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Pins and Needles Toes: Sciatica, Circulatory or Other Condition?

By July 2, 2008 - 7:23pm
 
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Every now and then, for no apparent reason (emphasis on "apparent"), I feel an annoying, painful, pins and needles sensation in my big toe. It's usually only one toe, usually my left big toe, that gets this.

Doing a search online, I found all sorts of possibilities. But, I really didn't fit any of the symptoms. My symptoms are momentary, sudden, annoying and painful. Of the possible causes, a lower back problem fit the best.

Has anyone ever felt anything like this? Did you consult a chiropractor or neurologist? Which helped?

Add a Comment49 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I s

I thought my problem was the lower back, but not all started on my big left toe.
Very interesting shows the scope of a lesion in the big toe, how that can affect with time with your ankle, lower back, and even neck and jaw.

January 17, 2012 - 12:28pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I see these posts are a couple years old...So I hope someone will still respond.

I have been having similar problems with my big toes. Both of them. I am a 22 year old female. It started a couple years ago. If I stand a certain way, I will get this shooting burning/tingling pain in my toe. Also, if i press on the bend of my big toes, then same thing happens. I thought this might be an exposed nerve or something? Anyone know what may be causing this??

March 4, 2010 - 7:35pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

get your thyroid tested, its amazing how many things relate back to an underactive thyroid

November 19, 2009 - 12:18am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

HI,
i occasionally get a weird sensation on my 2nd toe on my right foot. It feels almost like an electric current is being sent through the toe, but only the toe not the leg or the back or anything, and only that one specific toe. i feel it mostly when i walk, no matter what kind of shoe i am wearing or when i am not wearing any shoes at all. Does anyone have any ideas as to what might be going on in my toe?

October 7, 2009 - 4:18pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

I'm getting the same thing not everyday but at least 3-4 times a week. I do have lower back issues after having kids. But its weird just the big toe i get the strange electric shocks. Today It is intense!

January 15, 2015 - 8:40am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I have the same problem but in my right big toe! Its really wierd. I havent had it checked out yet though. I thought I would come online and have a look if i could find out what it might be but I have had no luck.

September 27, 2009 - 9:11am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Thank you Dr Reid for your comment.....I just have one more question: I am suffering from Bells Palsy at the moment and have been for the past 6 weeks! It is getting better as i am having regular Accupuncture Sessions. With Bell's being a Nerve Problem Could this be the cause of the Pins and Needles in my Toes??

September 23, 2009 - 1:51am
(reply to Anonymous)

Bells palsy is due to stroke, sarcoidosis or Lyme disease.

November 11, 2014 - 1:07pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Sorry, I don't think my previous post made it. I don't think how the two could be connected based on traditional medicine. Can't comment on energy levels!

Dr. Reid

September 24, 2009 - 10:01am
(reply to Anonymous)

Anon,

I'm so glad that the acupuncture is helping your Bell's Palsy, and I hope the remaining symptoms will be short-lived! (The National Institutes of Health say that the extent of nerve damage determines the extent of recovery, and that most people recover completely within 3 to 6 months.) Here's their page:

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/bells/bells.htm#What_is_the_prognosis

And here's what the Mayo Clinic page says about causes:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bells-palsy/DS00168/DSECTION=causes

I didn't find any research that suggested the facial muscles involved might be connected to the pins and needles in your toes, though you are right, they are both nerve-related. (Did they happen at the same time, coming on suddenly?) Here's a page on residual effects of Bell's Palsy:

http://www.bellspalsy.ws/residual.htm

You might ask your acupuncturist this question as well, I would be very interested in her or his answer, since they are so in tune with how energy flows in the body.

September 24, 2009 - 8:34am
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