The leg hurts, the fingers tingle. Diagnosis and treatment

  • Date: 12.04.2019

Sensory impairment is considered a rather formidable symptom and indicates a defeat nervous system, therefore, in order to avoid further progression of the disease, you need to consult a doctor in a timely manner. It is strongly not recommended to self-medicate for numbness of the big toe or other parts of the foot, as this can lead to serious complications.

Only a qualified professional can tell you what to do if you are numb thumb on the foot. For help, you should contact a neurologist, orthopedist.

Why does the thumb go numb

Have healthy person temperature, tactile and other types of sensitivity must be preserved in full. Usually sensitivity disorders on lower limbs are found in pathologies of blood vessels and nerve endings. The most common causes of big toe numbness are:

  • 1. Osteochondrosis;
  • 3. Inflammatory process in the joints;
  • 4. Pathology of the vessels of the lower extremities;
  • 5. Wearing uncomfortable shoes.

Also, the cause of numbness of the big toe can be called wearing uncomfortable shoes... Especially often women who prefer to wear tight high-heeled shoes face such a problem. Discomfort and numbness in this case intensify at the end of the day and subside a little in the morning.

To get rid of this unpleasant condition, try walking in comfortable shoes for several weeks - the sensitivity of your fingers will fully recover.

If, in addition to numbness, you are worried about other symptoms, then you should go through a complex medical examination your body.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Violations of the normal structure and functioning of the spinal column have a detrimental effect not only on posture and motor activity but also on the innervation of the whole body. With osteochondrosis of the spine, the pathological process is mainly intervertebral discs and vertebral bodies are involved, serious degenerative and trophic changes take place in them. This leads to disruption of the normal position of the intervertebral discs or to the occurrence of hernias, which squeeze the nervous apparatus of the spine.

The lumbosacral spine is responsible for the sensitivity of the lower extremities. It is with the pathologies of this zone that numbness may occur. thumbs from one or both sides.

In case of loss of sensitivity of the big toe against the background of frequent, recurrent pain in the lumbar region, one should suspect the presence of osteochondrosis and consult an orthopedist or neurologist. As a rule, painful sensations radiate to the lower extremity, disorders of sensitivity, disorders of nervous regulation and normal blood supply to the legs and feet also appear.

Treatment of the disease should be comprehensive., at advanced stages can be applied different kinds surgical intervention.

Gout

For many people, the big toe becomes numb due to metabolic disorders. Gout is characterized by metabolic disorders uric acid, which provokes the appearance of certain symptoms.

One of the varieties of the disease is acute gouty arthritis, with this form of gout, mainly the joints are affected with the formation of gouty nodes. Especially the joint of the big toes is often affected, the joints of the hands and other parts of the body are less frequently involved in the pathological process.

During an exacerbation of gouty arthritis, patients experience severe pain, edema and hyperemia appear over the joint... To diagnose and treat this condition, you should consult a rheumatologist.

Other causes of numbness in the big toes

If the big toe is numb, you should also check the state of the vessels of the lower extremities... Most affordable and informative method - ultrasound procedure with angiography. In the presence of chronic venous insufficiency or thrombosis, conservative and surgical treatment is used.

If you notice soreness, swelling of the joints on the hands or other parts of the body, then you need to be examined by a rheumatologist to determine the cause of arthritis. In this case, anti-inflammatory and hormonal drugs are used to treat the numbness of the big toe.

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Causes of tingling in the toes and hands Tingling in the limbs can be temporary and permanent

A tingling sensation in the area of ​​the hands or feet has been experienced by everyone at least once in their life. This sensation can appear after an injury or as a result of being in one position for a long time. It also happens for other reasons, so it is very important to know its true nature of occurrence.

Tingling sensations in the legs and arms

Tingling in the extremities can be temporary (sensations last from several seconds to several minutes) and permanent, exhausting a person for a long time.

According to its strength, it is divided into two types:

  • Sudden and painful tingling sensation;
  • Weak and slightly perceptible.

By the way this sensation arises and manifests itself, it is possible to determine the cause that caused it. Basically, tingling in the extremities speaks of the problems of the internal systems of the human body. But sometimes it speaks of the presence of more serious diseases.

When this symptom occurs, conduction disturbances are always assumed. nerve impulses, hormonal disbalance or vascular problems.

Causes of tingling in the fingers

To correctly identify the causes of tingling, you should know some of the characteristics of our body. So everyone knows what goes inside the spine spinal cord... And inside it are nerve endings that transmit information to the brain from the spinal cord and vice versa.

The nerves that are responsible for the sensitivity of the hands and their movements are located in the chest and cervical spine spine. If an obstruction occurs in this area, it will be displayed on the sensitivity.

Tingling sensations in the palms and fingers can be caused by both harmless isolated cases and serious illnesses.

Most Common Situation: You were asleep long time in one position (for example, the head was on the arm), and at night or in the morning after waking up it is impossible to move this limb. Also, in addition to numbness, there is a tingling sensation. This is the most harmless reason. The fact is that there was a compression of the vessels, so numbness occurred. And when the blood again began to actively enter the vessels of the hand, then there was a tingling sensation and a feeling of goose bumps.

But there are cases that are required to alert and warn a person. After all, a tingling sensation in the area of ​​the hands can indicate such serious problems, as a violation of the spine, namely its thoracic or cervical spine.

In the presence of a herniated disc, it will begin to squeeze the nerve endings. And this causes a feeling of numbness and tingling. But this is not the most serious thing that can happen. In this case, diagnostics and treatment courses are usually prescribed. After the coordinated actions of a qualified doctor and a responsible patient, the hernia will no longer bother you.

Important! It is worth considering if the tingling sensation is observed in the left hand! Everyone should know about this symptom, as it indicates the imminent approach of a heart attack! If you notice it in time and take action, you can avoid many negative consequences blow.

First, there is a tingling sensation in the left hand, which later turns into numbness of the limb, and then there is a loss of sensitivity. All this can be accompanied by painful sensations.

It is important to take the proper measures in time. If there is a tingling sensation and numbness of the limb begins, you should seek medical help. More serious consequences are indicated by this symptom in the region of the lower extremities.

Tingling in the toes: causes

The nerve endings responsible for the lower limbs are located in the lumbar region. And this fact should be known. The vertebrae in this section are stronger and larger. However, it is they who are vulnerable to mechanical injury, stress and various diseases. The lumbar region plays a very important role.

Also, heavy loads are inherent in the vessels through which blood flows to the lower extremities. They not only carry blood to the legs, but are also regularly squeezed. This occurs while sitting with the legs bent.


If your legs are often numb and "colitis" in the fingers and toes at regular intervals, see your doctor.

This is why tingling in the toes can warn of more serious illnesses... The reasons for this symptom may be.

Often, almost every adult feels a tingling sensation in the fingers of the extremities. This phenomenon occurs in people of different weight, age, and gender. Discomfort, "chills" and unpleasant numbness in complete rest is a symptom that causes a certain disease. Only a doctor will help to identify and cure it.

Types of tingling

Colic in the extremities usually appears after heavy physical exertion, after a long stay in an uncomfortable fixed position, when the nerve endings were subjected to a certain pressure. Doctors distinguish several types of tingling sensations in the fingers:
  • permanent;
  • temporary;
  • lasting a couple of seconds.
The unpleasant sensations can be exhausting and long-lasting, or barely noticeable and weak. Tingling sensations in the limbs and fingers are the result of some malfunctioning internal organs, especially if they are accompanied by pain and numbness. These could be violations nerve conduction, hormonal diseases, vascular damage.

Doctors call tingling in the extremities "paresthesia". It is characterized by sensitivity disorder, running creeps that resemble acupuncture.

Causes of limb tingling


Compression of blood vessels and nerves. The most common cause of tingling sensations in the fingers of the extremities is the constriction of nerves, which stop sending signals to brain cells, and circulatory disorders. Burning and tingling sensations are felt after sleep, such as in the elbows, or after sitting at the computer for a long time.

