What Causes Toe Numbness?

As we noted above, toe numbness can be caused by a variety of different issues, and it can come in different forms. For some people, their toe numbness is temporary and fleeting, while for others it is chronic. Here are a few of the more common reasons why someone may be experiencing numbness in the toes of one or both of their feet:

• Peripheral artery disease
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Diabetes
• Alcoholism
• Frostbite
• Nerve compression
• Inhibited blood supply due to tight or ill-fitting shoes
• Sciatica
• Spinal cord injury
• Inflammation of the blood vessels

Aside from those conditions, toe numbness can also occur during or after intense athletic activity or exercise. This occurs because the nerves are frequently compressed during high-impact movement. Numbness caused by exercise should subside fairly quickly once you stop exercising.

Finally, on very rare occasions, toe numbness can be caused by serious medical issues, like a stroke or seizure.

Medical Help For Toe Numbness

If you’re looking up causes of toe numbness, you’re probably also wondering if it’s a serious medical issue that warrants medical intervention. If the problem resolves on its own and only seems to develop after exercise or heavy alcohol consumption, than it’s likely not much of an issue, and you could benefit from limiting your alcohol intake or investing in a more breathable shoe. Along a similar vein, if you know that numbness is a potential side effect of a larger condition like diabetes or peripheral neuropathy, then there’s little more you can do than follow your doctor’s instructions for caring for the primary condition.

However, if toe numbness is accompanied by some more serious symptoms, you should head into an emergency room as it could be a sign of one of the rare problems we spoke about above. If toe numbness is paired with blurred vision, facial drooping, loss of balance, sudden and severe headaches, tremors, spasms or difficulty speaking, dial 911 is these are signs of a stroke or seizure.

Don’t miss those warning signs, but remember that in most cases, toe numbness is not an emergency. If it becomes more frequent or chronic, set up a visit with a foot specialist as there’s likely a bigger condition at play. Your doctor can get to the bottom of the problem with the assistance of a physical exam and imaging tests. Treating the condition depends on your exact diagnosis, but common treatment methods include physical therapy, pain relievers, rest, shoe changes and a healthy diet.

The post Why Do I Have Toe Numbness? appeared first on Lance Silverman, MD - Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon.

My Toes Are Numb

You’ve probably experienced numbness in your legs or your arms when you’ve slept on them wrong, and toe numbness is pretty similar. For some people, toe numbness is a temporary sensation, but for others it can be a chronic condition. Aside from numbness or a dulled sensation in your feet, some symptoms of toe numbness include:

• Tingling sensation in your toes, feet or legs
• Burning
• Pain
• A “pins and needles” feeling in your toes
• An abnormal sensation when walking

Because you have a lack of feeling in your toes, you may be more susceptible to injuries like cuts, sores or bruises. Toe numbness is a cause for a concern, but it’s rarely considered a medical emergency. If the problem doesn’t alleviate after a few hours or days, swing into your doctor’s office.

What Causes Toe Numbness?

As we’ve mentioned before, your feet are complex systems filled with sensory nerves. If these nerves become damaged, irritated or compressed, you could experience pain or a lack of sensation. Additionally, there are a number of medical conditions that can cause numbness or nerve damage, including:

• Diabetes
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
• Frostbite
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Shingles
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Blood Vessel Inflammation

Lastly, some people experience toe numbness during or after periods of activity, like running or other exercises. That’s because the nerves in your toes can get compressed while shouldering your body’s weight during exercise. This type of numbness generally subsides after a short while, and it should only be concerning if it lasts for days or is accompanied by significant pain.

Treatment of Toe Numbness

Treatment of toe numbness varies based on the underlying cause, but eating a healthy diet and increasing your physical activity are good starts. In order to determine what’s wrong, your doctor will preform a comphesive foot exam, and in some cases, he’ll order an MRI or CT scan. Once your doctor uncovers what’s causing your numbness, he or she could prescribe a number of treatment options, including physical therapy, pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications, and in extreme cases, a minor surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the affected nerves.

In rare cases, toe numbness can be a sign of a serious medical event. If the numbness feels like it’s moving up your body, you could be experiencing the beginning of a stroke or heart attack. If the numbness grows, or if it is accompanied by blurred vision, facial drooping, loss of balance, muscle weakness or difficulty speaking, call 911.

All in all, toe numbness is generally not something to be concerned with unless it lingers for days, becomes a chronic condition or is associated with any of the above severe symptoms.

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