When it comes to health, nobody likes a mystery.
Which is why a mysterious buzzing or vibrating in your foot that seems to come and go at random is so frustrating.
What Causes Vibrating of the Feet?
This mysterious–and irritating–ailment is the inspiration for numerous questions on Yahoo Answers, online podiatry threads, and doctor’s visits every year. And for many people, the answer for the odd buzzing is “Pallesthesia.”
The buzzing sensation often comes and goes at regular intervals (a few seconds of buzzing followed by a few seconds of peace). It can feel like a short burst of electricity or a cell phone on vibrate under your skin, which is why the name “pallesthesia” literally translates to–”feelings of vibration.”
Often, pallesthesia is most noticeable at night when you’re lying still, trying to fall asleep. It’s also possible to experience it in other extremities like your hands and fingers.
What exactly causes pallesthesia, and should you be worried about other underlying problems?Is there a cure?
Keep reading!
What Causes Pallesthesia?
To put it briefly, it’s unclear exactly what causes pallesthesia. Or more accurately, there are a number of possible reasons you might be experiencing the vibrating in your foot. The following are some of the most likely possibilities:
B12 deficiency or anemia:
Many people who have suffered from pallesthesia report improvement after upping their dosage of B12 and iron, which makes sense, since these vitamins are key to nerve health, and odd sensations like buzzing could be a sign of deficiency. Check your levels with a simple blood test.
Blocked artery or vein:
Another possibility is a partial blockage in an artery or vein from a clot or some kind of injury. The buzzing sensation may be from the blood forcing its way through the blocked vein or artery.
Stress response and adrenaline:
Does the buzzing feeling in your foot happen when you’re stressed? It may be part of your body’s stress response that sends hormones and blood flow to different parts of the body in anticipation of fight or flight. If you notice that your pallesthesia is happening in response to stress, calming down through breathing exercises or mindfulness can help relieve symptoms.
Compressed nerve or damaged nerve:
Damage to the nerves in the extremities, also known as peripheral neuropathy, can cause pallesthesia in some cases. If you notice any numbness accompanying the vibration, make sure you get to a doctor quickly, since this can indicate damage to the a nerve. Doctors don’t know what causes peripheral neuropathy in many cases. However, about one third are a result of diabetes, which can change blood glucose levels and impact nerve cells’ metabolism.
Medications:
Some medications can cause pallesthesia. If you noticed the buzzing sensation in conjunction with a new medication or increased dosage, talk to your doctor about switching medications, and ask what this means in context of your treatment.
Restless Leg Syndrome:
Some people who suffer from restless leg syndrome, a neurological condition that causes a desire to move one’s legs constantly, report pallesthesia as an accompanying side effect. A good rule of thumb is, if you have other symptoms like pain, fatigue, problems with motor skills, or numbness in addition to the buzzing, it’s worth a trip to the doctor to rule out a larger problem like diabetes, fibromyalgia, arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), or a warning of nerve damage.
How Can I Make the Vibrating Go Away?
Because the causes of pallesthesia are so diverse, treatment will depend greatly on the cause of the buzzing.
If you suspect a vitamin deficiency or confirm this with a blood test, increase your B12 or iron, being sure to take care with antacids or calcium that can block absorption of these vitamins.
If you notice a correlation with stress and the buzzing, learn some breathing exercises as a way to calm down when the buzzing starts.
If the underlying cause is more serious, like peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, MS, fibromyalgia, or arthritis, your doctor will be able to coordinate a targeted treatment approach for the underlying condition that should help with the pallesthesia as well.
Can I Prevent Pallesthesia?
As with treatments, preventing pallesthesia rests on its unique cause. In general, work to keep your body healthy through eating lots of whole grains and fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water, get regular exercise, avoid alcohol and drugs, and avoid repetitive movements that put strain your feet and extremities. Don’t forget a multivitamin, especially one that contains B12 and iron.
The good news is that while pallesthesia is often a mysterious combination of factors, it’s not usually a threat to your health or an indication of something more sinister.
Try the ideas above, and make sure you’re exercising regularly and getting enough vitamins. And don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor to put your mind at ease. Chances are that the buzzing amounts to an annoyance–not a harbinger of bad news. But it’s always better to err on the side of your health.
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What about shoulder/ribst
Hi Tyrone! Pallesthesia can occur on other parts of your body not just your feet, so it may be the cause of the sensation you’re experiencing. If it is causing severe discomfort, you may want to speak with your doctor to see if they can diagnose it 🙂
this is so cool. I have been feeling that vibration when I lay on my couch on my side in my right heel. Once I riled out that my couch was hunted lol I googled the condition. So great the internet can connect even the strangest conditions.
I Am Having Pain In My Left Leg Upper Portion And The Pain Occurs Only During Winters And When I Walk Ore When I Move Joints Then Pain Occur. Sometimes My Leg Keep Vibrating.Tell Me How Can I Overcome From This?
I myself in recent months get these vibrating/buzzing feelings in my left foot and lately in the last few days I’ve been feeling it in my lower abdomen/groin area.I had a TKR in my left knee about 18 months ago & I’m also diabetic but not on insulin. After reading up on the issue, I’m at ease a bit because all the causes make sense.Thought something was more serious but will still check with my GP.
I had a TIE also . And , lately I’m experiencing the vibration in my left foot . And , an also a type 2 diabetic..
I have had this for the last year, drs look at me like i’m Strange, i touch anywhere below my waist and my feet vibrate or tingle, no one can give me an answer
Please give me more info
I have the same. When i scratch my bottom or upper leg its tingeling in my foot. Hate it.
Hi there, I’ve been getting this weird vibrating for 2 weeks and it’s driving me insane. I’ve been to the doctor’s twice and they don’t have a clue but have prescribed anti depressants for anxiety – I’m not convinced anxiety is the cause, though; as wouldn’t that mean it would come and go in conjunction with when I felt anxious (which isn’t the case)? My vitamin levels seem to be fine; I have no diabetes showing; I had nerve conduction tests done on arm a few months ago for tingling there (which showed nothing), but they’ve referred me for more nerve conduction tests anyway; and I’d had an MRI but no delineation of the spine and no brain lesions (indicating no MS). All I know is, it’s driving me insane! What can I do in the meantime?
