If your feet tingle during exercise, it could be a sign of a treatable condition related to inflammation of nerves in the feet or the connection between bones in the feet. Other diseases, such as diabetes, can lead to nerve damage, which can leave your feet feeling tingly or numb or even sore. And because being on your feet puts more pressure on the muscles and nerves of the feet, exercise can exacerbate neurological or circulatory conditions that are characterized by a tingling sensation in the feet.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
The tarsal tunnel is the narrow space on the inside of the ankle that houses the posterior tibial nerve. The tunnel is surrounded by a ligament. Compression on the nerve, caused by such conditions as arthritis or inflammation from a sprained ankle, can lead to a tingling or painful feeling in the affected foot. Often, starting a new exercise program can trigger symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome. If you start to experience tingling or pain in your foot, you should seek medical attention soon to avoid permanent nerve damage.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is a potentially painful condition caused by inflammation of the metatarsals, the five bones that extend from the ball of the foot to the toes. A feeling of numbness or tingling, especially in the ball of the foot and toes, can be an early sign of metatarsalgia. The condition is often brought on by a change, either in the way you run, jump or land in sports or exercise, or by a significant increase in the amount of physical activity you're doing. Ice and rest can help reduce the inflammation -- and athletic shoes that fit properly and provide shock absorption for the entire foot should help also.
Diabetes Complications
Nerve damage in the feet and legs is a serious complication of diabetes and can lead to tingling feelings and numbness at any time. Those feelings can be more acute when exercising and running because of the additional pressure on the feet. To reduce tingling feelings in the feet during exercise, consider swimming as an alternative to running, as it takes considerable pressure off the feet but can still provide a good cardiovascular workout.
Treatment
If the numbness or tingling you feel gets worse as you exercise or it affects your strength or coordination in your feet or legs, you should seek medical attention. If you experience dizziness or muscle spasms, you should also seek medical help. Pressure on a nerve or nerve damage may be to blame, but the problem may be more dire, if the tingling feeling is the result of a blocked blood vessel. If you become paralyzed on one side of your body and you become incoherent or are unable to understand other conversations, you may be having a stroke and should call, or have someone call, 911 immediately. A tingling feeling in the feet or any extremity can be a first sign of stroke.
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