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What Causes Persistent Numbness On The Toes?
Posted on
Wed, 14 Sep 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 14 Sep 2016
Answered on
Wed, 5 Oct 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : My second left toe has been numb for over 1 year. When I walk the whole left pad goes numb and burns. Yesterday I noticed that may left second toe nail is falling off. No injury or nail fungus. Is this due to circulation or lumbar spine problem? I am 51 years old. In good physical shape. No smoking or drinking.
Brief Answer:
Neurological problems more likely.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
In my opinion, lumbar spine conditions such herniated disc disease, or degerative changes ( bone spurs for example ) that are pinching a nerve, are responsible for your symptoms more than blood supply problems.
This because of your age ( there seems to be no predisposing factors to vascular disease ), the nature of the symptoms ( numbness is primary a neurological symptom ), the distribution of numbness.
Vascular problems manifest with other signs that are visible on the skin such swelling, cold foot, etc.
Nerve entrapment syndrome also may be a possible explanation.
It is necessary to get evaluated clinically and by imaging studies in order to get a correct answer to your concerns.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Neurological problems more likely.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
In my opinion, lumbar spine conditions such herniated disc disease, or degerative changes ( bone spurs for example ) that are pinching a nerve, are responsible for your symptoms more than blood supply problems.
This because of your age ( there seems to be no predisposing factors to vascular disease ), the nature of the symptoms ( numbness is primary a neurological symptom ), the distribution of numbness.
Vascular problems manifest with other signs that are visible on the skin such swelling, cold foot, etc.
Nerve entrapment syndrome also may be a possible explanation.
It is necessary to get evaluated clinically and by imaging studies in order to get a correct answer to your concerns.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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