Numbness in the Lower Right Area of My Left Big Toe for Three Months: What Could It Be?
I’m experiencing numbness on the lower right side of my left big toe that has persisted for three months. I’m a 17-year-old assigned female at birth, standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 128 pounds. I may be slightly anemic, yet it’s being managed. Recent blood tests ruled out any issues related to my kidneys, thyroid, or vitamin B12 levels, and I do not have diabetes. Aside from this numbness, I've also encountered a marked decrease in my appetite over the past two months, but I haven’t noticed any other significant symptoms.
Answers (1)
7/8/2025, 6:40:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to recognize that numbness in the toe can be concerning, especially when it has lasted for three months. Based on the details you've provided, the numbness could be caused by several factors including nerve compression, circulation issues, or even vitamin deficiencies, though your recent tests suggest some of these common causes are ruled out.
Explanation
Numbness in the toes can occur when nerves are compressed or irritated, which might happen from various reasons like tight footwear, prolonged pressure in a certain position, or even anxiety. Given that you mentioned slight anemia and a decreased appetite, it's possible that nutritional factors could also be playing a role. Even if vitamin B12 levels were normal, other deficiencies (like iron, certain vitamins, or minerals) might still affect nerve function.
Next Steps
- Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep a diary of any changes in the numbness, including what you were doing when it occurs and its severity. Note if it spreads to other areas or if you experience tingling, pain, or weakness.
- Evaluate Footwear: Ensure your shoes fit well and are not too tight. Avoid wearing them for long periods, especially if they pinch your toes.
- Manage Anemia: Continue to follow your healthcare provider's advice regarding anemia. Focus on a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin C (to improve iron absorption), and other necessary nutrients.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Without becoming overly restrictive, aim for regular meals that incorporate a variety of food groups to help with your appetite. Snacking small amounts frequently can sometimes help stimulate appetite.
- Posture and Positioning: Be mindful of your posture when sitting or standing, as awkward positions can aggravate nerve compression. If you sit for long periods, make a point to change positions often.
If the numbness persists or worsens, or if you develop new symptoms such as pain or weakness, consider following up with a healthcare provider, as further evaluation might be necessary to identify the underlying cause.
Related Questions
Persistent Need to Stretch Legs While Seated
I experience a significant discomfort when seated, particularly when my knees are bent at about a 90-degree angle. This sensation compels me to stretch my legs straight, and if too much time passes without doing so—typically around every five to six minutes—the urge intensifies to an uncomfortable level that’s hard to manage. It’s more than just a desire to fidget; fully extending my legs tends to offer the greatest relief. Adjusting my position provides some comfort, but it doesn’t alleviate the feeling nearly as effectively as a full stretch does. This issue predominantly arises when I remain stationary in a chair. Occasionally, I notice a similar feeling when I’m lying down, but these instances are relatively rare compared to the frequent occurrences while sitting. I consulted a relative who is a medical professional about this discomfort, and they suggested that it doesn’t appear to align with Restless Leg Syndrome. However, since this isn't their specialization, I acknowledge that there may be a chance of error. * What could potentially be causing these sensations? * Does anyone else relate to this experience? * Are there methods available to help manage or diminish this feeling? I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights.
Resources for Safe Mouse Cleanup
While it may not be a typical inquiry for a healthcare professional, I find myself in need of guidance. Recently, we had an uninvited mouse visitor in our home, and unfortunately, it left droppings in my children's toy storage and on the changing table. I am seeking advice on how to effectively disinfect all affected items or determine if disposal is necessary to prevent any health risks. My children are quite young, at 2.5 years and just 4 months old. If they’ve potentially been exposed to mouse droppings, should I reach out to their pediatrician? For reference, I’m a 32-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and weighing 140 pounds, not currently on any medications.
Excessive Electrical Shocks Encountered
Hello everyone! This is my inaugural post here since I don't frequently use Reddit. I'm a 15-year-old male, and I've recently been experiencing an unusual frequency of electrical shocks. Whenever I come into contact with anything that is either highly charged or conductive, I receive a sharp, irritating jolt. This situation has become increasingly bothersome. For instance, I can only grasp my Mac charger by the cord and not the plug itself. I'm curious if anyone has insights into why this is happening. Please let me know; I hope it's nothing serious! 💕
Combining Ketorolac with Alcohol: Is It Safe?
Recently, I unknowingly mixed a 10mg dose of ketorolac with half a bottle of 4.5% beer. At that moment, I wasn't aware of the potential risks involved in this combination. It wasn't until I was partway through my drink that I thought to look it up. Now, I’m wondering if it’ll be fine for me to have a drink tomorrow night after stopping all ketorolac use, especially since this medication hasn’t been effective for my pain relief. To give you an idea of the timeline, I took ketorolac around 2 PM and didn’t start drinking until 11 PM.
Concerns About My Eye Condition
I'm a 19-year-old female, weighing 190 pounds and standing 5'5". Lately, I’ve noticed some troubling changes in my eyes. There are prominent, red veins extending from the inner corners of my eyes into the irises. Additionally, there are bright red streaks and pools forming at the lower part of both eyes beneath the eyelids, bordered by a yellowish hue. When I consulted two different doctors, they were unable to pinpoint the issue and simply recommended lubricating eye drops. Unfortunately, the condition seems to be deteriorating, with the redness spreading further. While there is no significant pain, keeping my eyes open feels like a struggle, and my vision has become increasingly blurry, leading to some headaches. I’ve been unwell recently, but I’m uncertain if this has any relevance to my eye problems. Any advice or insights would be immensely helpful.