Deficiency or excess of vitamins. Sometimes unpleasant symptoms are a sign of a lack of calcium or vitamin B12, or an excess of vitamin B6. The reasons can be found among neurological and endocrine pathologies, for example, hyperglycemia or multiple atherosclerosis.

Violation of blood circulation. Often, elderly people complain of a feeling of numbness and paresthesia. They have a weak circulation of blood flow, especially in the lower extremities, sometimes due to a sedentary lifestyle, atherosclerosis of blood vessels, hypothyroidism or metabolic disorders.

Arthritis. Numbness and creepy fingers are also caused by inflammation of the cells, which interferes with the passage of impulses from the nerves. This phenomenon is characteristic of arthritis, as well as tunnel syndrome.

Alcohol abuse. In patients who abuse alcohol, there is a lack of thiamine, as well as other important minerals and trace elements, which leads to goosebumps and numbness of the limbs. Nerve damage also causes long-term intake alcohol and large single doses.

Toxic substances are also able to affect nerve endings in the arms and legs. it chemical compounds, heavy metals, radionuclides, natural toxins, as well as some drugs, for example, chemotherapy drugs for cancer patients, strong antibacterial agents and antiviral drugs.


Tingling in the fingers

Colic in the fingers can appear unilaterally or in both limbs at once. Their reasons are not only wrong posture. If the symptom long time does not go away, an examination by a neurologist is necessary to identify an acute or chronic latent ailment. The main diseases that are characterized by numbness of the fingers and goosebumps:
  • thyroid pathology;
  • tears in the tissues in the limbs;
  • Lyme disease
  • overwork;
  • hyperventilation syndrome;
  • a decrease in the amount of electrolytes in the blood;
  • diseases of the joints, upper spine;
  • circulatory disorders;
  • arthritis and osteochondrosis;
  • Buerger's disease;
  • excessive excitability;
  • diabetes (see also -).
Nerve endings can be damaged as a result of trauma, or the pathology is not traumatic, but chronic. Numbness and tingling sensations can occur not only in the fingers of the upper extremities, but also on other parts of the body.

Often on discomfort in the hands old people complain, in whom blood circulation in the extremities is disturbed with age, and atherosclerotic phenomena appear. Cholesterol plaques partially block the blood flow, interfering with the functioning of not only circulatory system but also other organs.

Nervous disorders, a symptom of which are tingling in the extremities, appear with chronic diabetes, as well as hypothyroidism of the thyroid gland. Heavy smokers suffer from Burger's disease. Excessive saturation of blood cells with nicotine leads to impaired blood supply. The tissue does not receive enough nutrients, and arms and legs begin to go numb, and tingling sensations appear.



You should seek medical help if you experience pain, prolonged convulsions, confusion, or fainting.


Among the rare pathologies that cause tingling in the fingers, doctors also distinguish:
  • Radicular syndrome. It manifests itself if the nerve ending in the region of the cervical vertebrae is pinched. At the same time, people complain of goosebumps throughout the limb and numbness in their hands, including fingers. This syndrome is also caused by spinal hernia, spondyloarthrosis, osteochondrosis, as well as lateral displacement of the vertebrae, tumors, infections.
  • Tunnel Syndrome. Typical symptoms such violations are tingling, short cramps and unpleasant numbness of the fingers due to the fact that median nerve carpal tunnel. it Occupational Illness, typical for people who make the same hand movements, for example, pianists, computer technicians, packers. Tunnel disorder also manifests itself as a result of injuries, tumors, diabetes mellitus, joint arthritis, edema, malfunctioning endocrine organs... The syndrome starts with a minor tingling sensation and gradually gains strength, up to severe pain and seizures. If the disease is not given importance, then the tissues of the muscles of the thumb gradually die off (see also - as evidenced).
  • Ladder syndrome. The main nerve endings located in the brachial plexus are pinched. V upper limbs and in the shoulder region there are sharp or aching pain and numbness, muscle flaccidity and tingling, passing to the fingers, especially often to the little finger and thumb. Manifestations intensify with. The cause of the syndrome is trauma and osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae. The nerve roots are overexcited, which leads to muscle spasm. The latter, in turn, squeeze subclavian artery and brachial plexus.
  • Cubital syndrome. It occurs when the ulnar nerve endings are squeezed. There is pain, stitching creeps, weakness and a feeling of numbness in the muscles. The syndrome occurs with the frequent adoption of uncomfortable postures that negatively affect the elbow nerve. Also, with thickening of the nerve fiber, cubital syndrome appears. The nerve does not have enough space between the ligament and the underlying bone, and all symptoms of the disease appear. Unpleasant symptoms appear at first only after prolonged compression of the nerve and pressure on it. Then it disappears. But if you do not pay attention to the unpleasant sensations, then the pathology will worsen and become chronic, which leads to atrophy of muscle fibers in the upper extremities.



