Open toes

Indeed, when walking or standing in one place for a long time, the legs have to perform an important supporting function. They do especially hard work when their “owner” is a person who is overweight or obese.

Due to a passive lifestyle, characterized by prolonged sitting in one place, leg diseases have become widespread. People do not always pay attention to strengthening bones and blood vessels, and consider pain in the knees or calves to be a temporary phenomenon caused by fatigue.

Self-medication is another reason for the popularity of leg diseases. Often a person prefers to buy a drug in a pharmacy whose name he heard in a commercial on TV rather than see a doctor.

The main factors causing the occurrence of leg ailments in people:

fungi - according to statistics, almost every person has encountered a similar problem, and even children experience similar phenomena;

insufficient hygiene;

wearing uncomfortable shoes, too narrow or wide, with flat soles, with very high heels;

hypothermia or overheating;

heredity;

low physical activity;

eating vitamins in small amounts;

bad habits;

concomitant diseases - for example, diabetes, varicose veins, arthritis or arthrosis, gout;

too much stress associated with certain sports (athletics, basketball), or obesity.

Some illnesses are insidious in that they do not immediately begin to cause inconvenience and are not perceived by a person as a serious pathology. He prefers to either ignore the symptoms, believing that they will go away on their own, or use remedies that give a temporary effect.

Foot diseases

Feet especially suffer from uncomfortable shoes. Fans of high-heeled sandals risk over time developing one of the ailments associated with bone deformation, as a result of which this part of the body will lose its attractiveness.

Diseases of the feet are also a cosmetic problem, due to the fact that as the pathology develops they begin to look unsightly. Therefore, the fight against various kinds of unpleasant and non-aesthetic phenomena is of great importance, especially for young women.

The most common foot ailments:

Trophic ulcers are skin lesions that occur as a result of disruption of the circulatory process. Usually it does not heal for a long time and greatly interferes with the patient’s ability to live and work normally. The main reason is stagnation of blood in the veins; the appearance of ulcers indicates that the problem has become serious, and it is possible to get rid of it only in a hospital setting. Diabetics often face similar problems.

Corns, dry calluses - keratinization of individual areas that hurt when stepped on. They usually occur after wearing not very comfortable shoes, or when sweating too much. Overweight people often suffer from this disease. Contrary to popular belief, you should not wait for corns to go away on their own - they can lead to flat feet.

Diabetic foot – observed, as a rule, in diabetics, especially patients with type 2. Their vessels are destroyed due to frequent changes in blood sugar levels, this leads to a decrease in the sensitivity of the legs, and when receiving any injury or burn, the patient does not experience pain and may not even notice anything. As a result, infection begins and gangrene develops.

Flat feet is a phenomenon that is accompanied by deformation of the foot with a drooping arch. Occurs with obesity, heavy physical exertion, prolonged standing, and wearing low-quality shoes. May also be congenital.

Diseases of the lower extremities are diagnosed and treated by different doctors. Mostly, with such problems, people turn to a dermatologist, surgeon, orthopedist or endocrinologist.

Fungal diseases of the feet appear as a result of infection of this area by a fungus. Many people do not even know they have it; it is very easy to become infected with it. The fungus is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person when using a common towel, wearing the same shoes or clothes, in saunas, beauty salons and solariums, on the beach and pool.

The “leaders” among ailments of this type are:

Mycosis - the appearance of cracks on the toes and between the toes, stripes or yellow spots on the nails, thickening of the plates, sometimes their separation. Fingers begin to hurt and swell.

eczema - inflammation and rashes on the skin, deformation and destruction of nails;

psoriasis – redness and peeling, cracks;

epidemorphitis, or athlete's foot - itching and burning on the surface, combined with ulcers.

There are also diseases of the leg muscles, accompanied by pain, numbness and cramps. The most common diagnosis is leg muscle atrophy. It occurs mainly with age and is accompanied by a decrease in motor abilities up to complete paralysis and inability to move independently.

Other causes of pain in the leg muscles:

atherosclerosis;

varicose veins;

inflammation of the calf muscles – myositis;

rheumatism;

spine pathologies;

thrombosis.

Heel disease often occurs as a consequence of arthritis, gout or infection. Inflammatory processes also occur in this area of ​​the leg:

fasciitis or spur – accompanied by pain, especially severe in the morning;

osteochondropathy – necrosis of some bone areas, which makes it impossible to support the heel;

bursitis - pain, swelling and redness;

tendonitis is an inflammatory process in the Achilles tendon that causes its rupture.

Pain in the heel can also be caused by injuries - bruises or fractures. Cracks are also common, which especially bother women, and at first they are a problem only in an aesthetic sense, gradually becoming deeper and causing pain and discomfort.

Treatment of foot diseases of the lower extremities is carried out by doctors of various specializations, depending on the pathogen and severity. Elimination of some pathologies is possible only in a hospital.

Find out what are the consequences of foot diseases

Foot diseases - symptoms and treatment

You can recognize the onset of a leg problem by the following signs:

pain - intensifying while walking, when climbing stairs, in the morning;

cramps in the calf muscles, a feeling of tightness, numbness;

peeling of the skin;

itching;

thickening and delamination of nail plates;

the appearance of bubbles filled with liquid;

hardness and dryness of the skin;

swelling;

violation of the color of the nail and its integrity, the appearance of stains on the plates;

fatigue, especially after doing work in a standing position;

inability to walk in high-heeled shoes;

an increase in shoe size (this is a sign of the disease only in adults, because children’s feet tend to grow).

Over time, the pain begins to radiate to the lower back and becomes very painful.

Treatment of various leg diseases has several directions - to alleviate the patient’s condition by eliminating the symptoms, and to get rid of the cause that caused the pathology, as well as to prevent its occurrence in the future.

The main directions of therapy are:

combating excess weight by leading a healthy lifestyle and giving up bad habits, fried and fatty foods;

wearing special orthopedic insoles;

shoe heel - no more than 5 cm, but absolutely flat soles are not allowed;

therapeutic exercises – there is a special set of exercises to improve blood circulation and eliminate signs of flat feet.

To eliminate the fungus, special ointments, creams and sprays, and baths using herbal infusions are prescribed. Hygiene is also of great importance in this matter - the patient should have an individual towel and walk around the house in slippers. It is advisable that the rest of the family follow these same recommendations.

They are provoked by fungi, inflammation, infections, and injuries. The lesion often appears on the nails by changing their color and shape, splitting or separating. The main ailments of the toes are:

Ingrown nails occur on the big toe and are accompanied by inflammation and the appearance of purulent ulcers. Cutting off the ingrown edge does not solve the problem.

Bunions are abnormalities that occur on the metatarsal and extend to the inside of the foot. It is usually observed in women.

valgus deformity of the thumb - its deviation and curvature, the formation of a lump that hurts;

Hammertoe deformity is a bending of the joint that is located between the phalanges.

The main reasons are uncomfortable shoes, insufficient hygiene, and injuries.

Treatment of some toenail diseases is a complex process. Sometimes, in case of insurmountable deformities, surgical intervention may be necessary.

The administration of the portal categorically does not recommend self-medication and advises consulting a doctor at the first symptoms of the disease. Our portal presents the best medical specialists with whom you can make an appointment online or by phone. You can choose a suitable doctor yourself or we will select one for you absolutely free . Also, only when you make an appointment through us, the price for a consultation will be lower than in the clinic itself. This is our little gift for our visitors. Be healthy!

Why do my toes go numb and how can I restore sensitivity to them?

If your toes or feet go numb, this is paresthesia, a symptom that involves a temporary loss of sensation in the skin of the extremities. The numbness usually lasts only a short time, but sometimes there may be long-term loss of sensation. This phenomenon may be accompanied by unpleasant sensations such as tingling, pinching and even chills.

There can be many reasons. First of all, these are external factors: uncomfortable tight shoes, low temperature or incorrect foot position. Numbness can also be a concomitant symptom with a whole list of diseases of various organs and systems. Sometimes such sensations are associated with a serious illness and indicate the need to urgently take care of your health.

The most common reasons are:

1. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as arthritis, osteochondrosis and pinched nerves.

2. Incorrectly healed fractures.

3. Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, blood diseases or B vitamin deficiency.

4. Multiple sclerosis.

5. Development of neuroma (peripheral nerve tumor).

6. The occurrence of an intervertebral hernia in the lumbar or sacral region.

7. Varicose veins.

8. Angiopathy.

9. Lumbar stenosis.

10. Microstrokes.

Based on the nature of the numbness and accompanying sensations, you can diagnose the problem in the early stages and consult a doctor in time to avoid the development of complications. Describing the sensations in your toes and feet will help your specialist determine how to properly care for your feet and keep them healthy longer.

