Question
Thanks so much for your response.  This is a wonderful service you are providing.  There does not appear to be any redness, drainage, or swelling.  I do, however, have very thick calluses on the outer parts of my big toes.  Could this contribute to the problem, or are calluses more of an effect than a cause?  I think that the problem originates on the top of my foot, right above the big toe joint.  I hope I didn't break a bone!
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I have noticed that starting two weeks ago, when I point my foot like a ballerina, my left big toe experiences shooting pins and needles pain.  The pain occurs on the top of my big toe in the skin around the nail, especially on the outside of the toe.  That side of the toe is also numb when I poke it.  Sometimes I can recreate this feeling when I press the top of my foot just below the big joint.
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Jenny,

It sounds like you have had irritation of the toe from a shoe or excessive activity.  When this happens there may be inflammation of the tendons and nerves.  You will also experience numbness.  
Do you have a bunion deformity?
Is there redness, swelling or drainage of the area?
You may need to see a Podiatrist for an x-ray to make sure there is no bone problem and to address the soft tissue problem.  

You may also need to evaluate your shoes for possible points of irritation.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
http://www.theTampaPodiatrist.com
http://www.TampaCryosurgery.com

Answer
Hi Jenny,

I would see a Podiatrist and have an x-ray.  The joints can be inspected and fractures can also be seen.  It doesn't sound like a fracture.  There may be some arthrtis of the large toe joint or the joint behind the large toe.  This may lead to pain and abnormal motion.  The callouses may be from the lack of joint motion or just may be the way you walk.

When the toe is irritated, the skin forms callous.  This is from shear force and pivoting.  When the callous forms there is compression of the nerve in shoes and resultant numbness.

Hope all goes well.  Happy New Year.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
http://www.theTampaPodiatrist.com
http://www.TampaCryosurgery.com