Unpleasant tingling phenomena in the fingers also appear as a result of a stroke, infectious diseases, senile sclerosis, cardiac pathologies. Only the help of a specialist, and not self-medication, is necessary for prolonged numbness, cramps and painful tingling in the hands, hands and fingers.

Treating numbness and tingling in the hands

Neuropathologist's examination, consultation of a cardiologist and a good endocrinologist is necessary. In terms of treatment procedures after a thorough examination it may be:
  • manual therapy;
  • normalization of the diet;
  • medicines to normalize blood circulation and eliminate pain;
  • gymnastics;
  • drugs against bad cholesterol;
  • massage;
  • vitamin complexes;
  • acupuncture;
  • vacuum therapy;
Serious endocrine pathologies and vascular diseases are often cured only surgically... After the operation, blood circulation in the limbs and the conduction of nerve endings are restored.

Why hands go numb (video)

Numbness and unpleasant chills in the hands are a sign of many pathologies. We will learn more about the symptoms of complex diseases, manifested in the form of tingling sensations and requiring medical attention.

When toes tingle and numb

The “needles” in the toes can be natural or pathological. Feet cramping and tingling when wearing tight shoes and after strenuous exercise. These are natural reasons unpleasant symptom, which gradually passes in a short time. Pathology manifests itself if present destructive changes eg sprains, fractures, arthrosis, varicose veins, arthritis.

Pinching nervous tissue manifests itself not only with tingling, but also numbness, burning sensation, deterioration of motor abilities, pain. If they are joined by nausea, vomiting, fever, numbness in one area of ​​the body, problems with impaired vision and speech, urgent hospitalization is necessary.


Tingling in the lower extremities and fingers is a sign of certain diseases:
  • diabetes;
  • avitaminosis;
  • muscle spasms;
  • allergy to synthetics;
  • dermatological problems;
  • vascular diseases (, varicose veins);
  • arterial infections;
  • vegetative-vascular dystonia;
  • metabolic disorders;
  • pathology of the musculoskeletal system (neuralgia femoral nerve, Roth's disease, spinal radicular syndrome).
A reaction in the legs in the form of prolonged tingling sensations occurs after prolonged sitting with crossed legs or not. comfortable position... In this case, only the skin becomes numb, they receive little blood with oxygen, and goosebumps appear.



Pressure on the bloodstream occurs when uncomfortable clothing or shoes are worn. In this case, the elimination of the compression dilates the vessels, and the tingling sensation usually goes away quickly. When sedentary work, it is recommended to take short pauses, during which simple exercises should be performed to normalize blood circulation in the limbs and prevent congestion.

Among the pathologies leading to impaired blood flow, diabetes mellitus occupies a special place. With such a complex endocrine disease there is not only numbness and stitching sensations in the legs and fingers, but also pain, blue skin on the limbs. The complex of such symptoms in the medical environment is called "diabetic foot".


