Question
I have been having stabbing pain near the ball of my foot, behind the big toe on my right foot, just between the ball and the beginning of the arch for a few days. It comes every few hours, but the frequency is increasing, and is independent of activity - last night the pain woke me 3 times from deep sleep. I am afraid to drive as the pain is INTENSE and debilitating. I try to exercise daily, biking, swimming, some running. Nothing too excessive on my feet. I have no other health problems that I know of. The pain lasts a few seconds, massage does not help it go away.  thank you very much!

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

Sounds like an irritation of the big toe joint.. Similar to metatarsalgia--See our website AnkleNFoot.com for additional info.
Massage only helps with sore foot muscles and tendons.
Even though you may feel you are not irritating the area-Unless you are hopping on one foot all day or using crutches-you are irritating it! If the joint is arthritic and you use it a lot-it will ache at night.
The biking and swimming may have tightened your calves-which will put more pressure in that area.
Are you doing good stretches before and after your activities?

PRICE
Protect-perhaps an ace wrap around the area of pain and limit the movements that aggravate it-Find a gym shoe that seems to cushion the painful area.
Rest-Speaks for itself.
Ice- As much as you can tolerate. Pros put the injured area into an ice bath for 15 minutes! Try ice packs instead.  
Compress-Ace wrap or foot sleeve
Elevate-Will help if it throbs at the end of the day.
Go to our website store at AnkleNFoot.com for examples of wraps, sleeves or braces for the ball of your foot.
Take max doses of anti-inflammatories for about 3-5 days-as long as you don't have any stomach problems.
If these suggestions don't help within 7-14 days then seek the aid of Podiatrists who are Board Certified in Orthopedics. Sometimes these injuries respond with orthotics and physical therapy or other modalities. X-rays may be necessary for the diagnosis.

Hope this helps!
Good Luck My Friend!

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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