Toe, Foot, And Ankle Problems, Noninjury: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have numbness, tingling, burning, or stinging in your toes or feet?

See significance of numbness, tingling, burning, or stinging if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have new numbness or tingling and your affected foot is more pale, white, blue, or cold than your other foot?

Yes

Do you have new numbness or tingling and you cannot move your toe or foot?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had steady numbness, tingling, or burning that has lasted for 1 hour or longer?

Yes

Do you have numbness, tingling, or burning in your toe or foot that has been checked by your doctor, but your symptoms have become worse since you last saw your doctor?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had numbness, tingling, or burning that comes and goes (but has not been steady for an hour at a time) for the past 24 hours or longer, and the symptoms have not been evaluated by your doctor?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	October 27, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Gavin W.G. Chalmers, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer