Question
I had a L4/L5 spinal fusion 3 years ago and have not had any leg or feet problems since. Well, within the past few months, all toes except for my big toe on both feet will go completely numb for about 5-10 minutes at a time. This usually occurs a few times a week and then I am fine. I am able to wear tennis shoes to work, so I am always in comfortable shoes; however, yesterday when I took off my shoes, the 2nd toe on my right foot immediately starting throbbing. Within a few hours, it was swollen, throbbing, red, warm to the touch, barely move it, or bare any weight on it. I am stumped because I have not had any injury to the toe and it was fine all day. My family doctor thinks the numbness in my toes is from my back issues, but now with this toe swollen and hurting, could it all be related?

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

Dear Mary,

You may have irritation of the toe joint in the ball of your foot(metatarsalgia or capsulitis).
Please check out our website AnkleNFoot.com under foot conditions of the ball of the foot for additional information.
The swelling is a separate issue from the numbness. This would cause swelling and pain as you describe.
It has nothing to do with the fusion.
Numbness in toes may be caused by diabetes,arthritis of the spine lower than your fusion,and many other causes.
You can see if you have any sore areas in your lower back ,by pressing with your fingers. If you feel sore spots-that may be an indication of arthritis in that area-if the pressing increases the soreness & numbness-then even a stronger indication.
If that is the case you may try gentle stretching and see if it helps.
I recommend you go see a good Board Certified Podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and recommendations! Treatment may be as easy as a pair of orthotics or some physical therapy.

Hope This Helps
Good Luck!

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

DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.