Consider physical therapy and massage therapy
You may also look in your area for an Eastern medicine specialist if PT/MT don’t help. Acupressure/acupuncture or the other eastern (such as ancient Chinese or Japanese) medicine modalities have thousands of years of remedies. Another suggestion – see a podiatrist. Sometimes the osteopathic medical education, trained doctors use holistic approaches and remedies outside MD drug/surgical approach
Jamie…did you ever find out what this was? Are you still having it?
I am experiencing the same vibration at this time, especially when I go to bed. But I feel it now during the day. I have tried B vitamins , calcium, valerian, htp, gaba and all the micronutrients, including magnesium chelate. Someone suggested exercise , as a walk or slow jog and I have noticed that it stopped after I did physical work. Today, that vibration is like clockwork and it does cause me some anxiety. Not diabetic, not stressed except about this, not over weight, active and I try very hard to eat healthy, no salt and decaf coffee. Still looking for answers to stop those dull electrical vibrations into my ankle.
great information! for the past week i have been so annoyed by what i can only describe as vibrations in my right foot (not tingling, not numbness…just vibrations, not lasting very long). my friend sent me this link because it has been THAT buggy for me.
QUESTION: i just started working out again at the end of january (every single day between 51-69 mins cardio – usually the recumbent bike since my knees are shot). could THIS be the cause of all of a sudden feeling these vibrations in my foot (right foot only & it is isolated to only my foot…no pain or other irritants anywhere else)???
I feel a heavy hearbeat in both my feet plus the tingling and buzzing but the heartbeat is what’s scaring me
Also thank you for your information. Well written and great!!
I have been experiencing buzzing feeling in my right foot too. I notice it most when I’m sitting or laying down. It sometimes radiates in different parts of my foot. I’ve had blood work that indicates no diabetes. On a few occasions I’ve had my feet messaged and I felt stiffness in my toes and were limited to moving and I feel even more buzzing/tingling sensation. It subsided after awhile. I’m Very worried and don’t know what to do. Any idea what it could be???
I have exactly the same. It feels like heartbeat every other second. Sometimes for an hour sometimes for weeks. 24/7. Eating gabapentin for it. Had it for four years now.
I have had ms fir 17 years. I have other symptoms but this is a new one. I have that buzzing in the bottom of my right foot. It’s been going on for 3 days it comes and goes. It feels like a cell phone on vibrate. It feels like the floor is vibrating under my foot It’s the weirdest thing. It dosent happen when I’m laying down. I’ve bee. Checked for everything and the doctors never find anything wrong. I also get a monthly shot of vitamin b-12 because I’m so low. This buzzing on the bottom of my right foot just started. I’ve never had something so weird.
My left foot has been buzzing or vibratuin feeling since march 1st. When i wake up in the morning, i dont feel it much, i only noticed more as soon as i wake up after 5 min. Its weird. My foit buzzes, in all different area each day, somtimes my left heel, on top of the feet, toes, or sometime near ankle area. I went to many neurologist and neurosurgeon, they think its my cervival neck bulging in, touching my spinal cord. I wonder if you guys had the same scenrios. Which doctor do you guys see? I also worry it could me nearve damage, but i want to be sure. Thanks
Hi, did you find a cause? It could be small fiber neuropathy. Requires a skin biopsy exam. Or it could be anxiety since you said it goes away when you sleep.
The description of your symptoms match mine almost exactly. Have you found a cause and/or treatment (hopefully non-drug dependent)?
That’s weird. My right heal just started that today. How long did it go on?
Wow you just put my mind at ease. Great information. Thank you.
Glad the info was helpful 🙂
Can a fractured neck cause vibration in ankle?
Short answer, YES. Look at the nervous system anatomy. All nerves go through the cervical vertebrae. So it is possible for something in the neck to affect the lowest extremities. But, usually, (look at anatomy again) it is possibly caused by a problem in the lower spine, possibly where the nerve exits the spinal column, or even if its entrapped near foot bones, etc. Always check with your Dr, then see the chiro and the massage therapist.
I didn’t have this until I had ACDF on C5,6 C6,7 in February 2017. I’ve had it ever since. My spinal cord was being crushed by 2 herniated discs. I came out of surgery with it an dots been almost a full year. I’m also having varicose Veins issues and working with a Vascular Surgeon on getting them fixed in my legs. The impulses are only in the left foot. The referred pain from the discs were down my right arm (felt like my wrist and elbow was on fire and broken along with numb fingers.
Take B12 B complex worked for me
yes this has started happening to me over the last few days glad it’s nothing too sinister after reading this! although did suspect it had something to do with my neuropathy
I had a fatty tissue removed from the outer part of my leg. The surgeon said that part of it was located under my muscle. When I had it removed, I could tell he was touching several nerves, as my foot would move forward or tingle. This happened 2 weeks ago. Today, I started having a buzzing feeling in my foot. What would cause this. I have read a few others that have had problems, Stress, vitamin deficiency. Could the surgeon of caused this, just because the lu p was located under the muscle and it’s just buzzing as it heels?
Thanks in advance
Thea
Yes I was worried still but I read the article and I will go from there I am on a new medicine
Can this be related to stenosis and herniated disc?
I had 3 surges on my foot about 1 year ago and it just stared like vibrating out of the blue could this be a blockage somewhere
I have the same thing…. 2 Achilles repairs (1st one failed, hence 2nd repair), and came out of the final cast with an ankle issue, resulting in 3red surgery, ankle fusion and calf muscle loosened. That was about a yes ago, now all of a sudden this morning I have a buzzing in my foot, though I was sitting on my cell phone, but nope, just buzzing away…. frustrating.
Yes. It’s what I have herniated disc at l4/l-5
Thank you.,I have been increasing my exercises to every other day. I also have been bleeding heavily over the past three weeks. Now I am experiencing these buzzing sun my foot and sometimes up my leg… it may be b12 deficiency and iron .. so I will try it
This article didn’t help, if anything it just my theory true and I’m kinda freaking out now!
