numbness of feet

I'm lucky. I have diabetis as well as fibromyalgia and also Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Some of the symptoms are the same for all three. Tinkling, pins and needles mainly in my fingers, also in toes / feet.

 My diabestis is under control and has been for quite some time. My GP is very good at knowing when I need to get tested every 3 months.

 What has happened over the last several months:

      I no longer have the pins and needles feeling anywhere. Instead I have a slight numbness in my fingers / hands and my joints feel stiff - it's very tight trying to make a fist. Last time I had my feet checked {close your eyes and with a pin touch the feet in different places} I only felt 1 1/2. That is not good. The pulse is checked in two places on each foot. Three were fine, the fourth not so good.

What I wish to ask if anyone can tell me why my feet are numb all the time however if I walk on something I feel it but in the testing with the pin I don't feel it. The numbness goes up above the ankle by a couple of inches. Like a pair of socks.    

I suppose I am on this website to find out if my symptoms are normal or not. Surely there will be someone out there that can send me a short message 'normal' or 'not normal'.        

Also if what I have now is 'normal' what is the next step in symptoms? 

I don't have diabetes, but I have a lot of problems with my feet, ankles, wrists, and hands. I was told I had carpal tunnel in my right wrist about 6 or 7 years ago. I feel the same problem in my other wrist and both ankles. Pain, numbness, lack of sensation to touch etc. I have gone barefoot most of my life, and a few days ago I sensed there was something in my foot, and I pulled out seven bullthorns. The weird thing is that the tissue is so tender under the skin, I can no longer walk on gravel because of extreme pain. Most of my showers are limited to about 5 min because my feet hurt so bad. It is indeed a strange mix. My only diagnosis is fibro/cfs. Seems normal to me. BTW I have chosen not to address the carpal tunnel because I feel the operation would only make the disease worse in that area, and also because the other wrist and ankles are almost as bad. I feel this now throughout my entire body, having slowly progressed over the last 20-30 years. I'm 55 now.

hmm, thanks for the information. I can relate, at least to some degree, my wrist does feel a little diffferent, and I also tend to drop things with the the affected hand. I also have had swelling in that wrist for the past few years. Did you have any swelling? Most of the time the CT seems to fall into the background as the fibro is constantly competeing for attention.

I apologize to all for not responding earlier. I don't get on the computer every day.

Oregon Mom - I also have had Endometriosis. Don't anymore. Had a Hysterectomy. Bonus, no more periods. Hey!!!!! 

luckyguy - Oregon Mom has explained Carpal Tunnel very well. I had my right Carpal Tunnel done in December 1992 which was a complete success. I didn't have the op till I would be woken in the night with my arm 'dead' and with that extreme pain. When 'dead' my arm felt so heavy. I would end up rubbing it and pacing the bedroom until my arm would come back to 'life'. Had left carpal tunnel op November 2004. A couple of months later I started getting the pins and needles again. I was intending to have my right carpel tunnel done again after the left one was completely healed. I then found out that pins and needles is also a symptom of Fibro which I was diagnosed with in March 2005. Won't get my right one done unless it gets to the 'dead' stage.

Fibro: I also have been through the stage you are going through now with your feet. I seem to have moved on to the next level and can now walk bearfeet to the rubbish bin outside. I still feel what is on the ground but it doesn't hurt. I was at the podiatrist a few days ago and as I was confused that my feet were numb and I couldn't feel anything when she did the 'touch' test yet if I walk on something I can feel it. Explaination - it is only the surface that is numb. All the tendons, nerves etc further than the surface were in working order.

Showers - I had the same problem. As I am disabled, the Council moderfied the shower to be suitble for a disabled person which included a shower chair or stool. It's great.

Don't know if it makes any difference - I'm 52.

Marlee2 - Suppose I've been lucky (?) that I haven't had the burning feeling yet. Now that I've said that, I'll no doubt get it. That's the next stage to look forward too.