Numbness in the big toe is not as uncommon as you think. It is actually very common, and although the causes may vary a lot, many people suffer from big toe numbness and tingling. Usually, the symptoms occur on one side, although this is not necessarily true and can affect both toes at the same time. There may or may not be any pain associated with the numbness.
Causes:
Diabetes: Diabetes is one of the most common reasons for numbness or tingling in the big toe. Diabetes causes nerve damage, and invariably the damage starts at the extremities. Usually, it is the big toe that gets affected, and even here, there are more chances of left big toe numbness than the right. Numbness in the big toe due to diabetes is very dangerous, as the damage to the nerves is progressive and can worsen.
Bunions: A bunion is a swelling caused in the joint of the big toe because of a malformation of the bone. This malformation need not necessarily be a congenital problem and can be due to injury or as very frequently happens due to wearing narrow toed shoes. Bunions are, therefore, more common among women than in men and can begin with a feeling of numbness or tingling sensation in the toe.
Peripheral artery disease: Peripheral artery disease is a very broad term and can refer to a number of problems that can cause a lowering of the blood supply to the peripheries. This usually happens due to an accumulation of plaque, and because the arteries in the extremities are much narrower than the arteries in other parts of the body, blood flow is affected more to the toes and fingers. Other causes can be gout, where uric acid gets accumulated in the extremities, especially the big toe.
Sciatica: The sciatic nerve is the nerve that begins at the base of the spine and runs down the buttocks to the end of the leg. Any damage to this nerve can cause numbness, pain or a tingling sensation anywhere along the leg. For example, a spinal injury that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause numbness in the big toe, although there is no direct correlation between the toe and the pain.
Pernicious anemia: Anemia is a condition where the body does not have sufficient red blood cells. The most common cause of pernicious anemia is the lack or deficiency of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is also very important for proper nerve functions and a deficiency can also cause a tingling in the big toe.
Bone Inflammation: At times, a bone on the underside of the toes gets inflamed, leading to pain and numbness. In most instances, the inflammation is a result of conditions like arthritis or trauma.
Gout: This is a very common condition, which can lead to big toe numbness in the initial stages. However, over a period of time, the numbness could turn to pain and inflammation that is so intense, it could wake a person up, from deep sleep. The main cause of this condition is the excess of uric acid in the body, which can be alleviated by following a specific diet.
Incorrect Footwear: People who wear tight or uncomfortable shoes are very likely to suffer from different types of foot problems, like numbness, pain and tingling. Numb toes shoes also include high heals, which are worn by women.
Treatment:
Owing to the wide variation in the causes of big toe numbness and tingling, treatment plans are also different based on the cause.
Numbness of the big toe is one of those problems that are very difficult to deal with. They can either be nothing or caused by a simple thing like your legs feeling too cold or it can be a symptom of something far worse such as nerve damage or injury to nerves. A loss of sensation coupled with the numbness is probably the first sign that most people get of diabetes, while many people live through years of pain in their big toes because of gout.
Trying to self-medicate or cure the problem with home remedies may not always be the wisest course of action. Wearing socks because your toes feel numb with cold is one thing, but disregarding pain in the toe which could be due to some other underlying problem is unadvisable. Soaking the toe in warm water is very beneficial in alleviating numbness and pain. You may add some pieces of camphor to a bath of hot water and then immerse your foot in it. You may also alternate this with cold packs. An ice pack helps to improve the circulation of blood in the area, causing the numbness to subside.
Always check with a doctor. If it is noting, the money spent is well worth the peace of mind you get. If it is a more serious problem, you have a better chance of treating it because you have identified it at an earlier stage itself.