Question
hi,
for over a month now i have been experiencing swelling and numbness in three of my toes (the middle ones;o)) on my right foot.  the severity comes and goes, but is not going away!!! i have not hurt myself or bumped my toes or feet.  there are some days that i cannot even bend my toes on that foot because it is so swollen.  i am a healthy 38 year old woman, who is active and on my feet the better part of my day because i am a teacher.  help????  thanks in advance.

Answer
This Chicago and Elmhurst Podiatrist says.......

Dear Kelli,

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.
The first and fifth metatarsals have independent axes, and so they are able to elevate higher than the middle three metatarsals. This will produce increased pressure on the ball of the foot and cause the symptoms you are describing. Increased activity and weight will make the symptoms worse. If the toes are curling-as in hammertoes (AnkleNFoot.com also has info on hammertoes), that will also produce increased pressure on the ball of the foot.
Try lower heeled shoes and shoes with a wide toe box that do not curl your toes, or even gym shoes with metatarsal pads. Visit our online website store at AnkleNFoot.com for examples of metatarsal pads.
If that does not work go see a Board Certified Podiatrist in Orthopedics.
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 Kelli!

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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