Cold tingling every time I walk, nerve damage or aggravation?

Posted by paul14 @paul14, Jul 12, 2023

I bought OrthoFeet sneakers very wide and a size larger than I need and have nerve damage/aggravation happening every time I walk in them or take them off. Seems like I can’t walk anywhere, inside or out without the cold and tingling sensation that occurs when nerves are being damaged. At night the soles of my feet feel like sponges. I have lost almost all sensation in both feet in the last couple weeks. I’m super careful to walk slowly and not put any force into steps. I’m now afraid to get up to walk into the kitchen. Does the cold tingling each time I walk mean nerve damage or aggravation? There’s a loss of sensation in a different part of the foot after each tingling that doesn’t come back. I am very concerned and discouraged by this. It’s becoming all consuming. It feels like I am going through every nerve just by moving around. Any thoughts appreciated.

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If you have access, try pedaling a stationary bike instead of walking. I find it relieves the cold and tingling...even with a daily 10 or 15 minutes of pedaling.
Tom

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Epsom salts in warm water might help. Some people use a numbing agent, like Asper Creme or Voltaren, more for pain relief, but it might also help. You may want to double check your medications for possible interactions with each other. This may also be a new normal for you that will require some activity adjustments. There are remedies.

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@tomkipp

If you have access, try pedaling a stationary bike instead of walking. I find it relieves the cold and tingling...even with a daily 10 or 15 minutes of pedaling.
Tom

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Thanks, I used to have a stationary bike but sold it unfortunately and got an elliptical machine which has the same pressure issues.

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@lagrange5

Epsom salts in warm water might help. Some people use a numbing agent, like Asper Creme or Voltaren, more for pain relief, but it might also help. You may want to double check your medications for possible interactions with each other. This may also be a new normal for you that will require some activity adjustments. There are remedies.

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Thanks. Does the cold tingling mean nerve damage or aggravation? There’s usually a corresponding numbing of part of the foot after the cold and tingling. It doesn’t make sense to me especially with new OrthoFeet shoes and being cautious walking. Thanks for your reply!

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Whether it's nerve damage or aggravation should be answered by a neurologist or other specialist. It may be related to small fiber versus large fiber neuropathy sequelae, again best answered by a neurologist or other specialist. There are those that consult with Dr. Google. Socks can make a difference. Thick hiking type socks or compression socks work for a lot of people. I prefer thin loose-fitting socks due to other medical conditions. Again, if you haven't already done see the right physician, preferably at a teaching or university hospital.

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I always wear socks and have seen 2 neurologists neither offering much in the way of advice on shoes and socks or other dos and don’ts beyond the diagnosis. I asked the same questions of them but never get anything definitive. I still have to see a neuromuscular specialist (on a waiting list for a cancellation) a neurosurgeon to rule out cervical stenosis and to take an EMG. I just went out for a brief walk being super cautious and came back with the same cold tingling. What are the nerves on the top of the foot?. There’s some friction there but not much given my oversized shoes. It just doesn’t make sense to me that damage could be occurring every time I walk. I’m wondering how many nerves I have left. So I’m back sitting with feet up on a hot afternoon. Some days I think it’s not that bad and others I’m terrified. What a horrible condition this is. Thanks for your advice!

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@paul14

Thanks, I used to have a stationary bike but sold it unfortunately and got an elliptical machine which has the same pressure issues.

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You might get a 1 month membership at a YMCA or a Planet Fitness and try using a bike there daily to see if it helps. Some places allow you a daily rate...just to try it.

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Did you have any back surgeries? My feet were numb (due to compressed nerves) I had fusion & decompression done to make a long story short . Now, bottoms of my feet have been active ever since - burning, tingling,etc. non stop. I must wear moccasins in the house. No more barefoot. Sensations are horrible. No walking on sand anymore. Gym shoes are ok- certain kinds of course. Its a life changer & im not happy. Rather depressing, the pain for 4 years now!

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@sharg

Did you have any back surgeries? My feet were numb (due to compressed nerves) I had fusion & decompression done to make a long story short . Now, bottoms of my feet have been active ever since - burning, tingling,etc. non stop. I must wear moccasins in the house. No more barefoot. Sensations are horrible. No walking on sand anymore. Gym shoes are ok- certain kinds of course. Its a life changer & im not happy. Rather depressing, the pain for 4 years now!

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Somewhat discouraged by your post. I am about to have surgery for stenosis and have posts put in to correct misalignment of discs. I have seen two neurosurgeons who believe my neuropathy will improve with surgery but according to your post these procedures were not beneficial. Did you have back pain in addition to neuropathy and did the back pain improve if you did?

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@louise1942

Somewhat discouraged by your post. I am about to have surgery for stenosis and have posts put in to correct misalignment of discs. I have seen two neurosurgeons who believe my neuropathy will improve with surgery but according to your post these procedures were not beneficial. Did you have back pain in addition to neuropathy and did the back pain improve if you did?

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Louise, Yes i did have back problems b4 surgery. Stenosis & spondylolisthesis. L4, & L5 & S1 are fused. My back pain has definitely improved. Guess I waited too long to have the surgery bc damage to my nerves was already done. I don’t have the answers to this neuropathy. Its just annoying bc there is no cure. Ive tried 4 rounds of PT, gabapentin, lyrica, antidepressants, accupuncture, dry needling & it won’t go away. & no Iam not diabetic.
I wish you the best of luck! Everyone’s different & most ppl do well ! I don’t want to discourage you! 😀

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