormigueo)
Tingling feels like tiny pins and needles, or like ants crawling on your skin. It may be temporary—like when your foot “falls asleep”—but chronic tingling can be a sign of a deeper issue.
Causes of tingling feet:
- Nerve compression (from sitting too long or crossing your legs)
- Vitamin deficiencies (especially B12)
- Sciatica or herniated disc
- Early stages of neuropathy
- Multiple sclerosis (less common)
If the tingling occurs frequently or spreads over time, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice. It could be the early stage of nerve compression or degeneration, which is easier to treat when caught early.
3. Numbness (Entumecimiento)
Numbness is when you lose feeling in your feet or toes. This can be dangerous, as it may cause you to miss injuries, cuts, or infections that need attention. Like burning and tingling, numbness is a sign that your nerves are not functioning properly.
Causes of numb feet:
- Peripheral neuropathy (especially in diabetics)
- Poor blood flow (peripheral artery disease)
- Stroke (if sudden and one-sided)
- Spinal cord injury
- Certain medications or chemotherapy
If numbness comes on suddenly or is accompanied by weakness or difficulty walking, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a neurological emergency.
What Should You Do?
If you experience any of these sensations in your feet regularly, here are some important steps:
- Check your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes or are at risk.
- Take a daily B-complex supplement or increase your intake of leafy greens, eggs, and whole grains.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking, which both damage nerves.
- Get proper footwear that supports your feet and allows for circulation.
- Visit a doctor if symptoms persist longer than a few days or worsen over time.
Final Thoughts
Your feet may be trying to tell you something important. Burning, tingling, and numbness aren’t just uncomfortable—they can be early warning signs of nerve damage, poor circulation, or other serious medical conditions. Listening to your body and seeking help early can make a big difference in your long-term health.
