Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 2/18/2008

Question
Hello I just sent you a questions but when I proofread it I realized
maybe I left out some important information so I am rewriting my
question again, 4 months ago one morning I woke up with severe pain in my big
toe (right big toe was way worse than left big toe,
that night I went to the emergency room I asked them if it was gout,and
asked for my blood suger to be tested. they said they didn't think it
was gout(an intern saw me) and the blood suger was normal, I asked them
as many questions as I
could they said it was nothing to be concerned, the pain was bad and
the numbness was something I'd never experienced before so i went back to
the hospital again and they said they didn't know what it was but
theydidn't
give me any tests or anything either,ever since my big toes have been
numb The tip of my right big toe* is numb, down to the point about
half-way down the nail, all around the toe.it is numb but if i message it or
it hits something it feels much more sensitive than the other toes, I
changed shoes, bought very comfortable shoes,didn't make a difference,
just 2 weeks ago the toes next to my big toes started to show the same
symptoms they are numb as well. can you tell me what could cause this
problem? (just want to mention that they are not white,just numb, i have
that Reynaud's disease in my hands but not toes)"

Answer
Shadi,

This question falls outside of my expertise.

I recommend seeing a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in the treatment of arthritis and related conditions.

Raynaud's phenomenon may affect the small blood vessels of the toes as well as the fingers; this may be a concern with the symptoms you describe, or there could be another problem causing your symptoms that requires a different specialist to assure a proper evaluation.