Patients also complain of tingling sensation on the skin of the limbs. rheumatoid arthritis, as well as gout, which are associated with malfunctions in the immune system and metabolic processes. Disturbances in the nerve endings are also characteristic for quickly excitable people, as well as after serious nervous shocks.

Diagnosis and treatment of tingling in the toes

Several specialists should deal with determining the cause of an unpleasant phenomenon at once:
  • orthopedist;
  • neurologist;
  • traumatologist;
  • neuropathologist;
  • endocrinologist;
  • immunologist-allergist;
  • rheumatologist;
  • surgeon;
  • phlebologist;
  • psychotherapist.
For the first time, it is better to make an appointment with a regular therapist, who will prescribe the main examinations and the further direction of the diagnostic process. This can be an angiogram (vascular examination), MRI, duplex scanning of the arteries, ultrasound, x-rays, blood or urine tests.

Permanent drug treatment necessary for chronic arthrosis, gout and diabetes. The therapy of neurogenic, neurological and vascular pathologies is selected on an individual basis.




Vitamin preparations improve the conductivity of nerve tissues. Blood flow is normalized with calcium antagonists or nootropics. They are also prescribed for pain syndrome anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, and when nervous disorders- tranquilizers and sedatives. Complex varicose veins, blood clots, hernias in the spinal canals are removed surgically.

Tingling and numbness in the fingers of the extremities is a serious symptom if it occurs frequently and for a long time. Only a doctor is able to identify the disease causing such an unpleasant phenomenon and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Timely drug therapy able to prevent the spread of the disease and serious consequences.

Next article.


Summary:Tingling in the toes most often results from a pinched nerve at the level lumbar spine. This can happen by different reasons, the most common of which are herniated discs, spondylolisthesis and spinal osteophytes.


Tingling in the toes most often results from a pinched nerve at the level of the lumbar spine. This can happen for various reasons, the most common of which are, and osteophytes of the spine.

Rarely, a tumor in the lumen can cause a pinched nerve spinal canal or a severe spinal infection.

On the other hand, call this symptom This can include a variety of causes, including injury (such as a bruised toe), sitting in one position for long periods of time, uncomfortable shoes, or circulatory problems that interfere with blood flow to the feet. Tingling in the toes can also be caused by nerve damage due to exposure to extreme temperatures or toxic substances.

In addition, tingling in the toes can be caused by peripheral neuropathy, a condition in which the peripheral nerves that transmit signals between the body and the brain begin to malfunction. Peripheral neuropathy can occur as a result of various diseases and disorders, including diabetes and alcoholism. In some cases, the cause of peripheral neuropathy cannot be identified.

Depending on the cause, the tingling sensation may only appear in the toes or affect other areas. Tingling may also be the only symptom or be accompanied by pain and numbness. The duration and specificity of the symptom varies greatly. For example, a tingling sensation in the toes caused by an injury usually appears suddenly, while a tingling sensation in the toes caused by a pinched root spinal nerve, for example, with a herniated disc, just like the tingling sensation caused by peripheral neuropathy, it can develop slowly, worsen over time and last for years.

Get immediate medical attention if a sudden onset of tingling in your toes is combined with numbness or weakness in one side of your body; if there are changes in consciousness, for example, fainting or lack of response to external stimuli; if a person experiences an unusually strong headache... All of these can be signs of a stroke.

If numbness in your toes persists or makes you anxious, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

As noted above, tingling in the toes can be combined with other symptoms, which exactly depends on the disease, disorder or condition that caused it.

Symptoms

Symptoms involving the toes and associated with tingling sensation may include:

  • bleeding;
  • the appearance of blisters;
  • burning;
  • numbness;
  • pain;
  • redness or inflammation.

Symptoms elsewhere in the body and body systems with tingling sensation in the toes may include:

  • changes in sensitivity;
  • difficulty walking;
  • extreme sensitivity to touch;
  • foot problems, such as ulcers or pain in bones and joints;
  • coordination problems;
  • muscle weakness;
  • nervous pain;
  • numbness or tingling in other parts of the body, such as the buttock or leg;
  • pain when walking;
  • sharp pain, worse at night.

A sudden onset of tingling in the toes, combined with weakness or numbness on one side of the body, may be a sign of a stroke. Call ambulance if you or someone near you is experiencing other serious symptoms other than tingling in your toes, including:

  • changes in consciousness, such as fainting or lack of response to the environment;
  • changes in mental status or sudden change in behavior, such as confusion, delirium, lethargy, hallucinations, or delusions;
  • incoherent or blurry speech or inability to speak;
  • paralysis or inability to move any part of the body;
  • sudden change visual perception, loss of vision, pain in the eyes;
  • an unusually severe headache.

Causes

Tingling in the toes may be the result of nerve damage or skin finger or nearby tissue. Disorders that affect nerves, such as peripheral neuropathy or stroke, can also cause tingling sensations in the fingers.

Tingling in the toes can also be caused by a pinching of the spinal nerve root. In the center of the spine is a hollow vertical tube - the spinal canal - which houses the spinal cord and nerve roots extending from it. Pinching of the spinal nerve root in the lumbar spine, most often, occurs for the following reasons:

Intervertebral hernia

Intervertebral discs are flat, soft "pads" located between the vertebrae and consist of a hard fibrous membrane and a gel-like center. For various reasons, usually due to age-related changes a crack or tear may form in the outer lining of the disc, through which part of the gel-like core of the disc is squeezed into the spinal canal. This is called an intervertebral hernia. A herniated disc can compress a nearby nerve root, resulting in various symptoms including tingling in the toes;

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebra is displaced forward in relation to the adjacent lower one. With such a displacement, a pinching of the spinal nerve root is possible;

Osteophytes

When the cartilaginous surface of the joints of the lumbar spine is destroyed, usually due to age, the damaged joint can respond to this by building up additional bone tissue on the articular surface. Such growths are called osteophytes. Osteophytes do not necessarily cause pain or other symptoms, but if they are large enough, they can compress the root of one of the spinal nerves.

In rare cases, a pinched nerve in the lumbar spine can be caused by a tumor in the spine. Most often, we are talking about a tumor that is located in the lumen of the spinal canal and compresses the neurovascular bundle. Metastases can cause destruction of the vertebrae, resulting in pain and pinched nerves.

Other common causes of tingling sensation in the toes include:

  • exposure to toxins or poisons;
  • exposure to cold;
  • frostbite;
  • trauma;
  • ischemia (insufficient blood flow to tissues), for example, with peripheral vascular disease;
  • Peripheral neuropathy (a disorder that causes dysfunction of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord)
  • pressure on the nerve.

Toe tingling can also be caused by a specific condition or disorder that causes nerve damage. Such diseases and disorders include:

  • alcoholic neuropathy (nerve damage caused by alcohol abuse);
  • diabetes ( chronic illness affecting the body's ability to use sugar for energy);
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome (an autoimmune nerve disease);
  • HIV and HIV drugs;
  • multiple sclerosis (a disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing weakness, coordination problems, and other symptoms);
  • rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation);
  • shingles (reactivation of the herpes zoster virus, which remains inactive in the body after a person has been ill chickenpox(chickenpox));
  • systemic lupus erythematosus (a condition in which the body attacks its own healthy cells and tissues);
  • deficiency of vitamins, especially vitamin B12.

Sometimes, tingling in the toes can be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that requires immediate health care... Such conditions include:

  • stroke;
  • transient ischemic attack (transient stroke-like symptoms that may be a precursor to stroke).

Diagnostics and treatment

When diagnosing the cause of the tingling sensation in the toes, the doctor may ask the patient a number of questions, for example:

  • Do you feel tingling in your toes constantly or intermittently?
  • How long has this problem appeared?
  • Do you have any other symptoms?
  • What medications do you take?

After the examination, the doctor may refer the patient to additional examinations, depending on which disease or condition the doctor suspects. If we are talking about problems with the spine, it can be an MRI, if we are talking about a virus or autoimmune diseases, these can be various blood and urine tests.

