What Causes Numbness in Toes

The feet play an integral part to one’s mobility but they are often taken for granted. It is only when they start to give us some pain that we notice how much we really need them. A common yet abnormal feeling is numbness in toes. While this may seem as a small enough problem, it is usually harbingers of some larger and more menacing fault with the other functions of the body.

Vitamin deficiency can contribute to numbness in toes. It may not be obvious but since vitamins maintain the health of the body’s tissues, damage to nerves, called nueropathies, can be due to lack of vitamins. Vitamin B-12, for instance, is needed in the production of red blood cells and the repair of damaged tissues. A deficiency in this vitamin can manifest itself as numbness and tingling in the extremities, and, when ignored, may result to weakness, shortness of breath, anemia, confusion and dementia. Vitamin B-1 or thiamine deficiency can also lead to nueropathies and result to numbness in the feet and hands. Solving this may require the intake of dietary supplements.

Doing certain exercises can also lead to numbness in toes. This, most likely, is caused by nerve compression. Cyclists who spend hours on the bike continuously put pressure on the pedals, affecting certain nerves in the feet or restricting blood circulation to the area. This causes a numbness or tingling sensation. Badly fitting shoes will have this effect. Consulting an athletic adviser to recommend the best shoes for the type of activity may help to alleviate the symptoms. Sometimes, this may be remedied by inserting an arch support in the shoe itself.

Another, more serious cause for nerve compression is a neuroma, or a tumor that has grown on the nerve tissue. An ultrasound and a good podiatrist can confirm this condition and recommend some steps to take to address it.  Having a compressed nerve in the lower back can also manifest itself by numbness in toes or a burning, tingling sensation in the foot. It can also lead to some weakness when the big toes or the ankle is moved. The numbness or even pain may also be felt in the area at the top of the foot. This can be because of a compressed vertebrae, sciatica, slipped disc or other similar condition. Again, a competent podiatrist must be consulted.

Other diseases can also cause similar numbness in toes. The most common of these is diabetes. However, alcoholism, obesity, multiple sclerosis, hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia and even HIV can also have the same symptoms. A doctor can prescribe a battery of blood and other tests to help in determining what may be the true cause behind the symptoms.

What Causes Numbness in Toes Conclusion

As discussed, numbness in toes may seem like a simple enough problem to ignore. However, they can be indications of more serious conditions.  Before consulting a doctor, it is best to determine when the symptoms actually occur, which foot (or both) actually feels these symptoms, and any situations that the sufferer believes to have precipitated the symptoms from occurring.