Tingling Toes

Tingling is the feeling of 'falling asleep' or 'pins and needles' experienced in any part of the body. Usually, it is not a serious condition. Tingling is often accompanied by numbness or loss of sensation in the specific part of the leg. However, in serious cases, these symptoms appear due to damage or injury to the nerves. Let us first take a look at some of the potential causes of tingling feet and toes.

Causes of Tingling in Toes

In minor cases, tingling sensation in toes is caused due to sitting cross-legged or with the foot under the body for a long time. Sometimes, sitting on a chair with the legs hanging in the air for long time also result in tingling in the toes. Apart from these, the following are the severe causes of tingling and numbness in toes.

☞ Injury
Any kind of injury to the foot or toe can cause tingling. Stubbed or broken toes are common causes of tingling sensation in feet and toes. Sometimes, having flat feet may even lead to tingling toes at night. On the other hand, a person may experience numbness and tingling on undergoing a surgery to the vertebrae.

☞ Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the tarsal nerve is inflamed due to compression in the tarsal tunnel. Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, improper sports activities or exercise, etc., are the causes of this syndrome. Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome include pain and burning sensation in the leg or toes, tingling in ankles, swelling in feet, etc.

☞ Sciatica
Sciatica is one of the most painful condition that arises when the sciatic nerve gets impinged or compressed. As the sciatic nerve runs from the back, down to the leg; one experiences pain that starts from lower back and runs through the thighs to the foot. Tingling sensation and numbness in toes of one foot is also a symptom of sciatica.

☞ Pregnancy
Pregnant women often experience numbness and tingling in legs, fingers and toes. This occurs due to sciatica or compression of the sciatic nerve due to excess weight. The excess weight in pregnancy may also lead to herniated disc which also causes numbness in the feet, toes, and back pain.

☞ Diabetes
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that causes numbness and tingling in hands and feet. Apart from injury, diabetes is one of the most common causes for this condition. Diabetic neuropathy, i.e., nerve damage caused due to diabetes leads to tingling in toes. In fact, this is one of the classic and first symptoms of diabetes.

Apart from those mentioned above, tingling toes can also be caused due to lumbar spinal stenosis, multiple sclerosis, ruptured or herniated disc, Rheumatoid arthritis, side effects of medication, etc. If tingling in the toes lasts for more than one day and is not relieved with home remedies, you should consult the doctor immediately. Secondly, if you experience numbness in other parts of the body except feet, or experience headache, etc., you should seek emergency medical care.

Treatment of Tingling in Toes

Methods like X-ray and MRI help in diagnosing the underlying cause of feet numbness. At the same time, you should explain the exact nature of your symptoms, the duration, time of onset, etc., to the doctor as it helps in quicker diagnosis. The treatment may include either medication, physical therapy; or even a surgery. Treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome include medications and physical therapy. Tingling toes and numbness caused during pregnancy subside after the childbirth. However, pregnant women should consult the doctor and look for exercises for reducing leg pain and other symptoms. Symptoms of diabetes can be controlled by following a strict diet and medication routine.

When talking about preventive measures, note that minor causes of feet numbness can be prevented by following simple measures. You should avoid wearing very tight-fitting shoes as they can cause pain, numbness and blisters. Secondly, try to shift your leg position after regular intervals to ensure an easy blood flow. Thirdly, if numbness and tingling is caused as a side effect of a drug, inform your doctor immediately. Lastly, if you are undertaking strenuous workout, make sure you do it under the supervision of a trainer.

As observed above, tingling and numbness in toes can be caused due to severe causes and hence, it is advisable not to ignore the symptoms. All the above mentioned causes can be cured if timely treatment is undertaken. Note that this article is meant only for informational purposes, and is not to be substituted for medical advice. Take care!