If you feel your middle toe going numb occasionally, then you may not have to worry about anything. However, if it is otherwise, then a medical checkup would be a sensible step to take. Know what middle toe numbness may mean, from this article.
Throughout the day, perhaps, it is the foot that takes on a larger part of the stress exerted on the body. If the numbness occurs occasionally, then it should not attract much attention, as such cases resolve on their own, probably with some rest. However, if it is persistent or recurring, then there might be something amiss in the function of the nerves and/or blood vessels that supply the foot.
Symptoms and Treatment
Numbness in the middle toe could not be regarded as a medical condition in itself, but a symptom of something else. Symptoms that may accompany it commonly include:
- Tingling sensation
- Pins and needles feeling (paresthesia)
- Burning sensation
- At times, sharp pain
✔ The treatment is based on what is causing or has caused the condition. For instance, wearing tight fitting shoes commonly causes toe numbness, as it interferes with the blood supply. To manage this, patients could be advised to use shoe inserts or custom orthotics. These materials help in reducing impact on the foot that is caused by frequent running. Also, according to medical experts, shoes that you wear must provide enough space for your toes to wiggle.
✔ For causes such as diabetes, which is a chronic medical condition, long-term treatment is required. In this case, following a diabetic diet, getting regular exercise, and taking the required medications as directed by the doctor, are included in the course of treatment.
✔ Most people have found relief from the problem with the help of herbal treatment. One such treatment comprises the use of the herb called Ginkgo Biloba. The herb is known to improve blood circulation throughout the body. The extract of the herb has to be taken twice a day. Equally beneficial are herbs such as thyme, rosemary and sage.
✔ Working out for even 30 minutes most days of the week also improves blood circulation in the body, and prevents problem such as toe numbness. Cycling is considered a useful exercise for people with this condition, as it reduces the impact on the feet and toes, while providing a good workout to the body.
✔ Regular sessions of acupuncture and acupressure are also helpful in treating the condition.
What Causes the Numbness?
☞ Occasional occurrence of the middle toe going numb, as said, does not have any serious causes behind it. For instance, one mild cause could be wearing a pair of poor-fitting shoes. When the footwear is too tight, it hampers the blood supply to the leg, and this could be manifested by numbness. The same goes for wearing high heels, or sitting with a foot beneath the buttocks.
☞ Here we would have a look at some of the severe causes of toe numbness. One common cause is diabetes. This illness, when not managed, damages the nerves in the extremities, including that of the toes. These nerves are damaged when tiny blood vessels that nourish them, are injured by the excess sugar circulating in the blood.
☞ Another condition called Morton’s neuroma is also known to be a possible cause for numbness in toes. This illness causes thickening of the nerve tissues. When this sets in, the person may always feel as if he is standing on a pebble of rock even if he is not. Numbness may follow, and so may burning pain, and tingling sensation. The condition mostly affects the area that lies between the third and the fourth toe.
☞ Other medical conditions that could cause numbness in the middle toe and in other toes of the foot could include:
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Tailor’s bunions
- Frostbite
- Hammer toes
- Shingles
- Multiple sclerosis
- Gangrene
- Raynaud’s syndrome
- Buerger’s disease
It should be known that, numbness in the middle toe or any other toe for that matter, when keeps recurring, and starts getting severe, must be taken as an indication of a neural problem in the body. So in such cases, it would be wise to arrange for a meeting with your doctor to prevent potential complications in the long run.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
