Numbness in your toes is one of those nagging ailments that's hard to pin down. It could be something serious -- a byproduct of diabetes, for example -- or it might just be that you're wearing the wrong shoes. Most numbness in your toes is harmless. But seek emergency help if: Here are a few of the things that may cause your toes to go numb: High sugar and fats in your blood from diabetes can damage nerves, something doctors often call
diabetic neuropathy. When it affects your feet and legs (or arms and hands), it's called peripheral neuropathy. As many as half the people
with diabetes have peripheral neuropathy. If diabetes is causing your toes to go numb, you might see other signs of the disease, including: Diabetes is serious, and if numbness in the toes and other foot problems related to the disease go unrecognized or untreated, it could lead to major complications, which could include an
amputation. Have your doctor check your blood sugar level to see if diabetes might be the cause of the numbness in your toes. A Morton's neuroma is a thickening
of the tissue around a nerve that leads to the toes. The pressure on that nerve can cause pain in the ball of your foot and numbness in your toes. Activity or certain types of shoes can make it worse. A doctor can diagnose a Morton's neuroma. The treatments involve a change in footwear (high heels and tight shoes are problems), shoe inserts and, if needed,
corticosteroid shots to ease the pain. MetatarsalgiaMetatarsalgia (named for the metatarsals, the long bones in your foot between your arch and your toes) may begin with pain in the ball of your foot, but it can come with numbness or tingling in your toes. We don’t know all the causes of metatarsalgia, but they may include the shape of your foot (high arches, bunions, or curled toes can cause it) and simple overwork. Distance runners are at risk of metatarsalgia. Being
overweight may also help lead to it. Metatarsalgia may not need medical attention. A change of shoes, shoe inserts, rest, and ice may help. But if those things don't do the trick, and the pain and numbness in your toes last more than a few days, it may be time to call your doctor. Raynaud's PhenomenonCold weather or stress can slow the blood flow to the extremities in some people with Raynaud's phenomenon. Toes can become numb and even change colors: red, white, or blue. There are two types; primary and secondary. Primary happens by itself -- the cause is unknown -- and is generally harmless. But secondary Raynaud's is linked to diseases that affect your autoimmune system, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. If it's secondary Raynaud's, you may have symptoms of a rheumatic disease or arthritis that could include:
Your doctor can diagnose Raynaud's and tell if other diseases could be associated with it. Most treatments for Raynaud's itself (meaning, not any conditions linked to it) usually don't include medications, but in severe cases, doctors may prescribe some. Guillain-Barre SyndromeAn immune system disorder -- in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves -- Guillain-Barre syndrome damages the covering around your nerves, which can cause numbness in your toes. If Guillain-Barre is making your toes numb, you might also have:
Guillain-Barre is a rare disease, but it's serious. It can spread rapidly. You should get emergency help for:
More CausesOther medical issues that can cause your toes to go numb include:
What does it mean when the side of your foot is numb?Numbness in the feet is mainly caused by a lack of blood flow or nerve injury. Infection, inflammation, trauma, cancer, and other aberrant processes can cause foot numbness, but a numb foot typically implies nerve injury or illness.
Should I be worried if my foot is numb?Make an appointment to see your doctor if the numbness in your foot is causing you to trip or fall frequently. You should also see your doctor if the numbness in your foot is getting worse. If you have diabetes, make an appointment to see your doctor or podiatrist for foot numbness.
What helps numbness in left foot?Home remedies that may help to relieve uncomfortable numbness in the legs and feet include:. Rest. Many of the conditions that cause leg and foot numbness, such as nerve pressure, improve with rest.. Ice. ... . Heat. ... . Massage. ... . Exercise. ... . Supportive devices. ... . Epsom salt baths. ... . Mental techniques and stress reduction.. What nerve causes numbness on outside of foot?Injuries to the peroneal nerve can cause numbness, tingling, pain, weakness and a gait problem called foot drop.
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