Causes of Toe Numbness

Numbness in your toes may be a mildly annoying, temporary condition or may be an indication of a serious medical condition. The causes of numbness in your toes include chronic medical disorders, lifestyle factors and environmental exposures. Consider this information from the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Mayo Clinic about the causes of toe numbness.

Poor Posture

If you sit with your ankles crossed or with a foot under your buttocks, you may experience numbness in your toes.

Tight Shoes

Although high heels and pointed toe shoes may be attractive, they can constrict your toes and cause numbness.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Numbness in your toes that is accompanied by a burning or prickling sensation in your feet, hands or fingers may be a result of peripheral neuropathy.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy may cause nerve damage in your extremities as a result of poor circulation related to poorly managed diabetes.

Neuroma

A tumor on one of the nerves of your toes is called a neuroma and may result in toe numbness and pain while walking.

Gangrene

Gangrene in your toes can result from infection of a wound or untreated diabetes and can cause toe numbness, skin discoloration and a foul smell.

Frostbite

If the numbness in your toes occurred after being outside in cold weather, you may have frostbite, which requires urgent medical care.

Resources

• American Academy of Family Physicians: Foot Symptoms