Question
The top of my left foot hurts and is swollen.  It is about one inch back from my middle three toes.  I did not injure it that I know of as there is/has been no bruise or mark.  It's been like this for three weeks.  I noticed it after I was very sick with Swine Flu.  During that illness, I had a very high fever and developed blisters on my other foot.  I was walking funny to avoid walking on the blisters, but I don't believe this would have necessarily affected my left foot.  I have had people tell me before that I have flat feet, and my arches hurt often; although they haven't recently.  I have not been wearing different or new shoes either.  It is an aching pain that comes and goes, can be awful or tolerable, but it has been painful to touch the top of my foot the whole time.  Obviously it hurts more when I've been walking or standing a lot.  I don't think it is a muscle pain, but am unsure if it could be a bone pain.    HELP!

Answer
Hi Lynsey,

There are so many possibilities.  Following high fever and flu, you could get swelling of the feet and ankles.  That could cause pain.  However, if the pain continues I would see a podiatrist for an exam and x-ray.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com

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