My Big Toe Has Been Numb For 2 Weeks

[MelissaCrystal]

Hey guys,

So I'm a little confused as to why my big toe is numb. It doesn't feel like a circulation issue because it doesn't fluctuate when I get my leg massaged or anything, but it's similar to what happens when I lean on my elbows---my pinkies go numb. They aren't tingly or anything, just completely numb, almost like a nerve pinch.

I don't know the cause of my POTS yet, so I have no clue if it's possible that I have nerve damage (I read the nerve damage thread posted earlier and I couldn't really relate to it because I really don't know what I have =(..)

What I'd really like to find out is if any of you have experienced temporary loss of feeling for as long as 2 weeks on any of your extremities. I really don't know why this would be nerve damage---none of my doctors thought I had anything serious, which of course makes me angry, but I'd assume they'd find anything if it was going to cause nerve damage. You know? They never thought I'd get worse---I am getting worse, but I'm no longer seeing those specialists because they admittedly knew nothing about Dysautonomia.

I'm going to look for some B12 because I saw that mentioned...might as well try it. But if you guys have any other advice to get back the feeling, I'd really appreciate it. It feels disgusting, like it isn't a part of me anymore. It is numb from the small joint to the big joint in my foot, and sometimes it does spread in the skin only to the top of my foot. I can feel pressure on the toe, which is the disgusting part, but the skin and muscle are numb. I've tried hot water, massage, time---can't really think of anything else. My back does not hurt and there are no other indications of a pinched nerve. I wear comfy shoes and I am not overweight.

Any ideas? I'm so tired of telling my primary these sorts of things because she never knows what to do. I see Karen Friday at Stanford on Jan 22nd, so I might have to wait until then.

[mkoven]

Could be from your back. I'm bulging at L4-L5 (second lowest disc) and it gives me numbness in my big toe, and shin.

[mkoven]

Since you said top of your foot, that does sound like l4-l5. you can have a pinched nerve, even if the disc itself is not possible-- lots of people have bulging discs. If you google "dermatome" L4-L5, you'll see what areas are innervated at that level. you don't have to be affected everywhere... if I recall you are hypermobile, which makes you more prone to disc stuff. Mine is worse if I sit too long--which since I know I have a bad disc, makes sense. If it is your back, I'd maybe see if you can get some pt to encourage the disc to move back away from the nerve.

but that nerve could be compressed elsewhere too--like your hip, knee, or even ankle. and you don't have to be overweight to have a nerve issue.

[MelissaCrystal]

Do you think it can be compressed even when I don't feel any pain right now? I guess it's definitely a possibility, especially with my hips. But I haven't really had a problem with them lately. Unless they're numb too and I just don't know it yet lol

[mkoven]

Sure. I have a history of disc issues from L3-S1. I often don't even notice my back-- all I know if I've overdone things (sitting, bending from the waist, lifting, twisting--all things that are hard on discs), I'll get some weird sensation in part of my leg/foot. sometimes it's pain, sometimes numbness, sometimes burning. But I also have documented disc issues. I think most docs would encourage "conservative" treatment (not surgery or injections oe even mri) as long as you're stable and not developing weakness. For L4-L5 weakness would manifest if you couldn't walk on your heels. For L5-s1, they check to make sure you can walk on your toes.

When I massively injured myself, (which did lead to surgery) the pain initially was in my back, but very quickly, the leg issues took over. My lowest disc was pushed all the way out and broke into pieces that then migrated up to press on the nerve above-- so I couldn't heel or toe walk, and my big toe was totally floppy. That was off the charts pain and weakness-- and not typical. Now I just get strange sensation in feet and legs if I'm not careful. As we speak, I have a vague ache in my calf that I"m pretty sure is my back. and my left big toe and top of foot is slightly numb-- more so at the end of the day. I've had nerve testing, but it was too subtle to pick up.

If you did do pt, they would advise you about how to sit/stand, and probably have you lie on your stomach and prop yourself up on your elbows-- by arching your back, you encourage the disc to go back to where it's supposed to be. they might encourage stabilizing your stomach and back muscles to better support your spine.

but again, that's all if it's your back. and I'm no doc-- just someone with way too much personal experience with spine stuff. If you do see a doc, ask them to check you out for disc stuff, which they can do without an mri usually-- just testing the strength of different muscles, reflexes, etc. But your back doesn't have to hurt for it to come from your back.

[Maxine]

Hernited or buldging disks on lumbar spine can place pressure on ou spine, causing numbness in you feet. I know that I have some herniations on L3-4, and L4-5, L5-S1. My right toe gets numb on and off.

If you don't have a lot of pain in your back, it's still worth asking your doctor about it. Numbness can be a sign of other problems too.

Maxine :0)

[yogini]

I think the spinal issues are associated with EDS and other conditions that often coincide with POTS; however, I don't think they are a part of POTS or autonomic nerve damage. I'd check it out with your doctor, just to be sure, especially if it's new and lasting.

[MelissaCrystal]

Thanks for the great advice, all of you. I have had lower back problems in the past so this is definitely a possibility. I'm going to look into and see if I can bring the feeling back =) Thanks so much, I'm no longer worrying so much.

[Megan]

Just a thought - If you don't have severe EDS and an MRI or x-rays clear you for it, chiropractic care might help.

Meg