This article was medically reviewed by Troy A. Miles, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Dr. Miles is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Adult Joint Reconstruction in California. He received his MD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2010, followed by a residency at the Oregon Health & Science University and fellowship at the University of California, Davis. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgery, and the North Pacific Orthopaedic Society.
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Peripheral neuropathy is a complex condition with a variety of causes and symptoms, so how can you tell if that tingling in your toe is just a passing feeling or a hint to go see a doctor? A medical professional can diagnose foot neuropathy, but the risk factors and symptoms are easy to see for yourself when you know what to look for. In this article, we’ll walk you through all of the symptoms of foot neuropathy, as well as guide you through the diagnosis and treatment processes to give you the full scope of the condition. If you’re ready to take a step toward managing your health with confidence, read on!
Can toenail fungus cause neuropathy?
Toenail fungus and other fungi (such as athlete’s foot) don’t cause neuropathy. If you have fungus on your foot and are experiencing numbness, it’s likely because of poor circulation. Visit your doctor immediately for care.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionI did bloodwork and I don't have diabetes, at night I get a burning sensation that keeps me from going to sleep. What should I do next?Mark Ziats, MD, PhDDr. Mark Ziats is an Internal Medicine Physician, Scientist, Entrepreneur, and the Medical Director of xBiotech. With over five years of experience, he specializes in biotechnology, genomics, and medical devices. He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from Baylor College of Medicine, a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Cambridge, and a BS in Biochemistry and Chemistry from Clemson University. He also completed the INNoVATE Program in Biotechnology Entrepreneurship at The Johns Hopkins University - Carey Business School. Dr. Ziats is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Internal Medicine PhysicianGo see your primary care doctor. He may refer you to a neurologist or be able to make a diagnosis himself.
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Tips
Warnings
- See a doctor as soon as possible after noticing neuropathy symptoms. Swift treatment and symptom management is the best way to keep it under control.[24]Thanks
- Untreated neuropathy can result in burns, cuts, infections, and falls because of the lack of feeling in your feet. Check your feet regularly for injuries.[25]Thanks
- In the most severe, untreated cases, ulcers or infections can spread to the entire foot. In these cases, amputation is considered to keep the infection from spreading further.[26]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/peripheralnervedisorders.html
- ↑ https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/complications/nerves_neuropathy
- ↑ https://www.foundationforpn.org/symptoms/
- ↑ https://www.foundationforpn.org/symptoms/
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/peripheral-neuropathy
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-your-feet.html
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17169-foot-and-toe-ulcers
- ↑ https://www.neurosurgery.columbia.edu/patient-care/conditions/peripheral-nerve-disorders
- ↑ https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies/peripheral-neuropathy
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000593.htm
- ↑ https://www.ninds.nih.gov/peripheral-neuropathy-fact-sheet
- ↑ https://www.apma.org/neuropathy
- ↑ https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/about-peripheral-neuropathy
- ↑ https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/peripheral-neuropathy
- ↑ https://www.spine.org/KnowYourBack/Treatments/Assessment-Tools/Specialized-Nerve-Tests
- ↑ https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/1215/p732.html
- ↑ https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/pain/peripheral-neuropathy.html
- ↑ https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/diabetic-peripheral-neuropathy
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy
- ↑ https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/peripheral-neuropathy--causes--symptoms-and-treatments.h00-159621012.html
- ↑ https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/d/diabetic-neuropathy.html
- ↑ https://www.umms.org/ummc/health-services/neurology/services/peripheral-neuropathy/types
- ↑ https://nyulangone.org/conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/treatments/lifestyle-changes-for-peripheral-neuropathy
- ↑ https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/brain-and-nerves/peripheral-neuropathy/treatment.html
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1388245707000235
- ↑ https://www.diabetes.ca/managing-my-diabetes/preventing-complications/nerve-damage---amputation
About This Article
Neuropathy in your feet is caused by problems with the small nerve fibers of your feet. Common symptoms include pain or discomfort in your feet, difficulty walking, or feeling clumsy, which are all signs of motor nerve damage. Additionally, check your feet to see if your skin has become scaly or flaky and your toenails are more brittle, which could be caused by advanced damage to the nerves. You could also develop ulcers on your feet if you have neuropathy. If you think you do have neuropathy in your feet, see your doctor. For tips about how to test if your foot muscles are weak, keep reading.
Reader Success Stories
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"I have had 'idiopathic neuropathy' in my feet for about 30 years, no pre diabetes. I have burning feet when my feet get slightly warm, I sleep with them out of the bed and have a fan blowing on them, cannot put them under the covers, ever. Wearing enclosed shoes immediately sets the fiery burning going. I live in sandals until it snows. Have taken mega B vitamins, this helps it to not travel up my legs. I exercise every day, get massages often, and your description of nail issues is helpful."..." more