Many people complain about a numb big toe, because such a phenomenon causes inconvenience and, in addition, makes you worry. So what is the reason for this problem and what should be done in such cases?
Quite often, numbness and loss of sensation in the fingers occurs due to pinching of a blood vessel or nerve ending, which often happens when sitting for a long time in an uncomfortable position or wearing shoes with a narrow toe. But, unfortunately, a numb big toe can also be a symptom of a host of diseases:
What you should pay attention to
Of course, such conditions can be accompanied by other symptoms. For example, numbness may be accompanied by a burning or tingling sensation. It is worth paying attention to the condition of the whole organism: is there any weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, fever, etc. It is important to note whether loss of sensation occurs in all fingers or on both feet at once - this is extremely important for the diagnostic process. In any case, if your finger is numb and does not go away, you should seek help from a doctor. After all, the sooner the cause of such a disorder is discovered, the greater the chances of quick and effective treatment without complications.
Numb big toe: identifying the cause
In fact, therapy directly depends on the cause of this symptom, since it is necessary to treat the primary disease. For this purpose, the patient is prescribed some tests and tests, including x-ray examination. An examination by a neurologist is also required, given that quite often the cause is a disruption of the normal functioning of the peripheral nervous system. Only after collecting anamnesis and reviewing the examination results will a specialist be able to determine the disease and prescribe effective treatment.
Numbness in the toes of the left foot is an unpleasant sensation that should alert you. If it appears after a long stay in an uncomfortable position or wearing tight or uncomfortable shoes, when the legs are compressed and blood flow is impaired, then there is nothing to worry about, remove the root cause and everything will work out. But if the fingers systematically go numb in the morning or at night, when the body is in a calm position, it indicates serious illness.
The causes of numbness in the toes of the left and right feet are associated with problems with the spine, disorders of the heart, and thyroid gland:
There are many factors that cause numbness in the toes and all are serious enough to be a cause for concern. Therefore, if discomfort occurs, it is important not to delay visiting a specialist.
The condition when a part of the body goes numb is difficult to confuse, but sometimes it is so mild or strong that the person does not realize what is happening. If numbness in the fingers is caused by slowly developing diseases, the symptoms will increase gradually, causing some kind of addiction. This condition will seem normal. Therefore, it is worth knowing the signs that your toes are numb:
If you feel them constantly, it is important to check your fingers for sensitivity with a needle, and whether they are cold or not by touching them with your hands.
Sometimes the causes of numbness are serious illnesses that require immediate medical attention. In addition to the above there may be:
To find out why your toes go numb, you need to undergo a comprehensive examination. MRI, CT scan of the spine and X-rays are performed to see hernias, disc displacements, tumor processes, and whether the integrity of the vertebrae and the fluid between them is compromised. If nothing is confirmed, the examination continues. It is advisable to examine the person completely; there may be several reasons causing numbness.
To see how well the body is functioning overall, general blood and urine tests are performed. They make it possible to identify possible oncological diseases, indicate a lack of vitamins and minerals in the body (because of this, tissue nutrition in some places may be too weak), determine the presence of inflammatory processes, and indicate that the blood is too thick. Its biochemical analysis reveals how well the blood supplies organs and tissues with oxygen and nutrients.
It is also important to donate blood for rheumatic factor - pain and fatigue in the joints, numbness of the limbs can be a sign of rheumatism. Blood sugar tests help confirm or deny the presence of diabetes. Hormone analysis - to identify problems in the functioning of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, metabolic disorders. It is important to determine whether there is flat feet. It is suspected when the big toe or little toe goes numb.
It is necessary to do an ultrasound of the extremities, vascular angiography (contrast X-ray examination). This will identify Raynaud's syndrome and violations of the integrity of capillaries. Rheovasography of the arteries of the legs allows you to diagnose blood circulation in them.
When there is a suspicion of bone tuberculosis, as well as osteomyelitis, a biopsy is performed - using a special device, bone tissue is taken in several places and examined in the laboratory. Oncological diseases are also detected.
Treatment of numbness in the toes of the left and right feet is aimed at eliminating the cause. Let's look at the main ways to combat diseases that can cause numbness in the toes.
If osteochondrosis, curvature of the spine, intervertebral hernia or other problems with the musculoskeletal system are detected, then he will be prescribed physical therapy, massage, hydromassage, reflexology, manual therapy, spinal traction, physiological procedures, diet, as well as medications that help strengthen bones and restoration of intervertebral fluid. What kind of treatment should be and what to focus on will be determined by the doctor, based on the diagnosis and severity of the disease.