Hi I have broken both my ankles some years ago and I’m now experiencing the vibration and numbness in my feet. I’ve had blood test and I’m not diabetic. But I also experience shirt blast of pain in my toes and to throw a spanner in the works I get a lot of puns and needles in my arms and hands usually when I awake from sleep ??
Well I was freaking out at the blood clot part. I wish I would have seen the fibromyalgia part first. This I have. I feel somewhat better but I may take a B12 vitamin to see if it helps.
Hi I also started getting this a few weeks ago. I also have Fibro. I was curious if you ever got it to stop and was it the B12? I take it but not often enough because it upsets my stomach so gotta remember to take after eating but with fibro I have a crappy memory.
I have a history of blot clots, 3 times. Four months ago I had knee replacement surgery and suffered one while in the hospital. I am currently on blood thinner, but wonder if I need to be concerned that this might be a clot?
Hi Rose! We recommend asking your doctor about it if you suspect it could be another blood clot.
hi from last week i am feeling same vibration like a mobile in my left foot,please any body can advise any home remedies for that.
It will be appreciated
Try using b complex i did and it worked in am instant. In about 3 days the buzzing sensation stopped completely.
Thanks a lot for this information. Please which brand did you use and how much did you take daily?
I’ve had this so called pulsating feeling around my ankles to feet, like you said vibrating feeling, and it mostly at night when I’m in bed. I’m on blood thinning pills for a very long time, and this just started in August of this year(2017) and I have been taking Vitamin B12 for a while, so I’m going to go with Vitamin B Complex and hope this goes away, because I’m tired of feeling.
It’s an negative entity/energy rubbing your legs. It feel like a pressure and light electrical field. Mostly happens when you lay down for bed, as that’s when they like to harass. When we are at our most vulnerable.
That’s how my visitor started. It’s at a whole other level now and it’s been 3 Months. Haven’t figured out how to get rid of it, yet…
BUTTERFLY STRETCH. Releases pressure on nerve coming out of your hips. Google for images of stretch.
I can’t believe so many of us have this. I’m seeing a neurologist again after he suspected that the recent sensation of ‘buzzing’ in my left foot could be the result of a small 8mm tumour which showed up on an MRI of my spine. Funny thing- this tumour I don’t care about- NOT to say that if he decides to operate I’ll be happy! I just want the damned burning/tingling that’s troubled me at night for years to go away so that I can sleep. I’m terribly sleep deprived because of this. More recently when this ‘buzzing’ started in that same foot, I had a series of acupuncture sessions which worked. But now it’s back. Exhausting it all is …….
I’m on the same boat as you! Hope you found help
Wow I’m sorry everyone! This article was honestly very helpful. I’ve honestly been suffering with this for the past 5 years now . It’s on my left foot mainly but it’ll buzz up my legs and my hands .. tingling creepy crawling buzzing feeling I get . If anyone knows what I can do to get rid of it that would be awesome! I just want to sleep normal and rest normal I feel like I can’t . I don’t want to live like this!
I’ve been bothered for five years with ‘buzzing’ feet. I have seen many doctors and all they prescribe is anti-anxiety medications which I refuse to take. The only relief I can get at night is to ‘strap’ ice blocks to my feet which relieves the buzzing temporarily so that I can at times get some sleep.
I also strap I’ve blocks to my feet, more for the ‘tingling/heat’ in the ball of the foot than for the ‘buzzing’ which I haven’t had much recently, although I did last night. If not for the ice-packs on my feet my sleep would be wrecked. Pain-killers don’t work. I have been told U have Fybromyalgia, but that condition seems to be a contentious subject with medical people.
I usually feel it in the sole of my feet or palms when I wake up
Hi! I about 1/2 hr ago first time ever at age 63 experienced strange vibrations, constant, in both feet. I was watching a documentary that had some low frequency sounds and deep voiced people being interviewed and thought it was transmitting through the sub woofer speaker I have on the floor about 3 feet away yet I turned the volume off and still felt it. Living in a concrete structured 9 story high rise, I then thought maybe it was the boiler in the building’s basement over stressed as we’ve had serious plumbing problems in this old building. I then rested my feet (legs) up off the floor, at that moment I knew it was something very unusual, systemic. I did a word search and very glad to find this website! I have a ruptured L5/S1 disk, the last disk just above my hip vertebra (sacral) since 1985. About 2 months ago I was prescribed B12 by a dietitian. She didn’t say why, yet I knew B vitamins are important. I took them sub-lingual for a while then let it go as I kept forgetting to buy it while shopping. This is a very strange sensation. I thought a couple of times about 9 months ago I had precursor to something like restless legs syndrome. Now thanks to this site I will contact the doctor and see about being seen sooner than my October appointment. I’m overweight and fringe on type 2 diabetes yet not extremely. Maybe this is a warning that type 2 diabetes is encroaching further in my life. Any input would be appreciated. I just dissolved a B12 pill of the 2 left in my 50 pill bottle left from over a couple months ago. I don’t feel any difference taking a 1000 mcg pill. I was prescribed 1000 every other day or 1/2 pill every day under the tongue, but forgot why the dietitian wanted this. Is it very unusual to have sudden onset with this sensation of vibration in my feet? It’s a very strange phenomenon as I know almost to within 15 minutes when it started very first time ever, almost as though a switch was turned on. It’s very strange and never heard of this before. The vibrations are also increasing now in last 10 minutes while typing this. To what degree do some of the others feel this? Right now it’s 2 times a strong as a half an hour ago. My best to you all! Thanks for sharing! Mike
I have had the same sensation. My foot would buzz for 5 seconds then stop for 3 seconds. Talked with my doctor and he recommended a brain MRI and full battery of blood test. Luckily I had to wait for the appointments giving more time for research. After a weekend of research I ended up taking 3 antacids. Next morning the sensation was gone.I’m starting to research Electrolyte Imbalance as the culprit. I do not recommend taking antacids for any length of time. Can cause many issues. Be sure to check with your doctor before trying any home remedy. Good luck on finding your cure. Oliver
What is antacid?
antacid is Tums and Rolaids
Hi Oliver! Thanks for taking the time to read my entry, plus your sharing your experiences with such lucid writing too. I have a definite problem of being too verbose, yet felt my symptoms and experience might benefit someone who is experiencing the same. HealThatPain is a great writer. I meant to thank her too. It’s good to know that pallethesia can happen in quick 3 to 5 second durations too. Last night it woke me and occurred in both feet for 1/2 hr then stopped. Then a few minutes later it occurred in my right foot for about 2 minutes then stopped. The very same happened the night before and awoke me then too.
