Question
Hello,
I am 24 years old and just started working (about 3 months ago) full time as a
physical therapist in a hospital, and am constantly on my feet.  For the past
two months, the tips and medical aspect of my big toes are numb/have
decreased sensation - no tingling though.  I do not have diabetes; my toes
are not cold or a different color than the rest of my feet, which leads me to
believe that I am having a nerve problem rather than a circulation problem.  
The balls of my feet seem to always be sore, even when I take off my shoes,
at night, and on the weekends.  I tried wearing Dansko shoes (which I heard
are supposed to be good for people who are on their feet all day), and also
bought new sneakers.  Nothing seems to be helping.  What do you think could
be going on with my feet and is there anything I can do for it?  Also, I was a
ballet dancer for years, so I have pretty high arches normally.  Anything will
help!  Thank you so much!

Answer
This Chicago, South Loop & Elmhurst Orthopedic Podiatrist of AnklenfootCenters.com says.......

Dear Ashlyn

Sounds like you may have metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is when there is more pressure on the toe joints in the ball of your foot.
There can  be many causes for metatarsalgia, including being overweight, overuse, high arch(your case) or low arch, bunions and possibly osteoporosis. See our website at AnkleNFoot.com for additional info on metatarsalgia.
Sometimes a well made custom orthotic by a Podiatrist who is Board Certified in Orthopedics may help.
The Dansko's will not help-they are made more for low back pain in long peiods of standing
If the Dansko's are deep enough to have an orthotic made by a podiatrist only-then they my help.
A podiatrist has a minimum of 6-7 years of education after college in their specialty. A Board Certified Podiatrist has a minimum of 5 years post-graduate experience and has taken a very difficult exam and also submitted 50-75 cases. A shoe store clerk has none. A chiropractor has  2 yeas experience.
Hope This Helps!
and
Good Luck!

The podiatrists of AnkleNFootCenters.com are specialists in foot& ankle fractures.
We are Podiatrists in Chicago & Elmhurst
Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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