If you have problems with blood vessels, it is important to adhere to a diet rich in vitamins, which strengthen them, make them more elastic, and get rid of cholesterol plaques. Eat foods rich in:
It is necessary to avoid salt and fatty foods that clog blood vessels and contribute to the formation of cholesterol plaques in them. It is important to drink more water, walk in the fresh air, and do light physical work.
The doctor can prescribe medications in the form of tablets, injections, droppers, vitamins to strengthen and restore vascular tissue and cleanse the blood. Physiotherapy, contrast showers, and massage may be prescribed.
The causes of numbness in the toes are varied and very serious. Therefore, harmless symptoms should not be ignored. Timely treatment can save a person’s health and even life.
Numbness is usually a temporary loss of sensation in the skin, which is accompanied by tingling, burning or crawling. Persistent numbness of the toes is a symptom that characterizes disorders of the blood supply and innervation, therefore it is a signal of trouble in the upper parts of the body, possibly requiring immediate medical attention.
Vertebrologists at the Doctor Ignatiev Clinic in Kyiv often observe numbness in the toes in patients with varying degrees of degenerative changes in the spine. As a rule, this is not the only symptom, but often numbness begins as a single manifestation long before the onset of the main clinical picture. In any case, persistent numbness of the toes is a cause for concern and an immediate visit to an experienced specialist, whose appointment is possible after an appointment.
Diagnosis of numbness of the toes requires mandatory clarification of the cause of this condition. For this, various instrumental techniques are used - radiography of the spine, ultrasound of blood vessels, computer and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and others.
Pain in the foot and toes
Any therapeutic measures should be aimed, first of all, at eliminating the causative factor of the disease, one of the manifestations of which is numbness of the toes . It is necessary to restore the patency of the vessels supplying the lower extremities and release the nerve fibers from the compressed state. The following methods are used for this:
Doctors at the Kyiv “Clinic of Doctor Ignatiev” try to make the most of all their capabilities to restore normal sensitivity of the skin of the legs, as well as eliminate other disorders that most often occur with lumbar osteochondrosis and its complications. It is important to start treatment in a timely manner - this is the only way for patients to quickly achieve recovery.
The sensation of numbness in the toes is something that each of us has experienced. But, in fact, sometimes this is not at all a harmless symptom, as it would seem at first glance. And if it repeats with some frequency, then it’s worth thinking about whether some kind of illness is tormenting you? After all, the sensitivity of the toes can’t just disappear? In this article, we will look at the main causes of loss of sensation in the toes.
The most common complaint is: - My little toe on my right foot is very numb. What could this mean?
If your little toe on your right foot often goes numb, then take a close look at your everyday shoes - are they rubbing on you? If it rubs very hard, then the answer to your question will be found. The cause of numbness in the little toe on your right foot is uncomfortable, tight shoes that do not allow your foot to fit properly.
Even if you have fashionable leather boots, you need to wait until you have broken them in properly. After all, the anatomical feature of every person is that when he walks, his foot expands even more in volume.
Women who wear high, narrow heels often suffer from numbness in their toes. As a result, within a month they begin to have huge problems with their lower extremities. Dear ladies, remember! Health comes first. Then, when you come to the traumatologist, you won’t even remember your beautiful fashionable high-heeled shoes, but of course you will think about your sore feet.
If your big toe on your right foot is constantly going numb, then again, the reason is the formation of a corn on it due to constantly wearing uncomfortable shoes. Be sure to change your everyday shoes, at least temporarily.
When a person wears uncomfortable shoes for a long time, he begins to experience numbness not only of one toe, but also of the entire foot. In this case, you will experience very sharp, excruciating pain.
If only the tips of the toes on the right foot are numb, this means the following:
The next reason for the loss of sensitivity in the toes is mechanical damage, namely a bruise or fracture.
When, for example, you hit your foot on something hard, the nerve endings that are located on your toes are damaged. As a result, either pinching of the nerve endings or an inflammatory process on them begins. Even if you slightly bruise your leg or have your toes stepped on in transport, this may result in the fact that you simply won’t feel your feet during the day. Be sure to examine your fingers. If you really bruised them, there will be a slight characteristic blue discoloration at the site of the bruise.
