What causes numbness in the big toe?
Disease description:
I like sitting cross-legged, and after sitting like this for a long time, I feel numbness in my big toe. Why does this happen?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Toe numbness is a common symptom that can be caused by various factors:
1. Local injuries: These may lead to nerve damage or poor blood circulation, resulting in numbness.
2. Nerve compression: For example, wearing tight shoes for prolonged periods or improper foot positioning, such as excessive foot inversion during running, can compress the nerves in the foot and cause numbness. Additionally, lumbar disc herniation or spinal issues may compress the nerves extending to the lower limbs, thereby affecting the sensation in the toes.
3. Circulatory problems: Poor blood circulation can also lead to numbness in the big toe. When sufficient blood fails to reach the toe extremities, symptoms such as numbness and coldness may occur. This could be due to vascular narrowing or impaired blood flow caused by conditions like atherosclerosis, diabetes, or Raynaud's disease.
4. Metabolic diseases: For example, diabetes. The state of high blood sugar in diabetes can damage peripheral nerves, causing diabetic neuropathy, which manifests as numbness, tingling, and other symptoms in the extremities.
If you experience numbness in your big toe, it is recommended to seek medical examination at a hospital immediately.
