Toe Numbness and Pain

A temporary numbness in toe for a brief period of time is mostly triggered by some minor issue and it subsides on its own. Numbness of the toe can be referred to a condition wherein there is a total loss of sensation on touching the same. Furthermore, it could be a symptom of nerve damage.

However, toe numbness and pain occurring together is one such problem that one should not be ignored. It can affect just one of the toes or all of them. The problem worsens further if the pain and numbness get extended to the feet and ankle and it happens quite often.

Wearing ill-fitted shoes that does not have enough space for toes can be a reason. In this case, a change of shoes might resolve the problem. Toes and feet are common sites of traumatic injury particularly because of falling of heavy objects on them. A traumatic injury can cause dislocation in toe joint, fracture in bone, or swelling in the soft tissues. 

In all these conditions, the nerves in the area get irritated and gives a sharp pain along with a numb feeling. A serious injury can make walking or driving a painful experience. If this condition results after the feet were exposed to freezing temperature, then it could be due to frostbite.

It is characterized by a throbbing pain in the toes accompanied by numbness, skin discoloration, and blisters on the toes. Here, the skin gets damaged by the extreme cold conditions.

One of the most commonly found causes of this condition is an underlying problem called Morton's neuroma. Here, the painful symptoms are felt in the area that lies in between the base of the third and fourth toes. It is caused due to thickening of the nerve tissue or growth of tumor.

As a result, normal transmission of messages by the nerves get affected and one gets painfully numb toes. When the condition gets aggravated then the symptoms get extended to the ball of the foot and this makes walking difficult. This is quite common in runners.

Numbness and pain in the big toe is often a symptom of bunion. This is a bump formed at the base of the big toe when it gets squeezed against the other toes for a long time due to wearing of ill-fitted shoes. This is more common in women who wear high-heeled shoes.

Other causes are arthritis that causes inflammation of the toe joint and gout which occur due to uric acid build up in the joint. If the people having diabetes experience this condition, then it is likely to be a symptom of diabetic neuropathy. This condition arises when the nerves in the toes are damaged due to unchecked blood sugar level.

The main aim of the treatment is to provide relief from the symptoms as early as possible. To achieve this, the underlying cause is identified first with the help of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests like X-rays. Pain relieving medicines are prescribed for the management of the same.

A fractured/dislocated bone should be kept immobile. The toes are taped and the patient is advised to wear shoes with a stiff bottom. In some cases, a cast is recommended. A badly damaged toe bone is repaired by surgery. For faster healing of frostbites on toes, the feet have to be kept clean and dry. Keeping the feet at an elevated position also helps.

If it is a symptom of diabetic neuropathy, suitable medicines are given for controlling blood glucose. Other medicines are also given to provide relief from this condition. Those who have Morton's neuroma are advised to rest their feet completely. Besides, massaging feet and wearing low-heeled shoes with soft soles ensure faster recovery from the problem. 

If these measures do not yield results, then surgery is conducted for the removal of neuroma. Doctors first try to treat bunions with non-surgical treatment. It involves painkillers, wearing of comfortable shoes, and use of shoe inserts. If these treatments fail, then the bony bump is removed by surgical means. 

Gout and arthritis are mostly treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, proper diet, and exercises.

Many causes of this condition can be prevented by wearing the right kind of shoes. The size of one's running or walking shoes should be slightly larger than regular shoes. Lace your shoes such that it tightens your ankle area and not the toes. It is also important to maintain a healthy body weight and do some exercises to keep your feet strong and flexible.

Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.