What Causes Numbness In Toes And Pain In Leg After Walking?

Posted on Tue, 12 Apr 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 12 Apr 2016 Answered on

Wed, 8 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband has 3 numb toes, and a bulge on the same leg after working all day, and there is some pain in the leg. The bulge gets smaller after rest, but gets larger after walking. Is this an urgent matter? Could this be a blood clot?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is not blood clot

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case. I think that numbness on toe is due to nerve compression or neuropathy. But surely it is not a blood clot. Before I advised you any further I would like to know little detail of the illness.
1.Since when he is having these symptoms?
2.Is he diabetic or smoker ?
3. Can you send me image of swelling in leg ?
please send me answers of these questions. I will try my best to help you. thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)

Thank you.

1. My husband advised he began having the numbness in his toes about one week ago, and the lump on his leg started around the same time.
2. He is not diabetic, but he is a smoker.
3. I can send a picture, but I am unsure how to attach it.

The 'lump' was smaller as my husband had been resting since he got off from work at 4 PM. He indicated it will get larger and be about as big around as a quarter after he is on his feet for a couple of hours. I can send a picture then, but if he does not work tomorrow, he most likely will see a local Doctor. Thank you for your time anyway!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
it can be enlarge vein

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Only lesion which increases on working and decreases on rest is varicose veins. His numbness can also be due to nerve or lump compression cutaneous nerves. I would suggest following.
1.Avoid smoking, as it can cause neuropathy and numbness.
2.Get a ultrasound to confirm the nature of lump. If it is enlarge vein then nothing needs to be done. Tight stocking can help.
3.Tablet Methylcobalamine needs to be taken one daily.
I hope these steps will be helpful for you.Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar