Toe Numbness
Toe numbness or a tingling and burning sensation in your toes may be the result of a condition that affects the nerves and/or blood vessels of the foot. Some symptoms may be chronic while others are short-lived. Either way, it’s wise to speak to a podiatrist or your PCP about any persistent matters concerning toe numbness. In some instances, this could be the sign of a larger problem like nerve damage, diabetes or even a stroke. Pittsburgh Podiatrist, Dr. Christina Teimouri, DPM shares her thoughts on the tingling sensation many people cope with every day.
Signs of Toe Numbness
Have you ever recalled having “pins and needles”? Toe numbness, or paresthesia, can feel like that. Paresthesia is an abnormal sensation in your toes that makes you lose feeling in your toes or even the feeling of the ground beneath them. Unlike that occasional numbing sensation, issues come from peripheral neuropathy a more frequent numbness or a total loss of feeling altogether.
Causes of Toe Numbness
Toe numbness can be the result of various things; a herniated disk or sciatica. Either way, your body’s nervous system is your sensory network and if there is damage to your nerves or something else effecting their blood supply, you’re going to want to visit a podiatrist because there is a large list of reasons you may be experiencing a tingling sensation.
Physical Injury or Damage to the Central Nervous System (CNS)
Nerve damage due to foot injury
Herniated disk
Frostbite
Sciatica
Stroke
Spinal cord injury
Disease, Disorders & Deficiencies
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Alcoholism or chronic alcohol abuse
Peripheral vascular disease
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Raynaud’s phenomenon
Beriberi
Diagnosing Toe Numbness
A doctor will examine your medical history and perform a physical examine. If you’re experiencing symptoms affecting the Central Nervous System, like stroke or seizures, your doctor may recommend a CT or MRI for detect any bleeding in the brain or other abnormalities to the spine. If symptoms seem focused strictly on the foot, a foot exam will be conducted, other test including Electromyography may be performed to test your muscles response to electrical stimulation.
Home Remedies For Toe Numbness
- Heat
Heat can occasionally aid in loosening tight, painful, or tense muscles that can strain nerves and result in numbness. Avoid warming numb legs and feet, though, since this could exacerbate inflammation, resulting in pain and numbness.
- Ice
Nerve pressure-causing edoema can be lessened with the aid of ice. For 15 minutes at a time, apply wrapped icepacks or cold compresses to numb legs and feet many times per day.
- Exercise
The heart and blood vessels can get weaker from insufficient activity, making it harder for them to pump blood to the lower limbs. Yoga, Pilates, and tai chi are examples of exercises that help increase blood flow and lessen chronic pain or inflammation.
Treatment
Treatment options will be evaluated and your podiatrist and/or doctor will work with you on the best solution to your problem.
When should I see a doctor about tingling and numbness in my foot?
Since tingling and numbness aren’t a threat most of the time, there’s no reason to look for a doctor. However, if these symptoms appear, you should consider looking for one:
- Persistent Symptoms
If the symptoms lasts for a few days or more then you obviously have to look for a doctor since living with such a condition isn’t pleasant at all and can make many tasks difficult.
- Severe Pain
Pain isn’t a common when it comes to tingling and numbness, if you experience them then there’s a chance you might be going through a more chronic condition, or nerve damage!
- Weakness and Paralysis
Weakness and paralysis are obviously not common when it comes to tingling, though you may feel weakness for a while when numbness starts, but if it lasts longer then it’s not something you should relax about.
- Signs Of Infection
While infection is rare with numbness, it’s always good to look for signs of infections such as swelling, redness, warmth and fever, especially in case of an injury.
Is Tingling And Numbness In The Foot A Sign Of Diabetes?
Yes, it’s possible for tingling in foot to be a part of diabetes. Since diabetes causes a condition know as neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that hinders the sensation of the damaged area.
How do you differentiate between a temporary sensation and a chronic condition?
There are multiple factors that can help you differentiate between chronic and temporary sensation, here’s how you can identify them:
- Duration
Temporary sensations just like their name are temporary and can be resolved in a short time, but it’s not the same with chronic ones.
- Progression
Temporary numbness is likely to not progress, but chronic ones can even cause pain.
If you are experiencing persistent or permanent numbness in your toes, don’t wait until your next check-up to speak to a medical professional. Call one of Pittsburgh’s leading Podiatrists, Dr. Christina Teimouri, DPM, of the Beaver Valley Foot Clinic and schedule an appointment. Call 878-313-3338 (FEET) today!