What causes a few seconds of sharp, needle-like pain in the toe?

Generally, sharp pain in the toes may be caused by intense physical activity, cold exposure, Raynaud's phenomenon, paronychia, lumbar disc herniation, and other conditions. If abnormal symptoms occur, it is advisable to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Intense Physical Activity

After stopping intense exercise, blood flow slows down and requires some time to return to normal. During this period, transient stimulation of nerve endings may occur, causing a pricking or needle-like pain. Appropriate rest and gentle stretching exercises can help muscles recover.

2. Cold Exposure

Cold exposure causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow. This is often followed by sudden vasodilation, which can stimulate local nerve endings and result in a needle-pricking sensation. Keeping warm is essential—wear warm socks and shoes, and avoid prolonged exposure to cold environments.

3. Raynaud's Phenomenon

This condition is triggered by cold temperatures or emotional stress, leading to an exaggerated vascular response. Blood vessels suddenly constrict and then rapidly dilate, stimulating nerve endings and causing a needle-like pain. It may also be accompanied by color changes in the toes. Medications such as prazosin hydrochloride tablets, nifedipine tablets, or amlodipine besylate tablets may be used under medical guidance to manage symptoms.

4. Paronychia

Inflammation of the tissue around the nail may result from excessive nail trimming, tearing cuticles, or fungal infections such as Candida, leading to symptoms like redness, swelling, and pain. The area around the nail becomes red and swollen; in severe cases, pus may form. Mild cases can be treated with chlorhexidine acetate solution, mupirocin ointment, or fusidic acid cream under medical supervision. If an abscess develops, surgical incision and drainage or nail removal may be required.

5. Lumbar Disc Herniation

The primary causes of lumbar disc herniation are degeneration of the intervertebral disc and abnormal mechanical loading. Degenerative changes lead to protrusion of the nucleus pulposus, which compresses nerves that innervate the lower limbs, resulting in sharp pain in the toes. Symptoms may also include pain or numbness in the same-side thigh. Medical management may involve bed rest, lumbar traction, or medications such as celecoxib capsules, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, and mecobalamin capsules.

It is recommended to maintain healthy exercise habits and avoid sudden high-intensity physical activity. Soaking feet in warm water may also help improve circulation.