Are your toes numb? There are a few usual reasons for experiencing numbness in the toes, ranging from minor to severe. Be sure to speak with your Doctor if toe numbness lingers, doesn’t go away on its own, or you can’t determine the cause. This article shouldn’t be taken as medical advice but can be viewed as some notes or warning signs you can look out for.
What are the most common reasons? The first is your shoes are too tight. Tight shoes can cut off circulation in the foot and toes, which can cause tingling and numbness. The same can be said for tight hosiery, foot wrap, or even splint or cast. All can interfere with proper circulation to the toes. Remedy by getting your feet properly sized for shoes and socks. Be sure to adjust a foot wrap or splint correctly. PediFix.com has a broad selection of quality shoe inserts or pads to help your feet feel better fast.
You’re not wearing shoes. Walking barefoot can sometimes put undue pressure on your feet and toes, especially on hard surfaces. Pay attention to your feet and try to limit lengthy standing or walking while barefoot. Use slippers or even thick, cushioned socks to give your feet a break.
You are too sedentary. Sitting around too long can affect circulation, which can cause numbness in feet and toes. Get up and get that blood flowing. Sensations should return quickly afterward.
Physical exertion. Standing, walking, running, or performing strenuous physical activity can cause temporary numbness in the feet and toes. Take a break. The numbness should stop after stopping the activity in question.
It’s too cold. We’ve all be stuck out in wintery conditions and know that both fingers and toes become numb after a short time, especially when wet. Get inside, remove wet socks and shoes and slowly warm-up before you lose feeling sensation to avoid frostbite, which causes permanent damage and possibly lead to amputation.
You might have a bunion. A bunion is a bony bump on the joint at the base of your big toe that can form when your big toe pushes unevenly against other toes. Bunions can develop if you wear tight, narrow shoes that cramp the toes and cause the big toe to be forced inward. Over time, this pressure causes bone deformity and could eventually lead to surgery. Consult a foot specialist if you think you might have a bunion.
Your toe might be broken. A fracture or clean break in the toe can cause a tingling or even numbness as the body attempts to minimize the pain from the damage. Falling awkwardly, dropping a heavy object onto your foot, or smashing your toe against something can cause a fracture or break in the toe. See your foot specialist if you experience tingling or numbness, see bruising on the toe or foot or if you suspect you may have fractured or broken your toe. Your foot specialist may need to treat your foot to ensure proper healing.
You have Morton’s neuroma. It’s a thickening of tissue around one of the nerves in the ball-of-foot. You may feel a burning sensation or numbness in the feet and toes. Others have described it as feeling like there is a pebble or other object under the forefoot. Wear low-heeled, wider, comfortable shoes with a roomy toe box and use quality inserts or pads. If the condition doesn’t improve over time, see a foot specialist. It may require surgery if severe enough.
You have Diabetes. One of the most common and most dangerous symptoms of Diabetes in numbness in the feet. Diabetic neuropathy can happen when high blood sugar levels contribute to nerve damage, also causing numbness and tingling in the toes and feet. Control your blood sugar, check it regularly, eat a proper diet, and avoid walking barefoot. Inspect your feet a few times per day and see a foot specialist regularly.
Numbness in the toes is not the ‘disease,’ but it’s usually a symptom of something more urgent or more serious. See your Doctor if you think the numbness in your toes happens without reason or does not go away on its own. Don’t ignore toe numbness. Don’t wait too long before reaching out to a foot specialist. Your Doctor can review your symptoms, current condition, medications, or medical records and help you get back on track, feel better, and avoid a possibly serious risk to your health.
If you have questions about any of the quality foot care products from PediFix, please reach out to us at Pedifix.com or by phone at 1-800-PEDIFIX (733-4349) to speak directly to a product specialist today.
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