Question
Dear Dr. Katz,
For the past few days or so, I have noticed a sharp, burning pain around the cuticle area of my big toe (right foot). There has been no injury and there is no sign of swelling of the toe or discoloring of the toe nail. No ingrown nails or bad nail clipping either.

I first noticed the pain at night, but then it became more steady during the day as well. It feels like a burning, stabbing pain, right around the edge of the cuticle, but feels better when I rub it. I'll be sitting on the couch and all of a sudden, there will be this burning pain, like someone is trying to rip off my cuticle at the base of my nail. What could this be??

Answer
Susan,

Typically this type of pain may be from a tight shoe that has irritated the nerve endings or even a tight sock or stocking.  It could be the start of an infection. The pain should ease up within a few days, however if it doesn't I would see a Podiatrist.

Other possible causes may be nail polish or polish remover.  Possibly Gout but that would be rare without redeness or swelling.  

If you develop any other changes or symptoms let me know.  Watch for redeness, swelling, bruising or drainage.

Sincerely,

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