With osteochondrosis and its complications (disc herniation, spondylolisthesis), it makes no sense to start the study with an X-ray of the spine, since tingling of the fingers is a remote symptom and indicates an advanced case of the disease. The examination should begin with an MRI of the lumbar spine using a high-field apparatus.

Because tingling in the toes can be a symptom of serious medical conditions, do not timely treatment or treatment based on a misdiagnosis can lead to serious complications and permanent damage. Once the cause of the tingling sensation in the toes has been identified, it is important that the patient fully follows the treatment plan that the doctor has drawn up specifically for them. Potential complications of tingling toes include:

  • brain damage (if tingling is caused by a stroke);
  • loss of a limb;
  • irreversible nerve damage.

Many of us are familiar with the feeling of numbness, which is accompanied by tingling and "creeping" in a specific part of the body. This sensation can occur in various parts of the body, in some cases, it is caused by an uncomfortable posture that causes insufficient blood flow to a particular part of the body, by its nature it is absolutely harmless and passes quickly. Frequent and prolonged numbness of a particular part of the body can be a signal for concern. In such cases, it is worthwhile to find out the reason for its appearance and consult a doctor.

In this article, we'll take a look at the most common causes of toe numbness. In some cases, this sensation, as already mentioned, appears for quite natural reasons. For example, you put on uncomfortable or tight shoes, or sat in an uncomfortable position for a long time. Such squeezing causes compression of the nerve and impaired blood circulation; after the source of the problem is eliminated, the numbness quickly passes and is not a sign of any serious illness. If you have such sensations quite often and for no apparent reason, especially at night, then you should think about a visit to the doctor and not postpone it.

Causes of numbness in toes

One of the most common causes of numbness in the feet is diabetes mellitus.

There are many reasons for numbness of the fingers of the lower extremities and it is impossible to determine the correct cause of such sensations. At frequent occurrence such symptoms may require consultation with a neurologist, neurosurgeon, angiologist or chiropractor. For a more detailed examination, the doctor will prescribe a number of diagnostic instrumental and laboratory research, will analyze the results, make the correct diagnosis and be able to give recommendations on the treatment of the underlying disease.

The list of diseases accompanied by numbness of the toes is quite large:

  • microstroke;
  • multiple sclerosis;
  • migraine;
  • alcoholic polyneuropathy;
  • angiopathy of various origins;
  • endarteritis;
  • osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine;
  • inflammatory processes in the bones of the lower extremities and the spine;
  • tunnel syndrome;
  • lumbar stenosis;
  • sciatica;
  • rheumatoid arthritis;
  • tumor lesions of the peripheral nerve;
  • cancers;
  • trauma and frostbite;
  • diseases of the thyroid gland;
  • leprosy;
  • hereditary amyloidosis;
  • lack of vitamin B12 or B6;
  • flat feet;
  • corns.

A condition that can cause dumbness to your toes can be serious enough to delay your doctor's appointment. After examining the list of the above reasons, you can see that many of them significantly affect the usual way of life, and, with progression, can lead to a person's disability.

Additional symptoms of numbness in the toes

Numbness of the toes can be accompanied by a number of additional symptoms:

  • loss or decrease in sensitivity in the area of ​​numbness;
  • pain;
  • cold snap;
  • feeling of "creeping";
  • tingling sensation;
  • general weakness.

In addition, the patient may also feel the symptoms of the underlying disease, which caused numbness in the toes. The degree of their severity will depend on the stage of the disease.

Diagnostics for numbness of toes

At the first stage of the survey, to identify true reason sensations of numbness of the toes, the doctor conducts a detailed survey and examination of the patient. The tactics of further instrumental and laboratory diagnostics will depend on the results obtained.

Into the complex diagnostic procedures may include:

  • clinical blood tests and;
  • blood for sugar;
  • serological analysis (for rheumatic factor);
  • microbiological research;
  • tests for tumor markers (if a tumor is suspected);
  • radiography;
  • Ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities;
  • angiography;
  • rheovasography of the arteries of the legs;
  • bone biopsy (if you suspect bone tuberculosis or osteomyelitis);
  • scintigraphy (if a malignant neoplasm is suspected).

