Question
Hi Dr. Katz,
I have been living with foot edema that begins midline on the top of my foot for the last 6 years.  Sudden onset without a preceding injury.  Initially, it would ache only if I pressed on my 4th metatarsal, only recently has the pain sometimes so bad that I have a hard time walking and the edema is extending into my ankle.  The edema is only slightly relieved with foot elevation.  Went to the first podiatrist at onset of swelling.  First impression was a stress fracture, bone scan was neg. Followed up with a Doppler study, also neg. Went to a second podiatrist several years later who ordered a MRI which showed significant soft tissue edema. He recommended a pain clinic, at the time my foot did not hurt so I did not pursue this option. I am now 53 yrs old normal weight and height, taking no medications. Thanks in advance

Answer
HI Kathleen,

There are several options.  You may want to see a podiatrist again and have a standard x-ray to look for signs of arthritis.  Perhaps a repeat MRI would give more information if it has been a while since you had the last MRI.  You may also want to consider seeing a Rheumatologist to see if there are other issues.  Pain may be the result of the swelling compressing a nerve.  I would start again and see some new drs.

Sincerely,

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

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