There are many common causes of tingling in fingers and toes, the primary ones being nerve damage and poor circulation to these extremities. The causes may be temporary, such as with sitting or sleeping in the wrong position, or they may be more serious and long term. Injuries to the central or peripheral nervous system can also lead to digit tingling. Certain diseases, such as diabetes, alcoholism, and hyperthyroidism, can also lead to these tingling sensations.
One of the most common causes of tingling in fingers and toes is an interruption of blood circulation to those areas. Most people have experienced the pins and needles sensation associated with part of the body falling asleep. The body parts don't actually fall asleep; instead, they go numb due to a lack of blood flow to the area. This could be caused by a number of reasons, including sitting or sleeping in a position that pinches the veins leading to the area. When the blood flow is restored, it can be felt as a tingling sensation.
Repetitive activities that use the hands and feet can also cause tingling in fingers and toes. Some of these common activities include jumping, dancing, or running, and when done over a long period of time can pinch or irritate nerve tissue connected to the toes, causing tingling. Repetitive activities can also cause nerve tissue damage, leading to finger tingling. These activities include typing, texting, or playing an instrument.
Remaining in a still or resting position for a prolonged period of time can also result in tingling in the fingers and toes. Inactivity of the hands and feet can cause problems in the nerve tissue, especially when resting in a position that pinches or irritates the nerves. This is commonly experienced when people sit or stand for long periods of time in cramped conditions. Crowded places often cause people to stand or sit in unnatural ways in order to maintain personal boundaries, but if the positions cause pinched or irritated nerves, they can also cause tingling.
Some diseases can cause circulatory problems and nerve damage, which can lead to tinging in fingers and toes. Alcohol abuse, low physical activity, and radiation therapies can all contribute to the causes of finger and toe tingling. Diabetes, hypothyroidism, and lupus are some diseases that can cause nerve damage and tingling sensations in the extremities.
Injuries can also cause tingling in fingers and toes. Damage to the neck or spinal cord can affect the entire nervous system. The toes and feet are often the first places to suffer from nerve injuries because they are the farthest points from the central nervous system, which is made of the brain and spinal cord.