Numb toes can be called by an impairment of the nerves or blood vessels of the foot. Conditions that affect the nerves and can cause toe numbness include diabetes, sciatica, and peripheral neuropathy. Toe paresthesias is the sensations of tingling that often occurs when someone suffers from toe numbness.
A numb toe can prevent the person from detecting injury or compression from shoes that are too small. This can lead to more problems such as hammer toes, bunions, or corns from habitually wearing tight shoes.
Sciatica is caused by compression of the nerve by the lumbar spinal discs. Though sciatica usually causes the most pain in the lower back, the thigh, and below the knee, the pain can radiate as low as the foot and affect the toes.
Toe paresthesia can be as minor as a sign that the person has been sitting in one position for too long. Paresthesia is the common sensation of pins and needles that people experience when circulation to the feet has been temporarily disrupted due to pressure on the extremity.
However, paresthesia in toes can be a symptom of a health problem such as nerve damage or abnormal pressure on the nerve. The toe paresthesia could also be caused by certain diseases or impairments such as a malfunctioning thyroid or multiple sclerosis.
Guillain-Barre syndrome can be a cause of numbness in the toes. With this condition, the body's immune system attacks the nerves of the arms and legs. Numb fingers and toes are often the first sign of Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Inflammation of blood vessels, known as vasculitis, is another possible cause of numbness in the toes. The inflammation can impair blood flow and cause some numbness and paresthesia. Vasculitis can affect different parts of the body depending on what underlying condition or malformation is causing the condition.
The treatment for toe numbness and paresthesia depends on the cause of the condition. If the cause of the numbness in the toes cannot be easily determined by the physician, tests may be ordered to identify the cause.
The doctor may order MRI scans or CAT scans if the doctor suspects that the condition is caused by bone or tissue compressing the nerve. A glucose test may be conducted to rule out diabetes.
A nerve conduction study may be performed to identify the exact point where the nerve is damaged. During the nerve conduction test, the diagnostician uses electric shocks delivered to the nerve by needles to pinpoint the nerve disruption.
After an injury to the foot or ankle, numbness in the toes can be a sign of damage to the nerves or blood vessels of the foot. People who experience numbness after an ankle sprain or other foot injury should seek immediate medical attention.
