Question
Yesterday while walking normally I experienced an intense burning pain on the underside of the middle toe on my right foot.  Throughout the day, it occurred a few more times and I had it happen when I stepped out of bed this morning.  The problem seems to happen most when I push off (step forward and push off with my toes) and only on this one toe.  The pain does not shoot back into my foot, but rather seems confined to about 2 inch area from the pad of the toe back.  I can't detect any swelling or discoloration in the area and pressing on the area with my fingers does not cause any pain.  What could this be?

Answer
Hi Robert,

This is certainly nerve related.  You may have a pinched nerve or a neuroma.  See the info on neuroma:
http://thetampapodiatrist.com/document_disorders.cfm?id=136

Also, you may have inflammation around the joint behind the toe.  This may also lead to pain.  

I'm assuming that you checked your foot for any possible splinter or glass.

This may just go away with some ice and stretching of the toes.  If it does not improve shortly, I would see a Podiatrist for an exam.

Good Luck

Sincerely,

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