I started taking B12 as I’d slacked off of being prescribed it by my dietitian. I think it was prescribed because I’m a vegetarian which vegetarians lack B12 as B12 is only found in animal tissues. It seems there are different qualities of B12 and degree of absorption. They say take it “sublingual” or under the tongue as absorption is an issue with B12. This more expensive brand I’m glad I found (not naming brands as maybe they would delete my post) is “Methyl B-12” or “Methylcobalamin” that is the natural occurring B12 that is absorbed more readily and stays in the system longer than the cheaper brand “cyanocobalamin” as mentioned in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. I don’t know why the “cyano” is cheaper but it contains cyanide poison in a minute amount. Cyanide creates another compound that relates to increasing one’s energy… yet to me B12 alone does MANY important things for the metabolism that also create energy too. After reading 3 sources they all say to take the Methycobalamin instead of cyanocobalamin. I don’t know if that helps or not. Thanks to HealThatPain for creating this!
Omg i am freaking out. I hope to God its not a blood clot! I seem to notice it after I eat. Vibrating in both my feet!
Hey Kimmy, thanks for writing 🙂 It might be best to visit your doctor if you are concerned about a blood clot or serious issue.
My left foot from the heel to the ball of my foot feels like I have a TENS unit on it. Just a vibrating like a TENS unit no pain at all but it is irritating the heck out of me and it doesn’t stop it’s been doing it for 3 days now. I had shot to put it in the small of my back a year ago but stopped my back from hurting my back felt like there was 50 bee stinging it at one time but now it is better. But now the vibrating in my left foot is driving me nuts. Sometimes I cannot walk well when I get up in the mornings I take tiny baby steps because both my ankles and feet feel numb and if I put my feet up it causes my feet and legs to hurt terribly can someone help me please? I am a dance instructor and have to be on my feet at least 6 hours a week teaching dance and this is driving me crazy
Early last year, I experienced a sudden swollen of both feet which comes along with pains and a burning sensation and at times feels some vibration. All tests conducted Were negative. Some tests conducted are full blood count, RBS, Sickling, Uric Acid, kidney and liver in addition with x rays but that were all negative. But the condition stopped somewhere this year and I came back to normal but has started again making life unbearable for me. Pls help me. Looking forward to hear from u. Thanks
I have been diagnosed by my neurologist as having idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. It started about 10 years ago after surgeries for Morton Neuromas (both feet). I have no pain, but a bothersome numbness in both feet which over the years I have gotten used to. Recently I started having a buzzing, vibrating sensation in my left foot. The new sensation drives me crazy and keeps me from falling asleep. I’m more aware of it when I’m standing, sitting or lying in bed but not if I’m walking or moving around. I’m in good health, exercise, walk a lot and eat well.
If only I could get rid of this buzzing, vibrating sensation ! I’ll try TENS and hope it works.
Hi, Did you try to check on Neck Cervial area and your lumbar lower back to see if you have any herniated disc that cause your left foot to buzz? i have the same problem with my left foot buzzing. So annoying. I did get it checked from my neurosergeon, based on my MRI on my neck, there is a herniated disc. It could be from lower back which i am yet to get it checked.
or it can be some kind of instrument calibrated to resonate with certain bones in my body for harassment purposes.. I dont know if it is true that tooth fillings sometimes sing due to radio interference somewhere.. we live in a very high technology world and I wont be surprised to be right .. I am aware about so much study in sound waves and stuff over past decades for whatever purposes even including military uses. it can easily fall into wrong hands (neighbors) .
I only experienced this yesterday after the headache from hell. It is still going on today, the vibration that is.
I was told that migraines can cause vibrations in the body
I have a staph infection in my foot, I also became allergic to cephalosporins,that were prescribed to me in hospital and I ended up with hypersensitive small vessel vasculitis. Now Iam getting a buzzing sensation in the sole of my foot, should J be worried?
Recently I started to experiencing a vibrating in my foot around my heel area…my boy friend and I had just gotten back to the hotel lobby after leaving and NFL game we stopped in the lobby to watch the media coverage of the game we had just attended and we sat in the lobby chairs I felt fine except for the fact that my team had almost lost while watching the tv in the lobby my ankle started randomly vibrating I at first it was so random I ignored it then it kept happening and I told him I felt something vibrating and again ignored it only this time as we sat and stared on at the tv coverage I was trying to figured out what it was finally I remember someone sitting in the chair I was in as we left to go to the game earlier I looked at him and said someone’s phone is vibrating I looked at mine and it wasn’t then I got up to check inside the chair thinking someone had lost their phone in the chair and I found nothing so I sat back down and didn’t think about again I shrugged it off we went to our room and went to bed..the next morning I had a little tightness in my thigh but nothing to alarm me I figured it was a very mild Charlie horse and by the time I got out of bed it was gone no vibration or tightness…then hours later I’m about to put my daughter to bed and I felt the vibration again I looked at her and asked if she had her phone and it was in her room far away from my foot it would vibrate for a second the stop and it has done it since its been an hour now even as I type this my ankle is vibrating i laid my foot on my boyfriends foot to see if he could feel it and he couldnt..i feel like I’m going crazy my foot is vibrating but I can’t feel it with my hand I can only feel it internally and I can’t see it….STRANGE AND RANDOM what is it and why
Hi! Glad I found these posts! I have a rare neuromuscular desease called Paramyotonia Periodic Paralysis Congenita it causes all skeletal muscles to be weak, hypertrophic, flacid and paralysed. If you over exert, are in cool or cold weather or air conditioning, are dehydrated or even sick! I also have fibromyalgia, degenerative joints, MALIGNANT HYPERTHERMIA ( A LETHAL REACTION TO CERTAIN ANASTHESIA BECAUSE I HAVE A RARE NEUROMUSCULAR DISORDER! I have chronic pain and am no longer able to work! I hate it! But I try to stay positive and I am grateful for all my blessings! I woke up very weak today! And have noticed the vibration in my left heal, ankle, area! I thought my phone was setting by my hip vibrating, it wasn’t! I’ve noticed it all day enemy now at 11:30 pm. I did have a blood clot in my calve in 2013 when I had The lethal reaction to SUCCYNSLCHOLININE, causing MALIGNANT HYPERTHERMIA! But have been told it is gone or not a problem?? Ok! I also have had a tingling nerve in my back between my left shoulder blade and spine! I have crunched vertibrae in my neck and lower back! But this vibration is all new! Lol! I just love how my body works! I never know what I’m going to wake up to! Lol! My father grandmother sister niece my son and his two young daughters all have PARAMYOTONIA periodic Paralysis so we’ve all felt with it all our lives! I would like to know the true cause of this vibrating I only my left heal!! I go to my neurologist in January so I will ask her what she thinks! Thanks for letting me post here!
