How to Reverse Tingling in Feet
Tingling feet or peripheral neuropathy can be caused by a number of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, a herniated disc, spinal stenosis (restricted opening in spinal vertebrae), diabetes and even certain autoimmune disorders (i.e. lupus). Tingling feet usually indicate that there is compression on a nerve in either the foot or lower back. Before any treatments are administered, it is best to get a proper diagnosis by a doctor. Still, inflammation, pain and other symptoms can be reversed through rest, immobilization, ice, heat, medication and exercises.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Foot or back brace
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve)
- Ice
- Ice pack
- Heating pad or very warm bath water
Instructions
-
-
1
Stop all physical activity immediately. Try to determine if tingling may be coming from your back. If your back is causing tingling feet, you will probably have sciatica pain that shoots from your lower back, down your buttocks and legs to your feet and toes. You may also just have pain or stiffness in your back. If so, wear a back brace when you need to be mobile. If the tingling is caused by a foot problem only, wear a foot brace and stay off your feet as much as possible.
-
2
Take two ibuprofen or naproxen pills every four to six hours. Continue taking this anti-inflammatory medication until your foot tingling is gone.
-
-
3
Strap an ice pack to your foot so that it is directly compressed against your source of pain. Keep the ice in place for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat this procedure every three or four hours. If your back is causing the tingling, use ice on your back as well. Continue with ice therapy until your initial inflammation and pain have been reduced.
-
4
When your inflammation is under control, use a heating pad on your foot and/or back or lie in a bath tub filled with very warm water for 15 to 20 minutes several times per day. Keep your feet submerged in the bath tub. Repeat heat therapy until your tingling symptoms are gone.
-
5
When the tingling subsides, perform the following exercises: Sit in a chair, raise your legs up slightly and start circling your feet to the right. Do 10 repetitions then circle your feet to the left. Next, sit in a chair and place a rolling pin or baseball bat on the floor. Place the arch of each foot on top of the rolling pin or baseball bat and roll the object back and forth. Repeat for a minute or two. For back problems, lie on your back with your knees pointing up and both feet on the floor. Gently press your lower back against the floor. Hold that movement for two to five seconds, then relax. Do 10 repetitions.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use ice the first two or three days. Ice will reduce inflammation and pain by limiting the flow of blood and lymph fluid to your affected areas. Once the initial swelling has subsided, heat will increase blood flow and bring oxygen and nutrients to your affected areas, which are necessary for healing.
Consider having someone massage your feet or back as well. Massage will help relax the nerves.
Stretching exercises will increase flexibility in the foot or back by loosening tight muscles. You should also walk and do resistance exercises such as light weightlifting. Strengthening muscles in the foot and ankle or in the back, abdomen and legs will add stability to specific joints. This will help relieve pressure on the nerves as well.
Never let your symptoms go longer than three or four days without contacting your physician. Your tingling feet may be caused by a more serious condition.