After analyzing the data obtained, the doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment for the underlying disease that causes numbness in the toes.

How can you help yourself with numbness in your toes?


A person who is periodically worried about numbness of the legs should eat a sufficient amount of foods containing B vitamins, in particular B12.

If numbness in toes is not due to serious illness then you can help yourself.

  1. Take care of buying comfortable shoes with wide toes; when trying on, make sure that the shoes do not squeeze the foot, and that the toes can move freely.
  2. Try to change your posture more often and sit in a comfortable position. If numbness occurs, massage to normalize circulation in your toes.
  3. With a strong physical activity on the lower extremities, do not forget to do a relaxing massage, take contrasting foot baths.
  4. Exercise (jogging in the morning, simple exercises for warm-up, frequent walks, etc.).
  5. Normalize your daily diet. It should include products with high level the content of vitamins B12 and B6 (liver, meat, milk, egg yolks, fish, wheat germ, brown rice, legumes and cereals).
  6. Give up overuse coffee and strong tea. Exclude alcoholic drinks and smoking. These harmful substances cause vasospasm and contribute to their structural changes.

These measures will be an excellent prevention of numbness of the toes and will have a beneficial effect on health in general. Do not neglect them!

Folk recipes

In some situations, simple and affordable folk remedies can relieve discomfort caused by numbness in the fingers of the lower extremities.

Recipe 1

Lubricate the numb finger with honey and put a bandage on it from a regular bandage. Wear warm socks and leave a bandage on overnight. Remove the bandage in the morning and wash your leg in warm water. 3-4 procedures are enough.

Recipe 2

Before going to bed, lubricate an often numb finger with camphor ointment, massage and put on a warm sock. These procedures are best done before bedtime. 2-3 rubbing is enough.

Recipe 3

This method Tibetan monks it is used directly for numbness of the toes. Poured into a basin hot water and immerse your leg in it. Fingers press hard on the bottom of the pelvis - the affected finger quickly becomes sensitive.

Recipe 4

Grind 10 g of black pepper to a powder and stir it in 100 ml of vegetable oil. Heat the resulting mixture in a water bath for about half an hour. Rub pepper oil into your finger 1-2 times a day until numbness disappears.

Remember that self-medication can be unsafe! If the numbness persists and often reappears, be sure to visit a doctor and go through a complex examination to find out its cause!


Exercises

Exercises should be done immediately after waking up and repeated 2-3 times during the day (for pain up to 6-8 times).

  1. Bend your toes until they crunch. Repeat up to 80 times.
  2. Stand near the wall (facing it), raise your hands up and rise on your toes. You must be in this position for one minute (you can count up to 60). Repeat 6-8 times.

After the numbness disappears, the exercises can be repeated once a day.

Treatment

The course of treatment for numbness of the toes caused by the disease can only be prescribed by a doctor after the diagnosis. It will be aimed at treating the underlying disease, eliminating pinched nerve fibers and restoring vascular patency.

Treatment may include:

  • specific therapy - it is used to treat hormonal or metabolic disorders, infectious diseases or oncological pathologies;
  • drugs - to improve the nutrition of the affected tissue area, normalize blood flow, eliminate muscle spasms or edema, vitamins, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, drugs to normalize blood circulation in the lower extremities, chondroprotectors can be prescribed;
  • physiotherapy, exercise therapy, manual techniques - local impact, all these procedures create favorable conditions for restoring nutrition and blood flow in the affected area, eliminate muscle spasms and normalize innervation;
  • unconventional methods - used to consolidate the effect of other methods, acupuncture, moxibustion (treatment with cigar ash from wormwood), hirudotherapy (leeches) and stone therapy (treatment with hot stones) can be prescribed.

The number of procedures is determined for each patient strictly individually and depends on the type and severity of the root cause of numbness in the toes.