What about the bottom right side of foot? It’s been happening every day for almost a week. It’s absolutely annoying! I’m gonna cut my foot off! I haven’t had any injury. I’m diabetic. I HATE when peripheral neuropathy is slays suggested. The doctor said to apply capsaicin/icy hot!
I got this buzzing in my feet a couple of times after I took a med I’m prescribed called seroquel. It works as a mood stabilizer and reLly helps me so I just try to fall asleep before tgat buzzing kicks in. It is an annoying feeling. It makes me feel figity and restless.
I fractured my left ankle in a car accident 17 years ago with all plates and screws removed and no problems. Approx 6 months ago I fractured my left scapular holding onto on a heavy object moving away from me. Apart from agitation in my shoulder I have experienced a numbness from my pinky all the way up my left arm and now a crunching in my upper neck and just recently a vibrations in my left foot, prominently closer to the toe area? Is the vibrations connected to the last injury? Also with no history of between the car accident and until now of any problems.
I wonder if you have been eval’d by a doc. It could be thoracic outlet syndrome though many think that’s rare. Either that or some cervical spine injury
Interesting discussion. I just recently started feeling a vibration in my right heel. Good to know there’s a name for it. This just came out of the blue, nothing painful, just a strange sensation.
I had the cell phone thing in my left foot last night. Had hip replacement surgery four months ago with no complications but I’m still recovering. Yesterday spent too much time driving in car and my leg and hip felt weird when I got home. Moved my leg and foot around to work out weird feeling. In the middle of the night thought my boyfriend had left his cell phone on the bed. Going to see my GP tomorrow. Haven’t got a clue what it could be but the fact so many other people have it is a comfort. Difficult to sleep though. I’m going to put A5-35 on it tonight though which is what I used when I had hip pain. Weirdly enough when I experience pain it is in waves like this, so possibly a pain response without the pain. Will report back on the A5-35 solution.
I’ll say the first week in January, I’ve noticed a vibranting sensation in my leg. I’m not in any pain, it’s just a very ANNOYING FEELING that’ just don’t seem to want to go away. I’ve made a doctors appointment but that won’t be until mid next month. I’m just praying that all is well with not just me, but all of us. Its so weird that it just out of the blue began to happen. Part of me is happy that I’m not alone.
I’m wondering what type of doctor I should go see. Vibrating is in bottom of left foot only. Hasn’t stopped in days.
I have same symptoms
Glad I found this site. I’m so sorry for what each & everyone of you is/have been going through. My search criteria was centered on vibrations in 2 of my toes on my right foot. Just began today, although has occurred numerous times over past 6 yrs as well. 6 days ago I fell, banging the right side of my paryital (skull) – & at very moment of this painful impact (causing my closet door to break from the impact as well) my head was forced forward & I felt the right side of my cervical area (where I have a cervical fusion for past 25+yrs) strain so painfully. Fortunately I was getting ready for my scheduled Dr appt & I explained everything to him when I saw him. My vision has been effected as well as my balance & trying to do my grocery shopping later that day took twice as long as normal because I felt, since the fall, that I was treading through some LSD hallucinations mixed in with jello causing me to feel loopy as well as being controlled by some kind of puppet master is my best description. I’ve seen the list of what kind of neuropathic issue it could be but as I stated at intro, this seems to be focused mainly on my baby toe & the 1 next to it on my right foot – that’s it. None of stories here or other search comebacks drill down on just the toes – mainly heels. I’ve been permanently disabled since 2014 after (crazy, I know but TRUE) trying to toss a small empty box onto others on top shelf of closet, while on a step stool, when my entire body decided to JUMP up & slam the top of my head into the upper door jam! At that point, I heard the cervical vertebrae “crack” & “pop” – I KID YOU NOT! Since then, I’ve had to resign from my job & stop driving because the pain in my right groin all the way down to my ankle feels as if there’s a super sharp knife being “grated” down my entire leg but the pain in groin is like the tip of this knife being stuck into groin…sharp & quick for hours at a time whenever I attempt to walk or most times just stand up. I’ve had an anterior lumbar fusion I believe L4-5 L5-6 about 18 yrs ago & now with the door jam incident (the crazy 1) along with my fall last week, I’m in really bad shape then cherry on top, current in 2 of my toes from what feels like a toy stun gun….dr said if pain &/or vision, headaches continue get a cat scan said cervical strain should be gone in 2 weeks but if worsens before that go to e.r. & get cat scan.
Just wondering if any of you can relate. Thanks for being here. Wishing all of you success in easing or solving your issues.😉
I just told my husband it felt like a phone was ringing inside my foot. I then looked up and found this page. So happy that Im not crazy. I have had multiple clots and bilateral pulmonary embolisms. I take blood thinners. I have just had an infection come up from nail technician digging put an ingrown toenail. Wonder if there is any correlation. Im also probably low on electrolytes due to my ketogenic lifestyle.
