Question
I apparently have a bursitis on the outside of my little toe.  I thought it was a corn but my doctor said she doesn't think so.  She did not offer any suggestions as to how to treat it.  It rubs on all my shoes - even though I have gone to wider shoes and I have an orthotics but it does not help with the rubbing.  I have tried pads and wrapping but it still hurt like crazy.  Any suggestions.

Answer
Bursa's usually form because of increased rubbing and pressure to an area.  Usually the big toe joint and the 5th toe joint are the most susceptible.  Since you've already tried wider shoes and padding, my next step would be a steroid injection.  The injection can calm down the inflammation (bursitis) and even shrink the bursa sometimes.  Most of my patients respond well to a steroid injection for bursitis if they have failed padding and wider shoes.  I would give it a try next.

Sincerely,

Dr. Leslie Johnston, DPM

Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry

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