We also list other causes of numbness in the toes of the right/left foot.
Of course, everything we discussed above directly affects the loss of sensation in the toes. But there are other reasons why you may not feel your fingers. So, another common cause of limb numbness is a tumor of the nervous tissue, which in medicine is defined as a neuroma.
Neuroma is a benign formation that is characterized by abnormal development of nerve endings. The nerves that supply the limbs become very swollen, which results in a very strong, sharp, almost dagger-like pain in the foot and fingers.
If a person does not respond in time to painful sensations in the foot, then this threatens that the neuroma will turn from a benign formation into a malignant one.
Don't risk your health! Be sure to consult a doctor at the first symptoms of pain.
Peripheral neuropathy is a very serious disease with very terrible consequences. The consequences of untreated and undetected peripheral neuropathy are deep wounds on the legs that do not heal on their own; very severe tearing pain; gangrene; purulent discharge from the legs; infection and acute inflammatory process.
Patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus are at risk of developing peripheral neuropathy.
Recommendation! In the early stages of peripheral neuropathy, the disease can be successfully treated. Therefore, at the first symptoms of pain, be sure to consult a doctor.
Here is a list of diseases that cause numbness in the toes:
Which doctors should you contact if you feel numbness in your toes?
If you feel that your left/right toes are going numb, then you urgently need to make an appointment with a doctor: a neurologist, a therapist, a cardiologist, or a neurosurgeon.
If your toes are numb, you should be able to help yourself. How? To begin, do a little self-massage of your legs. If you find that your fingers have turned blue and a hematoma has formed on them, then massage is prohibited. Most likely, the cause of numbness is mechanical damage to the toes of the left/right foot.
Next, take care of good quality shoes that will make your feet feel comfortable.
Add vitamin complexes to your daily diet. Stop drinking alcohol, coffee and tea for a while.
In the frantic rhythm of the day, not every person will pay attention to such a symptom as numbness in the toes. However, if this begins to bother you, then you need to figure out why this happens.
Regardless of which toe the big or little finger is numb, and regardless of whether it happens on the left or right foot, this can all be considered the same symptom .
There is no direct connection between the position of the finger and the specific cause. Moreover, it doesn’t matter whether the tip of your finger, your entire foot, or even your entire foot is numb. When diagnosing a problem, the doctor will be more interested in the accompanying symptoms , as well as the circumstances under which you lose sensitivity.
The feeling of numbness in the fingers can occur for a huge number of reasons - from the most harmless to serious diseases.
If numbness occurs due to mechanical impact, then there is no reason to panic. You do not need any special treatment.
Such reasons may be:
Of course, this is not a complete list, but it is important to understand that in a healthy person, temporary “necrosis of the limb” goes away quickly after the mechanical cause is removed.
This group of very general reasons that affect the overall health of a person. They can cause many symptoms, including the one we are considering, or they may not appear at all for the time being.
We all know them:
We sincerely hope that the cause of your discomfort is not a serious medical condition. Nevertheless, speaking about numbness of the toes, one cannot fail to mention the ailments of which it is a frequent companion.
Contact your doctor immediately if numbness appears for no apparent reason, or if this is not the only symptom you feel.
For example, in case of serious illnesses, a frequent accompaniment of loss of sensitivity is blackening of the finger, pain in the spine or in the pelvic area, etc.
List of possible diseases:
It so happened that I spent the whole day wearing tight shoes, and now I noticed that part of my big toe was numb and white. It’s very scary, I don’t know what to do, this has never happened before. What can I do to make this go away? Has anyone had this happen?
Go to bed, it will pass by morning.
rub it. this blood circulation is disrupted. God forbid there will be gangrene
how can I help? Should I cut it off?
Author, why are you crying? Go to the doctor if it doesn’t go away and the sooner the better, otherwise, God forbid, tissue death begins, then hello to your finger, they’ll cut it off.
I went to a neurologist with this problem, he prescribed neuromultivitis and heparin ointment for 1 month, there was no effect. Then it went away on its own, after 3-4 months. A friend also had it twice, it went away on its own.
6. Did this happen to you because of tight shoes?
I'm going to the doctor tomorrow, I'm scared of what they'll say((
I think yes, from the shoes. doctor rocks what is it from microtraumas this usually happens
don’t worry, it happened to me too, I walked for two days in tight ballet shoes and for about 2 months my finger seemed to be numb, I think it will go away
I, too, have had this problem for more than a year, but I didn’t pay attention to it, and now for about a month I’ve been even more numb, I didn’t have time to go to the doctor, but now I’ll definitely go, it’s very scary, what if something serious happens.