I had it in the upper front section of my foot, just in front of the ankle. And it was followed by spreading “cold” sensation up my leg, then further into my body. And generally feeling strange?
Hi, I broke my lower leg/ankle a good few years back. I’ve had loads of bother with it but recently I’ve noticed a buzzing in the area of the metal work.
I have had the vibrating sensation in both feet for 40 years. The vascular specialist performed the sonogram exam on both feet when I was in my 30s. He could not find anything wrong. To minimize the sensation, I lost about 25 pounds and it helped somewhat. It’s infrequent so I learned to live with it. Yesterday I had prolia injection for my bones. The vibrating in both feet has gotten so bad and I couldn’t sleep. I could feel the blood flowing back and forth as if my heart is in my foot. It is nerve wracking.
Ive had the buzzing in my right foot for three days now. Have not slept for two of those. I read all of your messages here and also did a bit of research online. This is what I did this morning and the buzzing in my feet stopped by late this afternoon.
1. Took a hot bath with epson salt.(twice)
2. Took double the daily dosage of vitime b12,potasium and magnisium.
3. HydraTed myself constantly with bott!ed water.
4. Then i prayed…lol and consumed lots of coffee before riding my harley for 4 hours…
So far so good
Healthy Living;
Do you mean “parathesia” and not “pallesthesia” as more than one doctor has told me it’s not “pallesthesia” it’s parathesia.
Hi guys, hope you all get some relief from this annoying feeling & get answers as to why this happens. As for myself I have spinal problems (my whole spine needs replacing! lol!haha!) also have heal, elbow, & shoulder spurs, yesterday I did to much lifting, carrying bending etc. so not sure if this has started the ball rolling? or if the heal spurs have caused a nerve to get caught in my left heal? as this is where I feel this pulsating, has been non stop all evening & night & still today, feel it when sitting, standing, or laying in bed. My lower back was really painful last night so not sure if it could be that? I take vitamin B tablets & multivitamins & have regular Prolia injections take caltrate with vitamin D due to oesteoporosis, as I do get nerve tingling at the best of times, but this is another new sensation. I noticed it when my cats were sitting next to me & on me & feels like a purring sensation, moved my cats & still kept feeling it, sort of throbbing but not painful just annoying, I have been taking an antibiotic (Metronidazole 400mg) as I have an abscess in my tooth & gum (which I have had for a few weeks now.) I don’t think it is from the medication though, think it would be more from spinal problems or the heal spur as rotating my foot feel a clicking & catching sensation, but the vibration persists in my ankle & heel.
I had this start in my left foot at night time when trying to sleep. Then it started happening in the right foot too. It would some times get so bad it almost felt like my foot would be slightly twitching at the same time. Also, sometimes it has a pulsing feeling along with the vibrating that does not pulse with my heartbeat. Usually this strange vibrating feeling gets worse the closer I am to falling asleep, making it all the more difficult to fall asleep. I also have sometimes felt it randomly on parts of my legs, groin area, palm of my right hand, and face. But most of those other areas usually feel a little different, not a vibration but more like something moving on or gently touching, or like some invisible bugs crawling under my skin. It all makes it very difficult to fall asleep. I can also feel some of these sensations during times of just sitting down on a chair or driving. This all started with my left foot at first about 2 months ago and seems to slowly be getting worse. I have high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, so once I get a cpap machine I will see if it has anything to do with lack of oxygen from sleep apnea. Will probably try B12 soon too. I suspect it could be from multiple issues in my case, like a partial blockage of a vein or artery, and also possibly evil spirits.
For me the only thing that helps when it gets really bad is prayer. I have had some other weird stuff happen when trying to fall asleep that accompanies this foot vibration that is definitely spiritual and not a medical issue. Probably most on here are not dealing with the same thing as me, but I want to let others know in case there is someone else dealing with the same symptoms as me that prayer helps.
Thank you for this-I have been to multiple docs/chiros to figure out what is happening-mine is more of a tremble/twitching-started in my foot, now leg (left side) and the hand/arm, and a couple of times my upper left lip. I am going to try B12, and certainly am hoping it’s not MS or ALS, but would love to know where to start if the B12 doesn’t do the trick? My running has also declined to the point where I need to mostly walk because I don’t have a solid turnover any longer and on the treadmill, forget it, I need to hang on. Scared here.
Did you ever find relief? I’m going through the same thing now and would love to know.
It’s very strange that so many of us are getting this sensation and so many in the left foot! That’s where mine is. I think this is some sort of attack through the 5G network grid.
I lifted something too heavy over a year ago and had left hip pain. In February I went to a hip specialist and was sent to do physical therapy. After 3 weeks of pt, I developed a tingling sensation in the bottom of my left foot heel area. It would vibrate every night from around 3am to 5am every 5 or 10 seconds. Obviously I was not able to sleep. This lasted about a month. Sometimes it wouldn’t start until 4 or 5 am and that made me very thankful. I literally could not be able to get through this without God. It has been very difficult. I went to the back dr again and they did an MRI of my spine even though I told them it was my hip. I had been doing pt for 5 or 6 weeks at this point. MRI showed normal wear and tear. Was written a prescription for pt again and went somewhere else that had a chiropractor there as well. So, along with pt and chiro the vibration stopped for 2 weeks but returned for 2 weeks then went back to no vibration for a while and less pain. Then I went on a vacation with my mom and sons to FL and when I got back the pain was just as it was when it began and the tingling was less. So 8 weeks into the session of pt and chiro and back to square one and then my left top of toe went numb and I couldn’t wear anything that touched it. And it felt like something crawling inside my toe over the top. One day it did it every 5 seconds. I have been on a tri b plex b vitamin and it has not helped but I will finish it out as I am almost through the bottle with Hope’s that it will heal my nerves. My mind has been on edge and I did an MRI of the hip. The dr called and said that nothing that it showed would tie into what my issue was and that I should start back to exercising and start slow and work my way back up. I will be sitting and trying to relax and it will fall like something crawling inside my left foot on the bottom and over my big toe. I literally cant lay back and relazlx. Praise the Lord I am able to sleep through the night ok at least for a while. Sometimes it happens around 1 30am and goes for a few hours but I can finally get back to sleep. I think the worst part of it is, is that the dr said something about my tendons or something about it being spread out? Anyway that supposedly has nothing to do with it and I told him that when I was s laying there on the MRI table that my upper left thigh was vibrating every minute for a while. He pretty much said in other words that my mind created that. And has no answer for my issues I am having and pretty much without saying washed his hands of this saying I could get a shot into the hip, not sure if it will help. I could go to a pain management place but they will try to put my on opioids and I had a drug addiction at one point in my life so I can take nothing addicting. Oh I even had gone to a nerve specialist and they tested the main nerves and muscle strength and everything was normal
She tried prescribing a gabapentin type nerve thing and a muscle relaxer. I asked her if either one were addictive and she laughed at me and said no. She listened to nothing I said and I later found out that the g type pill is addictive and left there not trusting her at all and did not get the medications especially because the nurse said I would need to keep upping the dose of the addictive one if it didnt work and that i could be on that forever. I know it’s from an issue related to my lifting and twisting and that there is a nerve that is pinched or injured and i just need it to move aiut of that area and be restored back to healthy the pt i literally did for over 3 months but it didnt do the trick. So I quit doing it. I stopped doing the stretching because after I had started them is when the tingling started. I dont know what to do at this point. It is wearing on my mind. I pray I get relief. I pray that all of you do as well
So comforting to know so many people are experiencing the same thing. About 8 weeks ago I had persistent tingling and buzzing and occasional numbness in my left foot. I also felt buzzing on my left knee at times.
