Numb Big Toe Causes

Numb big toe is a result of damage to the nerves in the big toe. Numb big toe causes are numerous. Sometimes numb big toe is accompanied by burning sensation as well. To assess numb big toe causes, it is important to assess the symptoms well, before the exact causes can be determined.
Numb Big Toe Causes
We do not realize the amount of stress our feet go through everyday. It is important that we take good care of our feet. 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 big 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 are seen along with a numb big toe. In some cases, peeling of the skin is also seen along with the numb big toe. It is always good to look at the less serious causes which can lead to numb big toe, so that these causes are eliminated before you get into the details of the serious causes. Lets 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 numb big toe is an example. Not always is numb big toe accompanied by pain, nevertheless, it can get very annoying.
  • 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 very many 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 good practice.
  • Compression of the Nerve: A numb big toe 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 of time 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 frequently 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 referred to as tailor’s bunions. They cause extreme pain and numbness in the big toe.
  • 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.
It is important that you find the exact numb big toe causes and get it treated in time. If it is a severe problem, it can cost you your limb, therefore have it examined by a health care professional at the earliest. Remember a stitch in time saves nine!

By Bhakti Satalkar
Published: 9/12/2009
 
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