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What Causes Numbness And Electric Impulses In Toes?

Posted on Fri, 18 Sep 2015

Question: Is it possible for discs in the lower back to crush or pinch nerves to the point where your big toe and little toe on both feet go numb, have shooting electrical impulses. etc.. This is not neuropathy as that test has already been concluded. Also, why when I put on socks or shoes does it feel like my feet want to go numb - when I wear sandles they are ok

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possible

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Regarding whether it is possible for nerve root compression to cause symptoms in the toes, yes it is possible, as the nerves coming out of the lumbar spine go down to innervate your lower limbs, toes included so can cause sensory symptoms involving them.

On the other hand whether I think that is the most likely hypothesis...I am not so sure if the symptoms involve only the toes and not your calf and thigh. Also you would have to have compression of several nerve roots to have symptoms on both the big and the little toe on both sides because they are innervated by different nerves.
Furthermore you mention to have had neuropathy test which I suppose means nerve conduction studies, but if that is the cause it should have indicated nerve root compression as well.

So while it is possible I think the neuroma you mentioned in your other query could be responsible. If the doctor believes lower back to be the cause then a lumbar spine MRI may be scheduled to confirm whether there is nerve root compression.

I hope to have been of help.

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

Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (17 hours later)

I suspect the nueroma's quite possibly could be causing the issue, as the nueroma's on both feet were quite swollen under the 2nd and 3rd toes. I have since gotten a different insert for my shoes which starts at ball of foot and goes back leaving the toes to have more room and splaying the toes to allow more room for the nerves. I have also had some laser treatment which has brought the swelling down along with taking curcummin which in itself has also helped the swelling come down. I am hoping that the less swelling there is then my nerve might be able to recover - is there anything like a specialist who deals in neuroma's that I might be able to speak to - I can't seem to find anyone who actually can spend time in helping me really understand what is going on -

thanks,

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Read below

Detailed Answer:
The aditional info you bring reinforces my belief that neuroma's are the probable cause.

I understand your difficulty in finding the most appropriate doctor. Ideally the most appropriate doctor would be a podiatrist.

Now I do not exercise in US to give more precise indications, but since you seem to live in Pennsylvania perhaps you can search for a podiatrist in your area on this site http://www.ppma.org/ Just a suggestion.

Wishing you good health.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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