When is numbness in the toe a cause for worry?

Doctor's Answers 2

Thanks for the question and certainly something worth discussing.

There seems to be two issues here:

1. The numbness in the toe and foot pad

2. The history of colour change

From the first point, sensation is detected and transmitted through nerves. If you consider nerves to be a bit like wiring in a house, then you have the "peripheral" nerve that are situated around the foot (a bit like the wiring in your house) and then you have the "central" nerves that are around the spine and brain (a bit like the national grid).

If there is an issue with sensation or nerve conduction it can be from a peripheral or central issue. Often there are other symptoms that go along with this (such as tingling, weakness, changes in reflexes etc) depending on where the problem might be and certainly it sounds like you would benefit from getting this assessed.

From the history of colour change and blueness in the toe, there could be an issue with blood flow and once again might warrant further questioning or investigation; this might include blood tests for various conditions.

Overall, I think it would be a good idea to consult someone about these symptoms.

Perhaps start with medical team at your camp? They might refer you on for further investigation in one of the hospitals local to where you are based.

BW

Dr Dinesh

Photo of Dr Sean Ng
Dr Sean Ng

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Thank you for the question. Rightfully as Dr Dinesh has mentioned, the numbness and/or colour change can be due to various causes, and commonly could be due either to a nervous (central or peripheral nerves) problem or even a vascular (bloodflow) problem.

It is important to identify the cause, and get that checked up, as these symptoms may be persistent, or even start affecting other toes/ part of the foot.

I think you should see the camp MO, and get a referral to see either a vascular surgeon, or an orthopaedic surgeon. They can then do the necessary investigations, to try and identify the cause of your symptoms, and start the proper management for you.

Best regards

Dr Sean Ng

Similar Questions

How long should I lay off swimming after ReLEx® SMILE®?

It is good that you take notice of such symptoms and are aware of how your eyes are feeling as well as closely following the eye doctor’s advice. With regards to your situation, I would assume you swim in a swimming pool, yes? Swimming pool water contains significant amounts of chlorine and other chemicals which act as a disinfectant for hygiene purposes as public pools are shared areas. A common side effect of chlorine is that it dries out your skin, hair and eyes, and more so for the eyes if you do not use a pair of swimming googles.

What is the normal amount of weight gain during pregnancy? Is there any exercise I can’t do?

The recommended amount of weight gain would depend on your preexisting weight prior to pregnancy. In general for an average weightperson with BMI in the healthy range, the recommended weight gain would be between 12-15 kg. In fact even if the mum doesn’t put on much weight, or less than this range, but baby is growing well, we would not be too concerned. Fetal growth is more a result of a healthy mum and placental function rather than mum’s weight gain.

Photo of Dr Jasmine Mohd

Answered By

Dr Jasmine Mohd

Gynaecologist

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox