Why Do My Toes Go Numb?
There are many different reasons why you may feel numbness in your toes or feet. It can range from very harmless, to something you may need to speak to a doctor about. Typically, it may start with a prickling, pins and needles, tingling and/or weakness feeling. Many of us have felt this when you have been sitting in the same position for a long time with your legs crossed or under you. This is normal, and when the blood flow is returned and nerve compression is resolved the foot feels normal.
Other more severe causes of foot numbness can last a little bit longer. All of the different causes of numbness result from compression or injury to the nerve at various parts of the body. The nerves that go into your foot originate from the larger nerves in your back. They then travel down through the hip, thigh, knee, lower leg, and into the foot and toes.
Causes of Foot Numbness
Compression of Nerve in your back, hip, thigh, lower leg, and ankle
Examples: Sciatica, herniated disc, trauma/injury to these body parts, arthritic changes
Wearing shoes that are too small or laced too tight.
Arthritis/Irritation at the big toe like bunions
Autoimmune diseases
Examples: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Thyroid disease, and Multiple Sclerosis
Chemotherapy
Poor Nutrition
Alcoholism
Diabetes
Viruses
Spinal Cord Injury
Trauma or damage to the nerves from an injury or accident
Stroke
How Can I prevent numbness in my toes?
Some of these things you can prevent, but some you cannot. It is important to get rid of and stop wearing shoes and socks that are tight and do not fit . You can avoid and limit wearing of high heeled shoes, and make sure to manage your diabetes and autoimmune conditions with the help of your GP.
What can physiotherapists do?
Physiotherapists can help identify the cause and location of your nerve impingement and create an individualised program to help improve mobility and release muscles that may be causing the compression in the back, hip, thigh, knee, ankle or foot. We can also help improve any problems with your balance or coordination that may be happening because of the numbness. We can also provide advice on footwear, orthotics, and any other healthcare professionals you may need to see. Our experienced staff at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy in Dublin 4 are here to help you!
When should I see my doctor?
It is important to see a doctor urgently if you recently had an accident or injury to your head, confused thinking, severe problems with balance, new onset vision problems/immediate onset of blurriness, muscle weakness/unable to move or control different body parts, numbness over on side of your body, loss of control of bowel and/or bladder, or intense/extreme headaches. They may indicate a more urgent problem like a stroke, spinal cord injury, or brain injury.
It is also important to consult your GP regarding any chronic conditions like diabetes or other autoimmune conditions and nutrition to make sure they are managed well.
When in doubt, contact your doctor or healthcare provider.
*This blog is for educational purposes and should not replace individualised or direct medical advice from your doctor or health care provider*
References and Resources:
Harvard Health: Hands or feet asleep? What to do.
Harvard Health: What causes my feet to suddenly become numb?
Physiotherapy
We specialise in the treatment and prevention of injuries and conditions. If you are suffering with any health aliments that you feel we could help you with, get in touch today. We provide treatment for a wide age range from 9 years to 90 years old.