Numbness and Tingling in Toes: Causes and Solutions

By Noelina R. | Updated: Sep 17, 2019

Ladies

When your toes feel tingly and numb, it can be difficult to understand why it happens and how to make it stop. Although there are a number of different reasons for feelings of pins and needles in toes, knowing the most common causes and the ways to ameliorate those problems can help you stop numb, tingling toes. Continue reading for more.

Numbness and Tingling in Toes: Causes and Solutions

Hormonal Causes

One of the least-known, but most common causes of tingling in women experiencing menopause is a hormonal imbalance. When estrogen levels drop, this imbalance affects the nervous system, thus disrupting circulation and causing tingling extremities.

This hormonal imbalance is responsible not only for numbness and tingling in the toes, but also a number of different menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, low libido, and more.

Other Causes

However, there are other reasons for why your toes tingle and hurt that are unrelated to hormone levels. Some of the most common causes are:

Standing or sitting in one position for too long

This is the most likely and well-known reason for tingling in toes and other body parts. When somebody stays in one position for a very long time, especially a position that keeps extremities angled upwards or pressed tightly against one another, the blood flow to that area can be disrupted and the nerves are exposed to too much pressure.

Tight shoes

Numb, tingling toes may also be caused by some form of constriction. This would most likely be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight for your feet, especially pointy-toed shoes or heels that tend to place more pressure on end of your feet. However, even some very tight socks may be able to cause a similar sensation.

Poor circulation

In some cases, a tingling sensation may be caused by a lack of blood flow to the toes that is not caused by environmental factors, but is a result of the cardiovascular system being unable to properly move blood throughout the body. Extremities like toes are usually the most affected by poor circulation because they require the most effort for blood to reach.

Solutions

In order to treat tingling extremities caused by a hormonal imbalance, it is generally best to begin with lifestyle changes, such as improving hydration, sleep quality, and diet, in order to help your body function.

If symptoms do not improve, it is possible to begin a regimen of herbal medicine or even prescribed medications to help address the underlying hormonal cause.

If pain and tingling in toes is caused by environmental factors, removing your shoes or changing your position should be enough to soon remedy the tingling sensation.

If the feeling persists, it may be due to blood flow problems. This issue can be improved by a few lifestyle changes, such as performing more exercise and stretching, which improves blood flow to the whole body. Cardiovascular health can also be improved by regulating cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Alternative treatments for blood circulation can include massages and acupuncture.

When to Call a Doctor

In some cases, tingling or numbness can be a sign of something more serious. Always contact a doctor if tingling is accompanied by:

  • Confusion
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Changes in bladder control
  • Weakness or paralysis
  • A head or neck injury
  • Slurred speech
  • Vision disturbance

Conclusions

Though numbness and tingling in toes is often fault of hormonal imbalance during menopause, women may find that other causes such as sedentary positions, tight shoes, and poor circulation may also be at play. Treatment will depend upon the underlying cause, with solutions ranging from lifestyle changes and herbal medicine to prescribed medications and alternative treatments. In conclusion, knowing these facts can help you to best figure out how to find long-lasting relief.

Related Articles

Numbness and Tingling Extremities Numbness and Tingling Extremities
Top 5 Exercises to Reduce Tingling in Your Extremities Top 5 Exercises to Reduce Tingling in Your Extremities
Sitting Tips to Stop Tingling Feet Sitting Tips to Stop Tingling Feet
More on Tingling Extremities