Question
I am concerned about my big toes.
About a month ago my right big toe started going numb occasionlly, but it would always return to normal in the evening after resting. Now my left big toe is starting to do the same thing and my right is constantly numb and if I stand/walk for 4 or more hours it gets a pins and needles feeling it in that can last for up to 2 hours.
I have back pain a lot if this could be contributing to it.
I have been to the doctor but [not to be rude] he does'nt seem like he knows what he's doing, asks the same question and gets frustrated easily. He ended up saying that it's probably just nerve damage from my shoes but I persisted [my left foot is slightly larger than my right so if this was the case would'nt my left toe have played up first?] and so I am booked in for some blood tests and a CT scan in two days.
I would very much appreciate your opinion ASAP so I can investigate other methods of dealing with this because I am not even 18 and dread the idea of it getting worse and sticking around for years to come.

Thank you for you time
Juanita.


Answer
Hi Juanita,

Typically numbness of just the big toe is related to some activity that gets repeated on a daily basis.  It could even be walking or standing.  If you have a back problem I would expect the numbness to be more generalized but this is still to be considered.  

However, the shoe usually is the problem.  I will typically have my patients change to a different type of shoe.  I would also cover the side of the toe with a material called moleskin or even a few band-aids to remove the direct pressure.  Consider another Dr for other opinions.



Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com


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