Numb Big Toe Causes

We do not realize the amount of stress our feet go through everyday from the time we get up to the time we sleep. It is important that we take good care of our feet. One of the most common complain people have about their feet is numb big toe. When we have to assess numb big toe causes, there are many factors which are to be taken into consideration.

It is also important to find the exact area where the numbness is felt. Does your numb toe also have pins and needles feeling to it? Is there a tingling sensation? There may also be chances that the color of the skin has changed, may be from pink to yellow or something similar. Often calluses and/or peeling of the skin are seen along with a numb big toe. It is always good to look at the less serious causes which can lead to the condition, so that these causes are eliminated before you get into the details of the serious causes. Let's read further and find out the reasons for a numb big toe.

What are Numb Big Toe Causes?

At times small things cause us a lot of agony and a numb big toe is an example of it. Not always is numb big toe accompanied by pain but it can be accompanied by other symptoms like tingling sensation, nevertheless, it can get very annoying.

• Constricted Circulation of Blood in the Feet: We often do not realize, that blood flow towards the feet may be constricted. Keeping the feet in the wrong position for a long period or standing or sitting in an awkward position, etc. are some of the causes of this condition. In most cases the condition subsides on its own. If the condition does not subside, then the other causes of the condition will have to be evaluated.
• Shoes: Very often a bad pair of footwear can cause numb big toe. The footwear puts pressure down on the toe and causes pain and numbness. Sometimes, if the laces are tied too tight, they can obstruct the flow of blood going to the toes. It has been observed that a number of people, especially women, often wear a pair of shoes of the wrong size. Women want to wear a pair of shoes which is in vogue, hence they end up buying such a pair. However this is not a very healthy practice. Wearing shoes with high heels is not a health practice either. It can also cause toes to go numb.
• Compression of the Nerve: A numb big toe is a symptom of compressed nerve. A nerve can get compressed due to many reasons, two main reasons being, shoe hurting the toe for a very long period and the second reason, injury to the toe. You will have to visit a doctor for corrective action that is required to cure the numb big toe.
• Gout: Often gout is neglected as one of the reasons for numb big toe. High level of uric acid is one of the gout causes, leading to numb big toe. You will have to undertake a test to check uric acid levels before you can nail the culprit.
• Diabetes: Diabetes patients often have numb big toes. If you are suffering from diabetes, then you should be very careful about your numb big toe and not neglect it at all. In case you have not checked whether you are diabetic, then it is advisable to get yourself checked for diabetes as in all probabilities, diabetes may be causing the numbness.
• Inflamed Bone: If the bone on the underside of the big toe is inflamed, it can cause pain and numbness in the big toe. The reasons for inflammation of the bone can be arthritis or a part of the bone may be hitting a nerve in the big toe.
• Bunions: If you have noticed a bump at the base of the big toe, it is probably a bunion. They are also called tailor's bunions. They cause extreme pain and numbness in the big toe.
• Deficiency of Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is responsible for smooth functioning of the nervous system. When there is deficiency of this vitamin in the body can cause neural damage. Therefore, the patient may suffer from numbness in the big toe along with tingling sensation.
• Sciatica: One of the rare causes of numbness in the big toe is sciatica. Sciatica is the biggest nerve in the body. Any damage to this nerve may result in weakness in the legs accompanied by numbness in the toes. This condition may be caused during pregnancy, due to the added weight of the fetus exerted on the spine.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: This is condition which is common to people who smoke or are diabetic. Peripheral neuropathy affects large and small blood vessels. The blood vessels get damaged and that leads to harm and/or damage of the nerve. Peripheral neuropathy causes numbness in the extremities. If this condition is not treated well, in time, it can mean losing control in the limb.
• Cervical Spondylosis: The bones and cartilages in the backbone and neck deteriorate gradually, causing back pain, stiffness or spasm. A nerve can get compressed due to cervical spondylosis, which can cause numb big toe.

If the condition does not subside in a few days, it is best to consult a health care professional to find the exact numb big toe cause and have it treated in time. If it is a severe problem, it can cost you your limb, therefore to have it examined in time is necessary. Remember a stitch in time saves nine!