Today I walked in tight shoes, it so happened, in the evening I discovered that the skin on my big toe was numb! I was scared at first, but then I think it will pass tomorrow.. I hope
Sri, I have the same thing, I hope it goes away.
it hasn't been a day now
And this is already the 3rd day for me! =(
damn guys, I have the same thing(((
I rubbed a callus, it burst, and now the skin under the nail on my big toe is numb - I don’t feel anything at all, and cold - it’s as if there’s no rush of blood at all (((they advised me today to make a bath with baking soda and salt and grind vodka (and drink it at the same time, so don’t panic))) now see the doctor on Monday.
Someone write, what are the results of going to the doctor?
My ring toe has also been numb for about a week now, and everything along the tendon to the middle of my foot is also numb. These are all new boots.
I, too, have had numbness in part of my big toe for about 2 weeks now. Just after I started wearing new boots, I hope that this will pass - as the boots wear out.
This is scary. This happens to me again. on the Internet they say that this is osteochondrosis
Damn, I have osteochondrosis! So does this mean from him?
I’ve had it for two years now, I’ve come to terms with it and that’s it!!
Yesterday I was rollerblading all day, then I felt that a small part of my foot near my big toe was numb. still hasn't passed what to do. I'm scared!!
Write what the doctor said! Please!
What to do at home?
Everything will be fine.
My big toe has also been numb for about four days now! Probably from those stupid ballet shoes. It's scary, damn it!
Damn, I also spent the whole day wearing tight shoes with high heels, my middle finger went numb, usually when you take off such shoes it goes away, but I went to bed and woke up and everything remained the same..
I didn’t wear tight shoes on my toe, I just took it and it didn’t even have as much skin as the toe, so it’s not pleasant, what could it be!?
Or maybe it’s because you’re just standing on your feet all day! I work as a bartender and I don’t have time to sit! My finger (my finger) goes numb in the evening, and then it feels like it’s numb! Damn, living without a finger is no fun )))
Darina. the same thing, I work as a waitress and I worked for 3 days and I can hardly feel my ring toe, it’s numb. 3 days have passed and the toe has not come off. (((((((((((
I’ve been having the same garbage for a week now... on my left foot and the big toe on the right side it feels like it’s hot and cold, there’s no light touch and there’s just a tingling sensation when you touch it, as if it’s been in jail. creepy right. I don’t know what to do..I’ll probably go to the doctor.
I have the same. But I can’t go to the doctor. Because not in the homeland. Tell me what to do?
Damn, I have the same thing, after the shoes. The whole day the new shoes didn’t seem to sting, but then part of the big toe on my left foot went numb. a week has passed, like you I’ll sit and wait for someone to go to the doctor : D
I have the same problem after being on my feet for 12 hours. It should go away within 2-3 weeks.
I walked in high-heeled shoes, so part of my big toe was numb. It’s been going on for 6 days now and it’s not going away. I’m very worried. Apart from bees, is there anything that can be done to fix this at home?
My big toe on my left foot was numb, not the whole edge. Then 3 on the other leg, but they later went away.
I went to the therapist, she directed me to donate blood from a vein and have an X-ray of the pelvis.
As a result, I have a compressed disc in my spine.
She also told me to change my job (I spend 10 hours working at it)
Today the big toe on my right foot went numb (I’m guilty of wearing heels all the time on my feet (I’m a hairdresser, but this has never happened before. It’s scary.
Eeeeeh the same part of the big toe(((((stupid ballet flats and heels(((((why do they complicate everything((((
I, too, have two toes on my left foot that have been numb for two months now, I went to see a chiropractor, he said that the nerve in my foot was pinched from uncomfortable shoes, and I was just walking in ballet shoes, now he prescribed a toe massage and a warming cream, but I’m still so anxiously afraid what if If it doesn’t go away, maybe you should really go see a neurologist - I don’t know)
I get the same thing from stupid ballet shoes. I thought that only heels could cause problems. Part of the big toes on both feet became numb, an area of approximately 1 cm by 1 cm. I'm so afraid. Okay, I read what people write and realized that I’m not the only one with this.
