Question
about 7 years ago I was walking to work, about 1 mile and  could feel the seem of my sock pressing against my big toe. It was very uncomfortable and when I got to work it was numb on that side, the outside of the big toe. It's been numb ever since. The past year or two the numbness has spread to the distal joint, superiorly. I have also noticed hair growing from this prime numb spot, much longer then on the other toe. I also have  plantar wart (10 years) in between the 1 and 2 metatarsal heads and have noticed what I believe may be 2 more recent, smaller plantar warts. My toe does not hurt but my foot in general aches in between the MT's and increases with running. I run approximately 3 to 15 miles per week. What do you think it is or what I should do? Thank you.
V.

Answer
Hi Vanessa,

Toe numbness is common in runners.  Repeated stress especially on the big toe against the shoe will result in a patch of numbness.  As far as the other pain, that could be from a pinched nerve or from arthritis in the joint.  That may be the cause of your foot aching.  I would check your shoes and consider a new pair that is either less worn or a different shape in the toe area.  I would also see a podiatrist for an exam.  You could benefit from custom orthotic devices.

Happy Holidays.

Sincerely,

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


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