Overview
Numbness in the toes can be due to several reasons. It is often considered normal if occurring for a short period of time, but it spreads from the toes to the feet and legs; it needs to be checked for the proper consultation and prescription medication according to an underlying medical condition. Some of the most common reasons can be diabetes, Morton’s neuroma, artery disease that can cause nerve damage, or vitamin B12 deficiency. Healthcare providers prescribe medications tailored to specific conditions, such as NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, or gabapentin.
Why are my toes numb?
Toes numbness can be normal and will be eradicated by itself. If the numbness arises from any medical condition, it will only go away after getting the proper treatment and management according to the nature and severity of the presenting medical condition. Some of the medical reasons that can lead to numbness in the toes are:
- Morton’s neuroma is a non-cancerous tumor of the nerve in the feet that causes numbness in the toes.
- Diabetes: High sugar and fats in your blood from diabetes can damage nerves, which can lead to numbness
- Peripheral artery disease is the narrowing of blood vessels in the feet that carry blood from the heart to the legs.
- Metatarsalgia is a medical condition that causes inflammation and pain in the middle point of the ball of the foot.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome: This syndrome occurs due to conditions like diabetes, etc., and causes tingling and numbness in the legs, feet, and toes.
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency is also one of the major causes of numbness and tingling sensations, which can be treated with well-needed treatment.
Some other similar medical conditions that have the potential to lead to numbness, tingling sensation, and pain in the feet and toes are:
How to treat numb toes?
Numb toes can be treated in several ways. Some of the main treatment options are:
- Properly identifying the cause of numbness
- Keeping good hygiene of the feet
- Wear shoes that are not tight enough to provide comfort and air-passing
- Practice regular foot exercises to improve circulation.
After the proper consultation and diagnosis, your healthcare provider will prescribe your medications according to the underlying medical condition or problem you are facing.
- In the case of Morton’s neuroma, your healthcare provider will prescribe you NSAIDs like acetaminophen, corticosteroid injections for inflammation, or gabapentin for nerve pain.
- If the numbness or tingling sensation is due to diabetes, your doctor will prescribe medications, including insulin, metformin, or other oral antidiabetic drugs, to manage blood sugar levels and prevent further nerve damage.
- The peripheral artery damage can be treated with medications like antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin), cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g., statins), or medications to improve blood flow (e.g., cilostazol).
- For Metatarsalgia, NSAIDs are usually the most recommended option considered for the effective management of numbness, tingling, and pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, corticosteroid injections, or prescription medications for neuropathic pain like pregabalin are prescribed.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome and vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause numbness, and it can be treated with medication, including NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and gabapentin, to nerve pain accordingly.
When should I be worried about numbness in my toes?
Numbness and tingling in the toes for less time are usually temporary and go away independently. If it stays longer than usual and disrupts the normal functioning of the body, it indicates something serious is underlying, causing a numbing sensation in the body.
Usually, the numbness is of concern when numbness from the toes spreads to the body and is caused in the legs.
Consult a doctor
Consult your healthcare provider if the numbness in your toes and feet lasts longer than usual and spreads to the legs. It’s concerning and indicates an underlying medical condition when the numbness spreads to other body parts.
Get connected with your healthcare provider for effective diagnosis and treatment options. After examination and diagnosis, you will be prescribed the right medication and prescription tailored according to your medical needs.
FAQs about numbness in toes
Yes, an Ingrown toenail can lead to pain, inflammation, and sometimes numbness in the feet. It can be treated by consulting your healthcare provider and getting the well-needed prescription to treat the pain and numbness.
Warm baths and exercise can usually help treat numb toes naturally. If they stay numb for more than 2-3 days, getting a medical consultation from your healthcare provider for an effective diagnosis and treatment is good.
It can be one of the reasons that your big thumb is numb, and it’s due to diabetes, but there can be other reasons. It’s better to get a consultation for an effective diagnosis.
Your healthcare provider can determine your diagnostic tests, which can be physical examinations or blood tests, after describing your issues.
