Question
Is it necessary to have surgery from overlapping toes?  My 2nd toe overlaps my big toe.  Its only been like this for approx.3 months. Xrays show I have arthritis in my feet with mild degeneration in big toe which is overlapped by 2nd toe.  I have a burning searing pain occasionally between the 2nd & 3rd toe (2nd toe is overlapping toe).  I have only 1/2 the amount of flexibility in the affected big toe compared to other foot.  Custom orthotics only make it worse.  I do wear a toe straightener at night.  I cannot take ibuprofen due to taking plavix so take Tylenol when necessary.  Its the pain that disturbs me the most.  If I don't have surgery will the pain go away and if I do have surgery will it correct the toe and take away the pain?  I'm 60yrs old.  I love to walk but at times I cannot because it hurts too much.  I did have a cortisone injection when this first started which helped but seemed to make 2nd toe overlap even more.
Thank you for any advice.

Answer
Hi Karen,

The pain in your toes sounds like it is nerve related.  You likely have compression of the nerve.  Having the overlapping toe corrected does not guarantee that the pain will be relieved.  I commonly see this problem and I will perform cryosurgery to stop the nerve pain.  The procedure is also called cryomax, see my website.  www.tampacryosurgery.com

This should stop the burning.  If that is not working you could look at other options.

Good Luck.

Sincerely,

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



DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.