Question
Dr. Katz,
I'm experiencing a sharp, constant pain in the very center of my big toe on my right foot. It started suddenly but hasn't gotten any better. I thought it was just a nerve misfiring, but when I last checked, the area was slightly purplish and there was swelling on the underside of my toe at the middle joint. I don't remember doing anything to it, as far as trauma is concerned. I think I'd certainly remember something that hurts this much. I'd rate the pain as a 7 on a scale of 10. Just for details, I'm 20 years old and I had bunion surgery on the same foot in May 2005 and in June 2006 I had to have a second surgery to get the two screws out, which were irritating the bone and surrounding muscle and causing pain. Since then, though, I haven't had any problems until now.

Answer
Hi Rebecca,

I would see a podiatrist for an xray.  It is possible to have a stress fracture or this may just be a situation where there was too much pressure on the toe from some activity or shoe.

Sincerely,

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


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