I had a scare from the dr who starting talking about potential MS. My anxiety levels went through the roof. I was referred to a neurologist and spoke to Hi, about my symptoms. He felt it did not sound as though it was syptoms typical of early MS so I did not have an MRI or any other treatment. As I had previously told my dr that my anxiety had gone through the roof about all the MS talks I now feel that they are putting all my syptoms down to anxiety alone. Which doesn’t help. They did bloods on my for thyroid, kidneys etc all came back clear. After doing my own research I read alot about b12 deficiency and that it can cause these syptoms. I couldn’t believe that not one dr had mentioned this or had even asked about my diet…..which I had changed a few months previously to a 90% plant based diet. So I started supplementing b12. I asked the dr for my levels to be checked and they come back as 300 (after supplemeting). He said anywhere between 180-900 was normal and that mine were fine. However I’ve read countless things online that say you should aim for levels of at least 400-600 and that syptoms could show if levels are lower than this. So I started eating more dairy and a little bit of meat and I continue to supplement b12 along with calcium and magnesium. I must say it’s improved a bit. I have occasional mild tingling in the left foot some days which doesn’t last long. Only one night this week I had the strong vibrating feeling which was like a regular pulse and lasted until the next afternoon. I’m not sure whether it’s improved due to supplements or whether it’ll come back for round 2. I’m hoping not though as it was driving me insane.
I have had a range of neurological occurrences in my left leg for the past 2 months. Always from the knee down but mostly in my lower ankle/ shin and some tingling/ numbness in my toes and heel. I’m 26 and healthy but under a lot of stress. The pulsing tingling will happen off and on but has me incredibly anxious as I’m scared it is going to be permanent or spread to a larger area. Sometimes the tingling wakes me up at night so I know I’m not making it up. I saw a neurologist and he said it’s nothing to worry about but didn’t give me a good explanation. I am taking calcium, b complex, magnesium, and alpha lipoid acid. Not sure if any of it is helping. Please post if you get a better answer for what this is or remedy to make it stop. Thankful that I’m not alone.
It’s a negative energy/entity rubbing on your legs. Mostly happens when you lay down for bed. I haven’t figured out how to get rid of it yet. But I will 🙏🏼
This is really helpful, I suffer with B12 deficiency and occasionally iron deficiency. I have had symptoms of my b12 being low for the past month and I am due my injection in the next couple of weeks. This started happening to me the last week. I’m hoping it’s that and the stress from work, however diabetes runs in the family and I have a family member with multiple sclerosis.
I had an extremely rough pedicure on Saturday, this is Wednesday and the sole of both feet have been buzzing since. I wondered if it was from the pedicure. After reading this article I don’t think so . Very annoying. I’ll start with B12 and vitamin with iron and B12 and try to reach my doctors office. My doctor.is on vacation. There will be another Doctor on call. Quite an adventure.
Thanks for the information.
I also just had a pedicure Tuesday and now my left foot has been vibrating for two days…wierd! She did the hot towel wrap, massaged, and then kind of pounded around on my lower legs, so maybe she upset a couple of my veins?? Glad to read other suggestions and will also try B12/Iron right away.
I posted earlier on this thread, but I have finally found what had been causing my leg buzzing and how to stop it! I did some research, and found that my nerve sensations were from my peroneal (tibial) nerve. I was feeling the sensations all the way from my knee to my toes. Turns out, this nerve is very easily injured. I realized that mine was probably injured from crossing my legs all day at work. I’ve since stopped crossing my legs and my nerve sensations have greatly improved 🙂 I had tried a multitude of supplements, new shoes, chiropractic adjustments, and even consulted a neurologist. Turns out the best treatment was completely free. Good luck to everyone!
I also can’t believe how many people have this condition. I don’t have any feet injuries and never have had. It started out of the blue about a year ago. My doctor wanted me to take an epileptic drug but I refused. The only way I can get to sleep is to take 1/2 a valium and panadol. When I wake up no symptoms but then they start up again after a few minutes. I hate taking tablets and sometimes feel I want to cut my feet off too. I’ll get some B12 and iron, see how it goes.
Has anyone gotten the buzzing to stop? I thought maybe it was my sciatic nerve but my emg was fine. It’s been almost three months of this!
JC…ever find out? I am having the same thing
With this sensation do all of you here on the thread also have sleep paralysis after the vibration sensation in the sole ?
