Changes in toe sensation, such as numbness or a tingling feeling, can be an early indicator of vitamin B12 deficiency, a condition that affects a significant portion of the population, according to experts. This deficiency can lead to a range of symptoms including extreme fatigue, cognitive issues often described as brain fog, and low mood.
Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy nerve function and the production of myelin, the protective coating around nerve cells. When this coating breaks down due to a lack of vitamin B12, it can disrupt nerve signals, manifesting as unusual sensations in the extremities, particularly the feet.
Marion Yau, a podiatrist at Harley Medical Foot and Nail Clinic, explained that the feet, being at the end of the body's nerve and blood supply, are often the first to show signs when metabolic processes or circulation are compromised. Nutrient deficiencies typically impact the longest nerves first, which run down to the toes.
"The feet sit at the very end of the body's nerve and blood supply, so they're the first to feel the effects when metabolism or circulation is compromised," Yau stated. "Nutrient deficiencies typically affect the longest nerves in the body first - including those running down to the toes."
Beyond nerve-related sensations, a lack of vitamin B12 can also affect circulation by reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood cells. This can result in changes in foot color, persistent coldness, and wounds that heal slowly.
Experts estimate that approximately one in five adults over the age of 50 experience vitamin B12 deficiency. The prevalence increases with age due to a decline in the body's ability to absorb the nutrient over time. One study indicated a rise in the condition, with the number of annual vitamin B12 prescriptions in England doubling over the past decade. Many individuals may suffer for years without diagnosis, risking irreversible nerve damage and other serious health complications.
Physicians urge individuals to consult their general practitioner about any changes in their feet, as blood tests can identify underlying issues, including vitamin deficiencies.
While vitamin deficiency is a potential cause, burning or numb feet can also be a symptom of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. This condition, characterized by unstable blood sugar levels, can lead to severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Research has linked high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can form crystals in the big toe joint, to an increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. These crystals can trigger burning, hot, and tingling sensations in the feet.
Podiatrists can manage the pain associated with these conditions, but seeing a GP for blood tests to check glucose levels is also recommended. Lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, can help manage or even reverse type 2 diabetes. Although risk traditionally increases with age, NHS England estimates show that rates among younger adults, particularly women, are now driving the trend. Thousands of people under the age of 30 are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and the disease can be more aggressive when it develops at a younger age, increasing the risk of severe complications and premature death. Recognizing warning signs is crucial for early intervention.