Metatarsalgia To Diabetes, 5 Reasons For Tingling Sensation In Your Toes

You’re probably familiar with the feeling of pins and needles in your toes. It can happen when you sit in one position for too long or cross your legs in a new way. This type of feeling comes on quickly and can be uncomfortable, but it also gets better once you move your feet. Long-lasting numbness or tingling in your toes that doesn’t go away even with movement is something else. It can be a sign of an underlying health problem, such as a foot injury or even diabetes. Here are 5 reasons for tingling in toes and fingers.

Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetes is a common long-term (chronic) medical problem. It occurs when blood sugar levels are above what is considered safe for too long. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves (neuropathy). Because the nerves that communicate with the feet are the longest in the body, they are among the first nerves affected by diabetes.

Morton’s neuroma

A neuroma is an extra growth of nerve tissue where it shouldn’t be. Morton’s neuroma is a special type of overgrown fibres on certain nerves in your feet. The ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes is most commonly affected, where it causes pain.

Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia describes another type of discomfort in the ball of the foot, specifically in the area of the metatarsal bones that connect the middle part of the foot to the toes. Metatarsalgia usually occurs between the second and fourth toes.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

You may have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that affects the nerves in the hands and wrist. Something similar can also occur in the foot and ankle and is called tarsal tunnel syndrome.

In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the main nerve that supplies the foot becomes compressed as it travels through the tarsal tunnel, a part of the ankle. This can cause numbness in the toes and burning pain that worsens with long periods of standing or activity.

Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when cold temperatures outside the body damage tissue inside the body. The toes are particularly vulnerable because they lose heat more easily than parts of the body closer to the torso. If you are in a cold environment, the first sign of frostbite may be tingling in the toes. This can lead to numbness, changes in skin colour (bright red, white, or blue), and even muscle and joint dysfunction that can affect balance.