I thought I was a freaking nut job when this happened too me. I literally got down and felt the ground. It was so dramatic, I thought I was standing on a transformer or something. Seriously. It felt like I had 3 cellphone duct taped to me foot and they were all buzzing at once. I had to laugh a couple of times because it was so bizarre and I thought I was losing it. I had heel pain to go along with it. So it wasn’t really funny. Anyways, I had plantar fasciitis surgery and the buzzing quit. But the heel pain was still there. Just been dealing with it for 15 yrs now.
same buzzing in ankle. also some neuropathy symptoms in toes and sciatica. On b12, bcomplex and magnesium. Gettiing a mulit vit w iron next. Eat good, exercise 3x per week, may go 5-6x. Stretch regularly, should prob stretch even longer.
Also go to chiropractor and nutrition response. Have not stopped it…yet…but I will. The mind body connection is real, so telling yourself consistently that this WILL HEAL, I believe is also key..oh. and don’t forget to pray.
Since May of 2018, my right foot will start doing what I call seizing in the middle of the night. It would cause my right leg to begin jerking and last several seconds. This would always happen around the same time of night between 3-4am and happen every couple of weeks. This is now happening nightly and it feels like there is a heart beat in my foot but it is not beating along with my real pulse. If I wake up in the middle of the night it happens. It is like electrical waves of current and painful.
Well…I wonder if any of you actually found out what has caused it and any updates. Let me tell you my story. I have always had a little trouble with my back, would get out of “whack” so to speak and would go to a chiropractor if I needed to and it would help. Back 2 years ago (this April) I noticed that the underneath side of my toes on my right foot felt “odd”. They weren’t numb per say but they were like a odd sensation of not really feeling all there, if that makes sense. I had been wearing flip flop all of the time and I figured it was due to the bad flip flops. The sensations once they got there were there but sometimes it would be worse than other times. There was also a sensation of sometimes feeling like it was in the ball of my foot, so I thought I might have some issues there. I never really went to a physician (I hate going to doctors) and it really didn’t get any worse. Well I will take that back, at times it felt like a lot of red ants were stinging the top of my foot but it didn’t last long. I figured there was a nerve inflamed somewhere.
Fast forward, back in January of this year I was sitting in a chair and I knew my right foot down the side of it started feeling really odd….like a low electrical current humming (that is how it felt) but all of a sudden it went crazy…it was going down the side of my foot (little toe side) and over across the metatarsal pad (ball of my foot) to the center. This scared me so bad. I didn’t know what to do and it was not bad pain however it was very uncomfortable. It felt just like someone had strapped cell phones to my foot and they all went off. It did it that night and the next morning…but only like a minute or so then quit….not continuous (I couldn’t have stood it). I went to the chiropractor and he doesn’t do that manipulating (what I call crunching and popping) but he kind of manipulates the discs into place while using the tension tables, moving the legs up down..sideways. Ok…so this helped my back and we talked about that it might be coming from the sciatic nerve being pinched in the piriformis area.
Ok….so I go to him a few times and then on Feb 4th (yes I write down dates), it did it again and on the 5th….then not again until the 12th….then it went until March 4th and then tonight. What I have noticed…when this starts it takes a minute or two for it to leave and then it is only when I move a certain away….sometimes move my leg up or out…or press on the ankle….no one thing stops it each time. There are times when it is so intense that it causes my foot to actual jerk like a spasm. I mentioned this to the chiropractor last week and he said for it to be jerking like that it sounds like a nerve root compression. I know it is so intense at times it is like a TENS unit hooked up to it and it is turned up high.
What bothers me is the fact that this came out of nowhere. I don’t know if this is something that is coming from something that has been there and is just intensifying or what. I am going to a podiatrist the 27th of March and see what he thinks, however I may go ahead and get a doctor to schedule a MRI and maybe a nerve conduction test.
Oh one more thing….over the past couple of weeks my foot (sometimes the other one too) was tingling (not the cell phone feeling) but just pins and needles to the point that sleeping was very little. I have started mixing a tablespoon of coconut oil with 4 drops of eucalyptus oil and massaging it on my feet and legs and that did help that consistent pins and needles to die down (last 2 days). I was just really discouraged when the intense “buzzing” started tonight….I did realize I was sitting on the edge of a chair so that nerve may really be inflamed. Ok, enough talking….if any of you see this and can give an update to what you found out, that would be great. I wish you all the best.
If one has MS is there a pretty good chance that is what is causing it?
Why does it always seem to happen in left foot? I’ve read a few comments and they say left foot. Happened to me last night is why I looked this up. Not really painful but irritating when trying to sleep
Hi, I experience fierce buzzing in my legs and feet and also my arms and hands but the feet are the worst.
My right foot is also painful all the time and is currently the only thing buzzing so angrily, could I have nerve damage as well as the general buzzing?
I have M.E but suspect M.S, my auntie has M.S and I’m not sure if it runs in families but my dr won’t refer me for anything, ever.
What can I do to try and cope with this on my own? I already take vitamin b1 supplements as well as other vitamins
I was given quinine to ease my RLS and cramping in my legs which is slowly helping that a bit but I still have such a sore foot and near constant leg buzzing especially in my sore foot.
I’ve been pretty much left to get on with it alone so what can I do?
I already have very poor mobility and this set of symptoms seems to be getting more and more severe
I’m 64 with no diseases except mild asthma and take no meds. I do take a lot of quality supplements and am not deficient in electrolytes and I have always drunk at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. For about a week now I have experienced these cell-phone like vibrations through the upper part of my right foot. Doesn’t seem to matter whether I’m sitting or standing or what time of day (at this moment in fact). The vibrations started about the same time that I developed a sudden painful left hip / left lower back after recently becoming more active having started to do my annual Spring yard work. The vibrations cycle on and off for mostly 6 to 25 seconds and occasionally they stop for a couple hours or so. Sometimes they’re strong and sometimes light. Been on diet for last 8 months & have lost over 50 lbs so far, but eat a lot of & very large variety of vegetables and no simple carbs and two wks ago I switched over to a keto way of eating. I’d been sedentary over winter & Spring due to bitter weather & then unending rainy cold days. Started doing gardening & lots of yard work the last 2-3 weeks and have been stiff & sore. No idea what’s causing the vibrations but thought I’d just add more food for thought. My gut feeling is nerve associated.