Dead toe?!

[Scarlett]

My big toe on my left foot has been kind of dead for a couple of weeks, on the outer side. when I stretch my leg out I get pins and needles type pin-prick sensation in my toe. Any idea what this could be?

[theprof]

There could be a number of possible causes. First of all, is there any chance you've injured it over the past couple of weeks? (apologies for stating the obvious). If so, you could have broken or chipped a bone. The next obvious is footwear: Are your shoes etc fitting OK?

If you can eliminate these, there are a few other possibilities. If you're diabetic it could be a type of peripheral neuropathy associated with the disease. If not, you can get something similar called peripheral vascular disease which is very common in extremities especially at this time of the year. Too much of the old vino can also bring on another version of the disease called alcoholic neuropathy (and no, you don't have to be an alcoholic to get it - just a regular drinker).

It's also possible to have a type of Raynaud's Phenomenon that will give you these symptoms. Vasculitis is another possibility as are certain types of sciatica. Apart from these, the only other reasonable possibility I can think of tonight is frostbite, which is pretty unlikely unless you've been skiing etc recently.

Incidentally, if you smoke, this could well make the situation worse if you have any type of neuropathy.

[theprof]

If I could just add that you really should see a doctor about this as it's one of those conditions that's not going to get better on it's own.

[filthiestfis]

I used to suffer from this. My big toe was "dead" for months and months but in the end I gained feeling back. Strange!

[beryllium]

My toes go numb with my m.s. Go and get an MRI.

[Scarlett]

Thanks I will def go to the Doc asap. I just wondered if anyone else had had it. I don't drink but I do have terrible back and neck problems, which I guess could be a factor?

[theprof]

This does sound like it could be a form of neuropathy especially as you have back and neck problems.

Beryllium is right - there is an outside chance it could be MS but to be honest, unless your showing other visual, motor or sensory symptoms the GP will probably put it down to neurological problem. Whilst MS is very good at imitating other neurological conditions, they'll want to be pretty sure before they order a scan, not least because of the cost and long waiting lists involved. It's all too common for doctor's to adopt the "wait and see" attitude nowadays with conditions like this especially if the numbness is only present in one big toe..

While I'm about it, I might as well tell you that this sort of thing could also be due to Leprosy. While your lifestyle may have made it impossible for you to contract Leprosy, you can't blame me for being thorough!

[beryllium]

Hi Prof,
I was lucky enough to cut out the middle man (gp) lol and yes of course there were many many other symptoms going on..... all ignored by the GP at the time (he stated 'one thing at a time lmao!!!!)
Thankfully I became so ill that I went straight to the hospital where I knew a doc.
6 weeks later I had my MRI and results.

NHS too!!! :D