Differential Diagnosis for Numbness to Middle Toe
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Morton's neuroma: This condition is a common cause of numbness in the toes, especially the middle toe, due to compression of the nerve between the toes.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Peripheral neuropathy: This condition can cause numbness in the toes due to damage to the peripheral nerves, often related to diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or alcohol abuse.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, this condition involves compression of the posterior tibial nerve, which can cause numbness in the toes, including the middle toe.
- Toe injury or trauma: Direct injury to the toe or foot can cause numbness in the middle toe due to nerve damage or compression.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Diabetic neuropathy with foot ulcer: Although not the most likely diagnosis, it's crucial to consider diabetic neuropathy, especially if the patient has a history of diabetes, as untreated foot ulcers can lead to severe complications, including amputation.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Although rare, DVT can cause numbness in the toes due to decreased blood flow, and missing this diagnosis can be life-threatening due to the risk of pulmonary embolism.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: This autoimmune disease can cause peripheral neuropathy, leading to numbness in the toes, including the middle toe, although it's a rare condition.
- Leprosy: Also known as Hansen's disease, leprosy can cause peripheral neuropathy and numbness in the toes, but it's extremely rare in most parts of the world.
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: A group of inherited disorders that affect the peripheral nerves, causing numbness, weakness, and muscle wasting in the feet and toes, including the middle toe.