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The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM

occasional excruciating pain on top of foot and plantar fasciitis

by Lisa
(Port St Lucie, FL)

I occasionally get a really scary pain in my feet, especially the left, if my feet or back of my calve gets cold. My toes cramp up and I can't move them for a while. It feels like I am crippled! The toes tingle, I feel sharp jabbing pains but the worst is that paralyzing feeling in my toes. The only thing I am able to do at that moment is stop wherever I am and whatever I am doing, remove any footwear and squeeze and rub my feet until the pain subsides.


Lately this seems to have advanced to an even more excruciatingly painful experience.

I recently gained alot of weight (about 30 lbs) after going through breast cancer treatment (and steroids), and now it seems after I exercise, I not only get the symptoms I mentioned above, but I get this severe "squeezing" feeling in the middle top of my foot and it feels like someone is using a vice grip to squeeze that part of my foot together. It is extremely unbearable and I can't even function during the time it is happening. It pulsates, squeezes then goes away intermittently several times - sought of like contractions or birth pains! The funny thing is the pain doesn't come immediately after I exercise. I sometimes take an afternoon nap (for about an hour), and when I try to get up from that - that's when it usually happens! It is such a scary feeling!

I also must mention that I recently got plantar fasciitis from attempting to walk around a track. I did the walking for about a week and then after that I got this problem too!

I'm going to be 46 next month - but feel like I'm 80 because I can't do the things I like to do including just taking a harmless walk after dinner!

Please help!

Thanks!

Hi Lisa,
Sounds like you have what are known as idiopathic leg cramps, where the muscles go into severe spasm. This is usually a result of the muscles being overstretched (ie exercise) and then they will go into spasm as a result.
You may want to have some blood work done to make sure you do not have an electrolyte imbalance.
One of the easiest treatments is to drink quinine water.
Also, if you are noticing this after exercising, you might want to stretch both before and after you exercise, in an effort to keep the muscles "loose".
Marc Mitnick DPM

Comments for occasional excruciating pain on top of foot and plantar fasciitis

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May 12, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Squeezing Feeling around foot
by: Linda

Do you have any problems with your back - like sciatica? Do you have pain on the top of your foot and it hurts to wear a shoe? This can be coming from your SI joint.
The other possibility is diabetic neuropathy. You say you have gained a lot of weight. Is is possible that you have developed diabetes or even pregnancy diabetes?
Good luck. I have the squeezing around my foot too and it's very painful to wear a shoe so I have a lot of trouble walking
You can buy a little machine to test your own blood sugar for less than $20.00.
Good luck. I hope for your sake that you are able to lose the weight and that the pain in your foot goes away.

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Drugs.com

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Penn State Medical Center

National Institutes of Health

Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation

ScienceDirect

Stanford Health Care

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

Mount Sinai Hospital

Institute for Chronic Pain

University of Florida Health

American Family Physician

Cedars-Sinai

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If you happen to live in the New York - New Jersey area and would like to visit our office

Dr. Marc Mitnick

151 Summit Ave.
Summit, NJ 07901
908-522-0761


To make an appointment online or for directions to our office click Dr. Marc Mitnick.

DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this site is purely informational in nature. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. This information is not a substitute for advice from a medical professional. Please consult your healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The information presented here may be subject to errors and omissions.


SITE LAST UPDATED: MAY 2026




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(items I prescribe in the office)


Orthotics for multiple types of foot pain
best buy in a pre-made orthotic
click link below


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Orthotics for heel and arch pain for those who must wear dress shoes
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(location unknown)
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Scotland
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(location unknown)
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LH

(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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Madison, Alabama
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Denison, TX
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Texas
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Tampa, Florida 33624

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UK

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Regards,

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Edmonton,Canada

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South Africa

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Mansfield Ctr, CT

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Placentia, California

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Unknown

Unknown location

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Ric J.

Unknown location

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All the best,

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Alameda, California

By the way, millions of websites could use yours as a guideline on how to organize information and make the site user-friendly. Kudos to you!

Anonymous

Thank you for your very interesting and informative site!

Anonymous



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Thanks very much for the wonderful informative site.

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New Zealand

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Sincerely

Josette

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Arizona
I searched the internet everywhere for a clear description and illustration of my symptoms/problem. https://www.foot-pain-explained.com/ was where I ended my search with answers. If I lived in Jersey (left 30 years ago) and didn't live in Florida I would definetly make an appointment with Dr. Mitnick.

Thanks, Kathy

Florida
1st of all THANKS A LOT for your great site......

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Poland
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M P

South Carolina
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Natalie

unknown location


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Arlington, VA


Thank you so very much, that would be much appreciated. I love those insoles, by the way. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

Kelly W.

San Clemente, CA


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Pam

location unknown


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Glen

location unknown


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Bre

location unknown


Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so much for your reply. I did let my physician know and they took an x-ray - all is well! Also, thank you for providing this wonderful site, it is very helpful with lots of useful information! I appreciate your gift of time! God bless.

anonymous



Dr. Mitnick, Thank you, you were 100% correct. The pain finally brought me to the ER. I spent 8 days in the hospital. The Doppler you spoke of was able to show that there was no pulse in that foot. This was an arterial clot that split and traveled throughout my leg. My leg was almost amputated. I am in rough shape but have all my parts intact!! You certainly know what you are talking about. Thank you for taking the time to answer. Yours Truly!

anonymous



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Anna

Poland



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Esh

Seattle, WA


I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!!

Bonnie

location unknown



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Bill

New Jersey



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Debbie

location unknown



Wow, that is exactly the information needed!!! thank you thank you thank you!!! I appreciate this help so very much from Marc Mitnick DPM. Excellent information and help to improve One's life.

Chrissy

location unknown



Thanks so much for this website Dr. Marc! It is so nice that you have this ask the doctor feature..I'm sure I'ts been helpful for alot of people. I will try what you suggested and see if it helps...thanks again!

Tracy

Evansville, IA



Dear Marc

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Russ W.

location unknown



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-Sunny.

location unknown



Thank you very much for the information, I will consider it. Excellent web site.

Jackie

San Diego, CA



Dr. Mitnick, Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better. So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!

Rivi,

Albany, NY



Thank you so much for all of your advice. In searching the web for people dealing with this same issue i can tell you that you are a Knight In shining Armor! If I lived in Jersey I would gladly be your Spokesperson. Hopefully next time you hear from me it will be good news. God Bless,

Jill S.

location unknown



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Jackie

Whichita, KS



thanks again, this site is very helpful.

mark

Boston, MA



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....Keep up what your doing. Your a life saver.

Michelle

Colorado



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annielou

Colorado

Wonderful advice

by: Anonymous

This is the best site for foot problem info.

Thank you for this information. This description fits my pain and inflammation behind my 2nd toe perfectly.

by: Max

location unknown
Again, I really appreciate that you responded to my inquiry, and that your mention of Parkinson's helped me to find my way to a diagnosis of this difficult to diagnose disease. Most patients see on average 16 doctors before they are diagnosed. I hope that you can help other people that ask for your expertise in the future.

Barb D.

Canada
I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!! I have had a fusion in my rt foot and am finally getting a little bit better......

Bonnie

location unknown
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Nancie

Wisconsin
Thank you for your response. You have provided some great insight (to my question)....

Julie

location unknown
Thank-you so very much for responding so quickly and in such detail to my question!! I will give my surgeon a call today!! This website is terrific!!!! Thank-you again!

Renae

North Carolina
Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...

KG

location unknown

Thanks again doc for having this website and we STILL need qualified Podiatrists in beautiful sunny Tampa Bay (Bradenton) Florida.

Bessie Mae

Florida
Dear Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,

Lynne T.

location unknown
Your webpage is excellent, I commend you on sharing your knowledge to the public.

Robert

New Jersey


Thank you. you were more detailed than what others have told me they finally called from the last xrays and my son is now in a cast for 2 weeks he did have a fracture that was not noticeable.

a mom

location unknown


I have read your website and I have to admit that I am amazed at all the information that is on here. I have learned more than the three years I have been going to several doctors that I have seen!!

Melody

Lenoir, NC


Thank you so much Doc for a quick and thorough response!

Rustam

Bellevue, WA


I cannot thank you enough for your response, opinion, and suggestions! I want you to know how much it means to me, and I'm sure everyone else who has ever asked you a question! I feel like you're a lifesaver and have empowered me to take a stronger role and stand up for myself and my feet!

Jodi

location unknown

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