What could make toes numb?

[Rajah]

Okay, strange question, I know, but for the past couple of days, my big toe on both feet has been slightly numb and it's starting to drive me crazy. If I weren't leaving for vacation for a week tomorrow morning, I'd go into the doctor about it, but no time now. Aside from a "pinched nerve" (meaning slept or twisted wrong and got my "back out"), is there anything else that can make toes numb, and what do you do about it?

 

[aimee11621]

tight shoes? Stressed out about you trip? Due to stress are you contracting your toes?

I find myself holding on to tightly to the steering wheel of my car and the tips of my fingers get numb.

 

[Crankyshank]

Diabetes
I think gout causes numbness
bad circulation
poorly fitting shoes
pinched nerve
neuropathy

 

[minniepumpernickel]

Are you a runner, or do you do any other sport? If so, take a break, or change activities for awhile.

 

[Galahad]

Definitely don't just take our suggestions without going to a doctor. But it could also be caused by:

Raynaud's syndrome?
This is a condition in which the smallest arteries that bring blood to the fingers or toes constrict (go into spasm) when exposed to cold or from an emotional upset. Smoking cigarettes or working with vibrating machinery also can cause these episodes. The small veins are usually open, so the blood drains out of the capillaries (KAP'ih-lair"eez). The result is that the fingers or toes become pale, cold and numb. If there's a spasm in the small veins and blood is trapped in the capillaries, the fingers or toes turn blue as the blood loses its oxygen.

People who have experienced what appears to be Raynaud's syndrome are encouraged to see their physician to confirm the diagnosis and, if necessary, to get proper treatment. Most people only need to make minor lifestyle changes. In some cases, however, vasodilators (medications that relax and widen blood vessels) may be prescribed to keep the blood vessels from constricting.

Raynaud's (ra-NOZ') syndrome is also sometimes called Raynaud's phenomenon or Raynaud's disease.

Or a pinched Sciatic nerve in the back near the lower lumbar discs.

But like I said....go to a doc. Probably shouldn't blow it off.

 

[AlwaysAPrincess]

You really should get to your Doc. I am a chiropractor & numb toes can be a lot of different things. Your Doc will know the right questions to ask & then send you for the appropriate testing. X-rays, blood work, MRi, Dopler Ultrasound, etc. YOu also may need an orthodic in your shoe if you are constantly on your feet on a hard surface.

Don't blow it off so that is manifests into something more. Get checked out.

 

[DawnCt1]

If it wre the third and forth toe, I could suggest Morton's neuroma but the great toe? don't know.

 

[BeamsofLight]

I used to get this from a certain pair of sandles I wore, after a lot of walking. By 'a lot', I mean I'd wear them everywhere at WDW for a week and then when I'd come back, my toe would be numb for about a week. Doctor said it was a combination of more walking than usual and hard-soled flat shoes putting pressure on a nerve.

Still, as others have said, best to get it checked out when you can. Hope you enjoy your vacation nonetheless.

 

[Rajah]

Well, it's never happened before, I'm not having any other symptoms associated with it, but the morning I woke up with numb toes, I also woke up with a very stiff back. So I highly suspect it's a "pinched nerve" from sleeping wrong. But *usually* when I have a "pinched-nerve" type pain, stretching and/or a couple of days will take care of it. Granted, I've been more tense than usual lately trying to get everything done before the trip.

I'm wearing the same sandals I've been wearing for years, I haven't been on my feet any more than usual lately. Though on the other hand, I *did* go dancing bare-footed on a hard floor a few nights ago and since some of the dancing involved jumping, that may have something to do with it, too. (But still safer than trying to dance in slippery shoes).

As I said, if it's not gone by the time I get back (or if I weren't leaving tomorrow morning), I'll get it checked out.

 

[piglet too]

Tammi ~ I would keep an eye on it, but I am thinking you may have just done too much when you were in Chicago. Hope it feels better soon!!

 

[Rajah]

Originally posted by piglet too
Tammi ~ I would keep an eye on it, but I am thinking you may have just done too much when you were in Chicago. Hope it feels better soon!!

If that's the case, then it's very unlikely they'll be better when I get back, since I'm heading to WDW for a week. LOL!!

 

[ahutton]

You might check your toe nails to make sure one isn't growing in or pinching. Or it could just be you are having way too much fun!!!

 

[piglet too]

Originally posted by Rajah
If that's the case, then it's very unlikely they'll be better when I get back, since I'm heading to WDW for a week. LOL!!

Yeah well, so long you enjoy yourself! LOL

DH still has some problems with his big toe after being in "Stand By Your Van" when he was on his feet for over 58 hours, and that was last February. He has seen the dr about it and there is not much that can be done.

 

[Rajah]

Originally posted by ahutton
You might check your toe nails to make sure one isn't growing in or pinching. Or it could just be you are having way too much fun!!!

That was one of the first things I checked, actually. All's well there.

And I don't think there's such a thing as "too much fun" LOL!!

 

[grinningghost]

I have MS and one of my early symptoms was numb toes. Years ago, before there were any good tests for MS, they used to do a "bathtub test". They would have people sit in a bathtub with very hot water for awhile. If they came out numb, that's how they diagnosed it.

Heat tends to exacerbate MS symptoms, so that's how they justified the test. Primitive, but I guess that's all they had.

Not saying you have MS, but just watch it for awhile. If you're concerned, see a doc and he can put your mind at rest.