Now I have joined the ranks of those suffering from this disease. It's creepy.
now I also noticed yesterday that my big toe is half numb and scary
I already wrote here, I had the same problem. Everything went by itself))
How long did it take? Month ? Two?
in more than 3 months
It went away for me too. literally the next day)
Yesterday I also wore new shoes once. and this morning I noticed that my left toe (not even the whole toe, but only the right part) was numb. At first it was funny, I thought it would go away, but by the end of the evening nothing happened, now it’s kind of creepy. (((
Guys! Calm down! Don't panic! Massage, soda and salt compresses, comfortable shoes, healthy blood vessels and caring for yourself are the key to healthy feet.
Same problem, left big toe, right side!
Walked through on a cool, damp day in my shoes - they rubbed!
3 weeks don't go by!
I have the same thing, yesterday I walked the whole evening in heels, when I came home I noticed that two toes on my left foot were numb, at first I thought it would go away, but the next day it didn’t, I’m scared, what should I do?
And don't wait for it to pass. ((((((I’ve had this for 5 years now, I bought new shoes, narrow toes, high heels, beautiful. I walked in them for about five hours, my toes stung a little, naturally. But, as I always thought, beauty requires sacrifice. Now it’s five I haven’t felt two toes on my toes for years, sometimes I cramp them, my husband massages it, it seems better, but not for long. I don’t massage myself, it’s not a pleasant feeling, but when you use the other hand, it’s like you start to feel your fingers. I haven’t been to the doctors, I think there’s no benefit .
Ladies, my attending physician said that this is related to the lower back, you need to stretch it well, or even better, sign up for a massage! I haven’t had time to stretch it myself yet, but I hope everything goes well!
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Many people, faced with such an unpleasant sensation as numbness in their fingers, do not attach due importance to it, and completely in vain. Sometimes there really is nothing to worry about; this condition can be explained by simple hypothermia. But if symptoms occur more and more often and take longer to pass each time, this is a reason to be wary and schedule a visit to the doctor.
There is no point in postponing the consultation, because if, for example, the little finger is numb, then the problems lie in diseases of the heart and blood vessels. If your thumbs are numb, then the respiratory system is most likely suffering. It is impossible to make a diagnosis on your own, so only a specialist can tell you what exactly to do in each specific case.
Loss of sensation in the fingers on the left or right hand, or on both at once, can occur for the following reasons:
Separately, we can note the causes of numbness in the fingers of a neurological nature. Damage and pinching of the nerve can occur due to:
You can learn more about the causes of numbness in our article Why fingers go numb.
If you feel your fingers going numb, and this happens periodically, you should consult a neurologist or therapist. The doctor will conduct an initial diagnosis, identify the causes of loss of sensitivity and tell you what to do to eliminate the discomfort. What exactly is included in the diagnosis?
During the survey, the doctor receives information about the patient’s complaints, learns about his lifestyle, bad habits, previous diseases and diseases currently present, and clarifies the time of the first symptoms.
The doctor checks the sensitivity of each finger and, based on the results of the examination, draws up a plan for further measures.
This diagnostic method is prescribed if a neurological disease is suspected. It allows you to detect deviations in the structure of the spine, in particular, its cervical region.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed tomography) are prescribed to obtain complete information about the patient’s health status. With their help, you can obtain data not only about the structure of the spine, cervical spine and arms, but also about the state of the circulatory system - to track the narrowing of blood vessels, the structure of their blood flow and notice any deviation from the norm.
This material is described in more detail in the article of our resource What to do if your hands go numb.
Once the reason why your fingers are numb has been established, treatment can begin. It is prescribed by the treating specialist. So, if it is osteochondrosis, then a course of pills is prescribed to eliminate swelling and inflammation. You can simultaneously use ointments of a similar effect. In severe advanced cases, surgery may be required.
If the cause is diabetic polyneuropathy, and numbness occurs when blood sugar levels rise, then the doctor will prescribe medication along with physical therapy. A set of special exercises is prescribed, including aerobics, jogging or walking at a fast pace.
The so-called “lazy charging” has also proven itself to be excellent. It can be performed without getting out of bed. In the morning, when you wake up, you need to clench and unclench your fingers, bring them into a “lock”, rub your hands together, etc.
Traditional medicine recipes are also known to help cope with numbness in the fingers.
You can learn about other treatment methods by reading our article What to do when your fingers go numb.