Question
My right little toe is causing me some discomfort. It feels like it's pulling away from the foot and there is even some visual signs of slight separation. I also experience some discomfort along the side of the foot and in the ball area. When I rub the outer side of the little toe and the joint area I often get a slight shocking sensation. I noticed the first signs of this late last summer when wearing flip flops or going barefoot, but it seemed to subside during the cooler months when I wear closed toe shoes. No that it is flip flop season my discomfort has returned with great intensity and my little toe almost goes over the edge of some of my flip flops. My GP ordered an X-ray 2 weeks ago and I received a call giving me a normal result. I see her again on Monday and am wondering if you would know of anything that I need to ask or suggest? Any ideas of what may be causing this?  Thanks.  Joyce

Answer
Hi Joyce,

Did your GP do a foot exam?  Did he/she check the motion in the joints?  Did he/she watch you walk?  

As a Podiatrist, I often see "normal" foot x-ray reports.  Often the x-ray may not be normal and we can see subtle problems at the joint or some alignment problem.  So, I would certainly see a Podiatrist and bring a copy of the actual x-ray with you.  

There is much more to making a diagnosis than an x-ray, so you will certainly need a thorough exam.  This has been going on for a while so you want to have this checked.

Causes of your pain may include an enlarged foot nerve which will cause the shocking sensation.  Flip flops often do not provide enough support or cushion.  Your foot may be more unstable and you are putting excessive pressure on the outside of your foot.  The joint may have some arthritis.

There are so many possible causes for this type of foot pain.  So please see a Podiatrist.  Feel free to send me more information and maybe I can help you further.

Sincerely,

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