What Causes Right Little Toe Numbness And Episodes Of Bronchitis?

Posted on Wed, 23 Sep 2015

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

Wed, 23 Sep 2015 Answered on

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had numbness in my little toe on my right foot for several months and now think I can feel it creeping over to the next toe. Can you tell me if this is something i should be concerned about.... I have an appointment with my doctor for Sept. 25th to follow up on a two week episode of bronchitis and plan to mention it to him.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
peripheral neuropathy, may be temporary

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Numbness or other abnormal sensations (eg tingling , burning, sticking etc) are called usually due to peripheral neuropathy .

This means abnormal function or structure of the nerves (those that are not in the brain or spinal cord).

In some cases it is temporary and in the majority it is not serious.

Different possible causes are: (1) trauma to the nerves eg from arthritis, fracture of the bones

(2)vitamin b12 or folate deficiency

(3)diabetes

(4)liver or kidney disease

(5)side effect of medication

(6)infections such as shingles

(7)nerve related conditions such as stroke or ms

(8)exposure to toxins

(9)idiopathic- cause not found

(10) autoimmune diseases

If it continues or worsens then blood tests to check for vitamin b12 and folate screening for diabetes, liver and kidney tests may be needed.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

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