Your toes may go numb:

1. 1. Due to shoes that are too tight and heels that are too high.
2. 2. For frostbite.
3. 3. If the foot position is incorrect.
4. 4. When working in a sitting position in an uncomfortable or incorrect position. This is especially true for those who lead a sedentary lifestyle: being in an uncomfortable position for a long time in the popliteal area compresses the nerves and blood vessels, which leads to impaired blood circulation, leading to numbness of the toes.
5. 5. Under the influence of stress and fatigue. Chronic stress can lead to numbness in the fingertips, chills, anxiety, insomnia and loss of appetite.

In order to avoid numbness, first of all, it is necessary to pay special attention to the correct choice of shoes. We recommend shoes made of natural materials, leather or suede, not too hard. It is necessary to avoid shoes that are too tight and narrow, as compression of the foot and toes will contribute to blood stagnation, the occurrence of varicose veins and the development of arthritis.

Shoes should be chosen so that you can wiggle your toes. The little finger should not rest against the wall of the shoe. The optimal choice would be shoes one size larger, or 2 sizes larger in winter.

It is worth choosing the insole separately. A medium level of hardness is recommended: an insole that is too hard will cause discomfort, while an insole that is too soft will cause foot sweating and the development of fungus.

To eliminate the effects of external factors, special procedures can be carried out. They will relieve numbness and relax.

6. 1. Contrast baths. In order to relieve numbness, it is necessary to fill 2 basins with water of different temperatures: cold and as hot as can be tolerated. You need to alternately dip your feet in hot and cold water several times. This procedure stimulates blood circulation, relieves fatigue from the legs and gives vitality.
7. 2. Massage mats. This is the simplest remedy that will help not only cope with loss of sensitivity, but also prevent flat feet. Experts advise stretching your feet with a mat in the morning and evening, before bed, and also after a hard day of work.

With osteochondrosis and arthritis, numbness is accompanied by a feeling of coldness in the toes, pain in the joints of the foot and ankle, and aching bones. The pain is nagging, aching, and intensifies with a sudden change in weather.

To relieve symptoms and relieve pain, the following folk remedies are recommended:

8. 1. Pepper oil. To prepare it you will need 100 g of black pepper per 1 liter of sunflower oil. Chopped pepper is mixed with oil and heated over low heat for no more than 30 minutes. The resulting product should be rubbed on your toes and feet. Pepper helps warm muscles and ligaments, which relieves pain and stimulates blood flow.
9. 2. Honey compresses. To make them, it is recommended to use linden or herbal honey. Making such a compress at home is quite simple: a thin layer of honey is applied to the skin, then the leg should be wrapped in cotton cloth, then with cling film or a plastic bag. After this, you need to put on a cotton sock and leave it overnight. Noticeable relief will occur within 3 to 7 days.
10. 3. Garlic tincture. To prepare it you will need several heads of garlic. The peeled slices should be crushed into a paste, poured with vodka in a ratio of 1:3 and left in a dark place for a week.

Varicose veins occur in every fourth modern person. The causes of the disease may be the following:

venous insufficiency;

work on feet;

excess weight;

incorrect daily routine;

stress.

With varicose veins, numbness is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the legs, burning in the veins, and swelling, especially in the evening. Cramps may occur at night. The veins in the leg area are enlarged, stretched and lose elasticity.

Varicose veins must be treated under the supervision of a doctor, otherwise severe complications such as acute thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers, and thromboembolism are possible. All these consequences occur due to stagnation of blood in the veins, which, in turn, leads to its coagulation and the formation of blood clots. In severe cases, doctors have to prescribe surgery, so it is better to monitor the disease from the moment it occurs and not start treatment.

Traditional medicine offers several effective ways to combat varicose veins at the initial stage:

1. Freshly squeezed juices. Vegetable juices are rich in vitamins and microelements, they saturate the body with antioxidants, prevent the loss of elasticity of the walls of blood vessels and the formation of plaques. A mixture of carrot and spinach juice in a ratio of 10:6 is recommended; a mixture of carrot juice, raw beets and celery in a ratio of 10:3:3; juice of parsley, watercress and spinach in a ratio of 4:2:2.

The juice should be prepared before direct consumption, since beneficial substances are destroyed upon contact with air within 30-40 minutes. At the initial stage of varicose veins, it is recommended to consume about 500 ml of juices daily.

2. Horse chestnut tincture. To prepare it you will need 50 g of horse chestnut flowers, 500 ml of alcohol or vodka. The drug is infused for 14 days in a dark place, and the bottle should be shaken daily. After this, you need to pass the tincture through a strainer and consume 1 tbsp. l., diluting with water. The drug should be taken for a week, then take a break for 2 weeks. To consolidate the result, 3 or more courses will be required.

During treatment, it is necessary to stop drinking alcohol and tobacco, as this worsens the condition of blood vessels and aggravates the course of the disease. In addition, excessive exercise, heavy lifting, and wearing high-heeled shoes should be avoided whenever possible.

Complex treatment includes:

• blood thinning drugs, for example Curantil, Cardiomagnyl, Trental;
• venotonic drugs, for example Troxevasin, Antistax;
• anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Diclofenac.

To prescribe the right course of treatment, you must consult a doctor. The specialist will also help you choose a set of exercises for proper muscle tone in the legs and feet and prescribe an appropriate diet to control cholesterol levels.

Numbness of the toes in diabetes is associated with the occurrence of nerve damage, which subsequently leads to the development of ulcers, “diabetic foot”, and gangrene.

With diabetic damage, after numbness there is a feeling of cold, followed by a sharp burning sensation and painful tingling. If you often feel something similar, you need to see a doctor and get your blood sugar tested.

The fight against the disease must begin immediately, otherwise the consequences may be irreversible. You need to carefully monitor the hygiene of your feet and toes, wash your feet daily with soap and then rub them dry. You should trim your toenails at least once a week and file the corners to prevent skin damage, ingrown toenails, and infection.

It is necessary to moisturize the skin with creams and lotions, but steaming your feet is contraindicated for diabetes. You should wear socks and shoes only made from natural materials and strictly follow all the instructions of your doctor.

When a nerve is pinched, the toes on the left or right side go numb, depending on the location of the lesion. In addition, symptoms indicating nerve damage may include:

• coldness in the affected limb;
• excessive sweating;
• instability when walking.

Subsequently, sharp pain appears, stiffness in movement, and inability to step on the leg. Neuralgia develops, accompanied by a local increase in temperature in the affected area. Muscle spasms are possible.

For proper treatment, you need to see a neurologist. Pain, numbness and discomfort in the legs can be relieved using traditional methods:

• 1. Baths with herbal decoctions. Calamus, thyme, and oak bark are considered good remedies. Recommended infusions include black elderberry, nettle, hops, thyme and black currant leaves. Special attention should be paid to coniferous baths: juniper, pine buds, and spruce bark are suitable. The temperature of the baths should be moderate, not higher than 37-38°C, the duration of the procedure is about 30 minutes.
• 2. Infusions. They are prepared for both external and internal use. An infusion of lingonberry leaves is suitable for internal use: 1 tsp. leaves are poured into 1.5 cups of boiling water, left for an hour and drunk 3 times a day, half a glass.
• 3. For neuralgia, a decoction of fragrant celery roots will help: 1 tbsp. l. Infuse celery roots in 500 ml of boiling water for 4 hours, strain and consume a third of a glass 3 times a day before meals.
• 4. As an anesthetic for external use, a tincture of mullein or lilac flowers is recommended. A glass of mullein flowers is poured into 1 liter of vodka, left for a week and rubbed into the sore spot. To prepare a lilac tincture you will need 50 g of flowers and 500 ml of alcohol.
• 5. You can use an infusion of wormwood. To do this, you will need to infuse 1 tbsp in 350 ml of boiling water. l. wormwood inflorescences for 3 hours and rub the affected area before bed.

It should be remembered that the toes go numb when hernias occur in the lumbar and cruciate spine, stenosis of the lumbar canal, microstrokes, neuromas (tumors of the peripheral nerves). In these cases, self-medication is not recommended; you should consult a doctor.

Remember: if numbness occurs frequently and lasts a long time, accompanied by unbearable pain, do not hesitate - contact a specialist.

Categories : Diagnostics