Numbness, tingling of the toes, or a burning sensation in the feet are collectively known as paresthesia. It can result from many causes, and its significance can vary from trivial to life-threatening. So how can you tell numbness, tingling, and burning that can be safely ignored from that which requires a doctor’s attention?
Lack of sensation in the toes or a burning sensation in the feet are usually caused by a problem in the foot’s nervous and/or vascular systems. Here are some of the more common sources of such problems:
- Peripheral blood vessel disease
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Frostbite
- Traumatic nerve compression
- Compression of nerves or blood vessels caused by badly fitting footwear
- Sciatica, and other spinal issues
- Osteopathic deformity, such as bunions
- Inflammation of blood vessels
- Damage caused by alcoholic neuropathy
Another common cause of paresthesia is tarsal tunnel syndrome, a foot condition similar to the more widely known carpal tunnel syndrome, (which occurs in the wrist and forearm). The tarsal tunnel is a space between the bones on the inner side of the foot near the ankle. One of the nerves passing through the tarsal tunnel is the tibial nerve; when it is compressed, you can feel numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in your feet.
Treatment Options for Toe Numbness and Burning Feet
Whatever the precipitating cause may be, improving your diet and increasing healthy physical activity is often a good start toward recovery.
However, intense exercise or athletic activity can result in compressed nerves and blood vessels in the feet. This type of numbness will generally subside with time and rest, so the appropriate treatment is usually to just wait a while.
If burning foot pain and numbness of the toes are symptoms of a diagnosed condition, such as blood vessel disease, sciatica, or diabetes, the best treatment is to simply follow the care program prescribed by your treating physician.
In rare cases, numbness and burning pain can be an indication of a serious medical issue. If these symptoms feel like they are progressing up your legs, it’s possible you could be experiencing the onset of a stroke or heart attack. If the symptoms severely increase and are accompanied by facial drooping, muscle weakness, blurred vision, loss of balance, or difficulty in speaking, call 911.
We Are Here to Help Care for Your Numb Toes and Burning Feet
For severe or chronic numbness and burning pain, Dr. Bob is available to address these issues. We will perform a comprehensive examination, and in some cases, we will utilize X-rays and/or MRI imaging to reveal the root cause.
Once we discover the origin of the problem, we have a wide array of treatment options from which to choose. Physical therapy, pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in more serious cases, a minor surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the affected nerves and/or blood vessels, are all available.
To schedule a consultation, please call (855) 557-5400 or make an appointment now.
Dr. Bob Baravarian is conveniently located in Los Angeles, near Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, providing expert foot and ankle care for patients throughout Southern California.
