Question
I
had neuroma surgery (dorsal approach) 15 years ago on L. foot.
Yes, there is numbness and some hardening in the space between 3 and 4, but otherwise unremarkable.

In past week, for no obvious reason, have pain in the area around 4 and 5, but ONLY when walking. Cannot bear down with full weight and with the toe-off in normal gait and am walking on my instep instead.  Trouble raising up on my toes. Otherwise, unon resting, no pain.  As I am very active - until now _ and have 1 13 year old,  would like to remain so and pain free.


Is this a new condition? After all this time, a stump neuroma? or unrelated?

What diagonsotic tests would you recommend doing and what are you trying to rule out?

thanks so much, marilyn hertz

Answer
This Chicago & Elmhurst Podiatrist says......

Dear Marylin,

The foot pain you are feeling sounds like metatarsalgia. See our website AnkleNFoot.com for additional information about metatarsalgia. Click on ball of foot diagram for additional info.
Try a metatarsal pad and soft comfortable gym shoes to take the pressure of the fourth & fifth metatarsal heads. Check out online store at our website AnkleNFoot.com for examples of metatarsal pads.Some oral anti-inflammatories for about a week would also help.
These problems become worse with increased activity and weight. Shoes with a heel, and walking barefoot on hard floors will also increase these symptoms of pain in your foot.
A stump neuroma would have shooting symptoms made worse with tight shoes-which you do not relate- and would not extend to the fifth metatarsal.
If the above does not help, go see a Board Certified Podiatrist in Orthopedics or Surgery.
They will be able to make the diagnoses and treat with orthotics/orthoses and or physical therapy-which works most of the time for metatarsalgia.

Hope this helps!

Good Luck Marylin!
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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