Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Have Lower Back Herniation. Noticed Black And Blue Color Changes In Toe. What Is Causing This?
Question: My big toes are turning black and blue. Mostly the right, but now also the left. I have a lower back herniation. I have had my right big toe go numb, not so bad right now. However, the MRI shows the left side should be affected and the right toe is more problematic. The doctor would not give me a shot for this because he said it was the wrong side. He did give a shot in the hip for piriformis? It did give some relief for a while, but not all the pain. Should I be concerned about my toes.
Hello dear...
The symptoms as mentioned in your post such as black & blue colour changes in big toes indicate reduction in blood supply to those areas.
It may be due to compression or obstruction of the blood vessels supplying those areas.
A colored Doppler study will be helpful in determining the status of the blood flow.
If it reveals any significant compromise/reduction in flow, then necessary steps should be taken to manage it...otherwise persistence of this condition will result in Gangrene & Amputation.
Other than that, the symptoms of a herniated disc can be managed by:
1. Diet & exercise: improves the symptoms in overweight individuals
1. Physical therapy: To strengthen the muscles that help to support the spine & also avoid lifting heavy loads or twisting of back.
2. Medications: muscle relaxants, pain killers & anti-inflammation medications.
3. Injections: local injection of corticosteroids.
4. Surgical operations: such as microdiscectomy. Indicated when associated with other complications or when the symptoms are not manageable by medications.
Wishing you a Good Health. Let me know if I need to clarify further.
Thanks & take care.
The symptoms as mentioned in your post such as black & blue colour changes in big toes indicate reduction in blood supply to those areas.
It may be due to compression or obstruction of the blood vessels supplying those areas.
A colored Doppler study will be helpful in determining the status of the blood flow.
If it reveals any significant compromise/reduction in flow, then necessary steps should be taken to manage it...otherwise persistence of this condition will result in Gangrene & Amputation.
Other than that, the symptoms of a herniated disc can be managed by:
1. Diet & exercise: improves the symptoms in overweight individuals
1. Physical therapy: To strengthen the muscles that help to support the spine & also avoid lifting heavy loads or twisting of back.
2. Medications: muscle relaxants, pain killers & anti-inflammation medications.
3. Injections: local injection of corticosteroids.
4. Surgical operations: such as microdiscectomy. Indicated when associated with other complications or when the symptoms are not manageable by medications.
Wishing you a Good Health. Let me know if I need to clarify further.
Thanks & take care.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Mohammed Kappan
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
