Sensory disturbances in the toes – causes, treatment and prevention

Sensation disturbances in the toes

Sensory disturbances that occur in the toes are perceived as unpleasant and, if they occur repeatedly or intensively, cause concern because of the unexplained cause. Discomfort in the toes can feel like tingling, burning, or like the toes have gone to sleep. The symptoms can also present as numbness.

What are dysesthesias in the toes?

Sensitivity disorders in the toes can occur temporarily or permanently and can also be associated with pain . In many cases, stimuli such as touch or temperature are no longer fully perceived. Tingling in the toes is a sensation on the body surface that is perceived by the nerve endings in the skin without an external stimulus and is transported to the brain via the nerve tracts .

Toes that feel asleep or have a localized numbness also indicate a sensory disorder that should be taken into account. Also, an unusual, unexplained sensation of warmth or cold in the toes counts as a sensory disorder . Numbness , which is perceived as particularly annoying , can also be associated with a functional limitation of the toes. Symptoms of numbness in the area of ​​the toes should be understood as an alarm signal and lead to a timely diagnosis through closer examination.

causes

The causes of sensory disturbances in the toes can be of a harmless nature with a temporary character, similar to cold hands after a winter walk, which are suddenly warmed up. However, frequent or intense sensory disturbances in the toes can also be symptoms of a disease and must therefore first be taken and the cause clarified. The causes can be manifold. Diabetes can be a trigger for sensory disturbances in the toes. Harmful sugar breakdown products can lead to arteriosclerosis and thus damage to the vessel walls.

The deterioration in the supply of nutrients and oxygen in the nerve cells of the affected toes leads to the symptoms described. In addition to the possible disturbances in the blood vessels, the abnormal sensations in the toes can also be triggered via different nerve tracts. Sensory disturbances in the case of an existing polyneuropathy (disease of the peripheral nervous system) are transmitted via the sensory nerves of the peripheral nervous system. Depending on the type of nerve fiber affected, the toes can also be affected.

Another possible cause of sensory disturbances in the toes can be a foot malposition/a lateral tilting of the foot or a herniated disc. This can pinch nerves and blood vessels, leading to changes in sensation in the toes. Sensory disturbances in the toes can also be considered as the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Even mental disorders can cause a similar symptom in the toes. Feelings of numbness can also indicate the cause of nutrient deficiencies and metabolic disorders.

Diseases

  • foot deformities

When to the doctor?

Many people experience dysesthesias in their toes in cold environments, after long periods in water, or when wearing open-toed shoes. Appropriate countermeasures can be initiated without medical support. Sufficient movement of the feet and warm stockings and shoes stimulate blood circulation. The sensory disturbances often disappear without medical measures.

If blood pressure is permanently low , there is also a lack of blood circulation in the toes and a sensory disturbance. Caffeine intake or regular exercise can bring about changes. If this is not possible on your own, you should consult a doctor.

If the sensory disturbances in the toes spread over the foot into the legs, the symptoms must be clarified by a doctor. If other symptoms such as pain, changes in the toenails or discoloration of the skin occur, a doctor must be consulted immediately in order to initiate further examinations.

A doctor’s visit is also necessary if there are impairments to the movement sequences. Tingling or numbness in the toes can lead to unsteadiness in movement. This increases the risk of accidents and, if the symptoms persist, can lead to postural damage. If the sensory disturbances in the toes persist for a longer period of time, a doctor should be consulted. Diseases such as diabetes must be clarified.

diagnosis and course

The cause of sensory disturbances in the toes can often only be identified through an exact diagnosis. The general state of health such as existing diseases, obesity and nutrition are put to the test. A blood test provides information about possible diabetes. A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, on the other hand, is more difficult and time-consuming and cannot only be carried out using a blood test. In addition, neurological and other examinations must be carried out.

Foot malpositions can be detected by orthopedic examination methods. This also applies to a possible herniated disc. MRI may need to be performed. Nutritional advice provides information about possible nutrient deficiencies due to improper nutrition. Whether psychological reasons are a conceivable cause should be examined and evaluated by a specialist. Depending on the cause, the existing sensory disturbances in the area of ​​the toes can continue to intensify and lead to considerable, sometimes irreparable damage. If diabetes is not recognized and treated as the cause, serious vascular damage can occur over a longer period of time. There are even amputationspossible. Untreated sensory disturbances in the toes due to herniated discs and foot malpositions can cause painful functional deficits.

complications

If the toes are numb, there are problems with locomotion. The rolling of the bale is perceived as unpleasant. Difficulty walking and running. In severe cases, there is a risk of a bad posture of the body. This leads to muscle problems. Tensions and sore muscles are further consequences. In addition, hip problems and pain in the musculoskeletal system can occur. In some patients, the pain extends to the head.

