Question
Hi, my boyfriend has been having sharp severe pains throughout the bottom of his foot when he catches his big toe on something or stubs it. He's been having this periodic pain for about a month. I looked at his foot and there's a big bulge on the side, where bunions usually are. The bulge feels hard, like bone. But can bunions cause sharp pain through the entire foot? The pain is caused more by moving his big toe up or down rather than by touching the bulge on the side of his foot (though if I push a little harder the bulge hurts too). Thanks.

Answer
Hi Lora,

A bunion is enlarged bone and this can compress the nerve on the side of the foot and cause significant pain.

However, pain with joint motion may mean that there is some arthritis in the joint.  When the joint is moved this can trigger significant sharp pain.  There can also be a bunion with joint destruction.

I would recommend seeing a Podiatrist for x-rays and treatment.  He may require some medication to decrease inflammation and custom arch supports.

Hope that helps.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com
www.fix-my-foot.com

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