Extremely ticklish feet are not that rare, but no one really knows why. Physiologists, psychologists, sociologists, and great thinkers like Plato and Galileo have tried to explain the response to tickling. Darwin tried to find out what the tickle response is for from an evolutionary point of view.
There are many theories, most related to the need to protect yourself from injury. The nerve endings that generate the tickle response are the same ones that make us feel pain, itching, and other sensations.
When we are tickled, we tend to move away, possibly in an unconscious attempt to protect sensitive areas of our body from injury. But, that’s just one of the theories. Like I said, nobody knows for sure.
How tickling developed is another source of mystery for scientists of all stripes. Parents are believed to tickle their children as an act of bonding. Helps establish trust.
Siblings often tickle each other as part of regular rough play. But, it can be an act of domination.
About a third of people surveyed report that they like to be tickled. About the same number say they don’t enjoy it. And, the rest are neutral on the subject.
If you have extremely itchy feet, you may feel uncomfortable. But, you really should be happy. It means that the nerve endings and the tiny blood vessels that feed them are healthy.
Loss of sensation in the foot area is a problem that accompanies a series of diseases, such as diabetes. It is important to pay attention to any loss of sensation in the foot area as this could be a symptom of an underlying injury or disease.
Anxiety disorders, exposure to toxic substances, smoking, damage to the spinal discs, and any type of neuropathy (nerve damage) can cause loss of sensation. So if you’ve had ticklish feet and they suddenly become less ticklish, it could be cause for concern.
Sometimes, people don’t care or pay proper attention to the condition of their sensitive feet, until they start experiencing problems. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Regular foot care is important for everyone, but it’s particularly important for people with diabetes. The disease often damages the blood vessels that supply nerve endings and can eventually cause neuropathies. Due to loss of sensation, a diabetic person may not notice a small injury until it becomes infected.
If you have extremely ticklish feet, be happy and take good care of them. Since they are probably very sensitive to other stimuli as well, wear good cushioned socks and comfortable, well-designed shoes.
You may want to avoid the type that “massages” as you walk. That could be too much “stimulation”. Wraparound slippers and styles without elastic laces are good options to wear around the house.
There is no cure for extremely ticklish feet, because it is not a health problem. In fact, it is a symptom of good health. So smile and enjoy!