A common cause of the symptoms is circulatory disorders . Nausea, dizziness, concentration problems, perception disorders or cardiac arrhythmias can occur. Due to the symptoms, a change in footwear is sometimes necessary. In some cases, orthopedic shoes must be worn in order not to cause permanent damage to the skeletal system. The sensory disturbances in the toes mean that injuries and burns are only recognized very late. Irreparable damage to the skin, joints or bones can develop.

Other complications of sensory disturbances in the toes include chronic diseases. Damage to the nerves, but also to the joints or bone damage is possible. In addition, diabetes or metabolic disorders may be present. The symptoms often spread further into the foot or leg. The discomfort in the toes can lead to paralysis . Skin changes or nail growth occur.

treatment and therapy

The treatment of sensory disturbances in the toes depends on the cause determined. If the cause is diabetes, special medication for diabetes treatment is indispensable. Combating the underlying disease is one of the key therapeutic components. In addition, it is advisable to take blood circulation-enhancing medicines. The blood circulation in the area of ​​the toes can also be improved by physical measures such as cycling.

A foot reflex zone treatment can also help to alleviate symptoms. If the reason for the sensory disturbances in the toes is an incorrect, nutrient-poor diet, this deficiency must be eliminated in consultation with a doctor or a nutritionist. At the beginning of the change in diet , targeted food supplements are useful to achieve a balanced nutrient balance more quickly.

Excess weight often affects the toe area, so weight reduction should also be carried out. In addition, stimulants such as tobacco and alcohol should be limited as much as possible. If you are taking medication for a long time, you should check whether numbness can occur as a side effect. The weight load on the feet should be as balanced as possible. Therapy for foot malpositions and lateral tilting of the foot can be successful using special shoe inserts and changing the rolling behavior when walking and running.

In addition, suitable shoes and non-slip socks that are not too tight should be worn. Incorrect sitting postures at work or in leisure time can cause numbness and must therefore be changed. Above all, the legs should not lie on top of each other while sitting and the lower legs should not be positioned backwards for a long time. Otherwise severe impairment of blood circulation is the result. If psychological disorders are responsible for the abnormal sensations in the toes, therapeutic measures to eliminate the cause should be taken in consultation with a specialist.

Preventive measures can be taken to prevent some of the causes of sensory disturbances in the toes. This includes a balanced, nutritious diet and sufficient exercise. Regular exercise, combined with not smoking, definitely helps to prevent circulatory disorders and stabilize the nervous system. In many cases, overweight and thus excessive strain on the feet can be avoided.

Poor diet and obesity are often responsible for the development of diabetes. A healthy diet can therefore also reduce this risk of developing problems in the toes. Anyone who pays attention to the natural rolling behavior of the foot and uses suitable, effectively cushioning shoes can reduce the risk of sensory disturbances in the toes. Mental illnesses can be prevented by avoiding everyday stress, relaxation exercises, social contacts and mood-enhancing natural products. Relaxation exercises, social contacts and mood-enhancing natural products can counteract the development of mental illness.

outlook and prognosis

If the sensory disturbances in the toes are triggered by wearing shoes that are too tight, there is a good chance that the symptoms will completely disappear. With optimal and healthy footwear, the toes are sufficiently supplied with blood and nutrients, so that the relief sets in within a short time.

In the case of circulatory disorders, the complaints and individual symptoms increase until the cause is localized and treated. In severe cases, it can become a life-threatening condition. An acute life-threatening condition of a heart attack or stroke should be avoided in good time. With medical care, the sensory disturbances in the toes gradually disappear. In most cases, damage to the bones, vessels, nerves or muscles has a good chance of recovery. The treatment measures are good if they are initiated and implemented early.

In the case of chronic diseases, the prognosis is usually less confident. An increase in symptoms is delayed as long as possible by medical care, but often cannot be stopped. A freedom from symptoms is therefore rarely achieved in these affected persons. Being overweight can usually lead to an increase in sensory disturbances. The organism is exposed to too much stress, so that a deterioration in the state of health is to be expected. The symptoms can only be alleviated by losing weight .

prevention

Sensory disturbances in the toes can be a sign of a potentially serious illness and must therefore be examined by a doctor if they occur more frequently. In many cases, however, the symptoms are harmless and temporary. Some of the complaints can be prevented by your own behavior.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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