How to Minimize the Pain of Tingling Toes

Pain from tingling toes can be caused by numerous conditions, including a herniated lumbar disc, stenosis of the spine, tendonitis, arthritis, diabetes or even cardiovascular problems. But tingling is most often a sign of nerve compression either from an inflammed tendon, degenerative cartilage or a disc between vertebrae in the lower back. It is best to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis, but tingling from nerve compression is usually treated with rest, immobilization, ice, heat, medication and exercise.

Things You'll Need

• Brace for foot or back
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen
• Ice pack
• Heating pad
• Omega-3 or EFA (essential fatty acids) supplement
• Glucosamine-chondroitin supplement
• Multivitamins with minerals

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Instructions

Minimizing Your Pain From Tingling Toes

• 1

  Stay off your feet as much as possible, and rest for a few days. Wear a foot or back brace depending on the nature of your condition.

• 2

  Take two ibuprofen or naproxen every four to six hours throughout the day. Continue taking one of these medicines every day until your symptoms have diminished or are gone. If your tingling pain does not get any better after a few days of treatment, see your doctor. They may prescribe a stronger medication such as Pamelor, Endep or Elavil. Use these medications as directed.

• 3

  Put ice in an ice pack and strap it around your foot or against your back. Compress the ice directly against the source of pain for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat every three or four hours while you are awake. Once any initial swelling and pain has subsided, apply a heating pad to your foot or back for 15 to 20 minutes several times per day. Continue using the heating pad daily to minimize or extricate your tingling toe pain.

• 4

  Take two glucosamine-chondroitin tablets daily. Take a multivitamin with minerals every day. Also, take an omega-3 or essential fatty acid (EFA) supplement daily.

• 5

  Stretch your foot forward and hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds; then bend your foot backward and stretch it for 15 to 30 seconds. Do three total repetitions. Next, sit in a chair barefooted and place both feet on the floor. Slowly lift just your toes up and hold that position for 15 to 30 seconds. Lower them back down then repeat the movement 10 times. If your back is also hurting, lie on the floor with your knees up and slowly press your lower back against the floor. Hold that position for two to five seconds, then relax. Do 10 repetitions.