Question
My husband has had numbness on the outer edge of his right foot from his heel to the ball of his right toe for about 10 days now. He thinks it's related to his running and that it seems to be getting a bit better since he hasn't run since friday. Should he be concerned? Should he be seen by someone, if so who?

Answer
Jen,

It sounds like your husband is experiencing nerve pain.  Repetitive motion can cause compression of the nerves along the ball of the foot, outside of the foot or heel.  If the numbness resolves after running and there are now side effects like pain or cramping that occur, then usually there is not anything of concern.  Changing your shoes, adding a more supportive insert or a metatarsal pad can alleviate symptoms that occur with activity only.  If the pain continues with daily activity and persists for more than 4 days, then I would see a podiatist.  He could be suffering from a neuroma which will not go away without professional treatment.

Sincerely,

Dr. Leslie Johnston, DPM
www.thetampapodiatrist.com