Sudden sharp stabbing pain in the top of one foot

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Sudden sharp stabbing pain in the top of one foot

by Bob F.
(Los Angeles, Ca.)

I'm a 49 yr old male. 5'6" & 165lbs. In very good health. I exercise 3-4 times a week and do good deal of walking as a part of my job.

After several years in absence last night I was revisited by a very familiar pain. Suddenly and without warning I get a sharp stabbing pain dead center in the top of my left foot. It is a world stopping pain. It will last from a second or two to up to a full minute. This comes in episodes ..... last night the pains came once or twice an hour throughout the night. These episodes last from a few hours to several days. Day or night.... morning or evening make no difference.

Years ago I thought it was related to bad shoes. So I bought the best. No effect..... Many doctors & x-rays later it was thought it might be diet related .....a deficiency in potassium. So I ate a banana a day. The results were mixed. Much exercise along with vitamin and mineral supplements were of little help. After a time it simply went away.

Now it has returned. There have been no changes in diet, activity level or anything.

I fear I'll be walking down a hall and simply collapse form this pain out of the blue. What could this be?

Hi Bob,
I am not trying to pass the buck here but a very sharp pain like you are experiencing is difficult to diagnose without actually examining you.
When people describe sharp stabbing pain the first thought is a Mortons's neuroma. This would occur in the part of the foot just behind the toes, usually the third and fourth toe.
If that is where your pain is then you can read my section on Morton's neuroma, if that is not where the pain is originating from then I think a another visit to a podiatrist would be indicated.
Marc Mitnick DPM

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Sudden sharp stabbing pain in the top of one foot

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May 22, 2012
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I have had this for over 10 years......
by: Jane

There does not seem to be any reason why all of a sudden it will come back and attack.

Sometimes it lasts for 24 hrs. Then it goes and doesn't rear it's ugly head until I am least expecting it.

I am certain that I have something floating in my foot and sometimes it gets near to a nerve and gives me horrendous pain until it floats away.

There is one common denominator though. It always happens when I have been knelt or sat in the garden doing some weeding. 9 times out of 10 I can do this leisurely task without any ill effect.

Apr 17, 2012
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medical mystery
by: Anonymous

I'm a 21 year old fit female right handed and experiencing the same shooting excruciating pain in the top of the right side of my left foot near the ankle. Based on the comments below, there doesn't seem to be any correlation between gender/age/physical shape to this weird phenomenon. If anyone figures this out I'm sure we'd all appreciate an explanation.

Apr 03, 2012
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same
by: Bruce

Same left foot pain, near ankle,slightly outside. Pinched my psyatic nerve 2 years ago. Left handed, auto-transmission. pain every few days , then multiple times tonight.

Mar 31, 2012
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Possible reason for this excruciating pain
by: Celia

I posted my comment onto this site last year after experiencing the worst imaginable pain on top of my left foot, which kept me awake for one entire night amd half the next night. The pain came every few minutes with such intensity that at one point I screamed. I took several painkillers but they made no difference. On thinking back to what happened the day before the pain first started, I had been invited to a function and had stood around talking to people for 2 or 3 hours without sitting down. I was wearing a pair of comfortable bt very high-heeled shoes that I had not worn for over ten years due to lifestyle changes (i.e. not working in an office any more and not needing to wear smart high heeled shoes very often). These heels obviously put an unaccustomed strain on my foot and maybe that somehow caused the nerves to get inflamed or the tissues around the nerves to get inflamed. What do other women sufferers think of this? Or what do other male sufferers think of this - perhaps men who suddenly have to drive a manual car after being used to an automatic? Comments please!

Mar 31, 2012
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Same pain and how my pain is triggered
by: Living with it

I've had this pain for several months. Until last night I've nailed it down to 2 specific motions that cause the pain - sharply extending or flexing the foot. Either of these 2 motions will cause the pain but the pain doesn't start for several seconds to a minute after I've done the motion. That's what threw me off for a while. As long as I was aware not to move my foot like that I was pain free. I have a recliner and I noticed the pain was triggered when my foot was hanging off the recliner in an extended position. The pain was triggered again when I woke up in the morning and streteched and I naturally flex my feet which triggered the pain.

But last night in the early morning hours I started getting the pain every few minutes. It was like someone jabbing a needle into my foot and then withdrawing it quickly. It kept yanking me out of my sleep no matter what position I slept in.

Hopefully someone will figure it out.

Mar 31, 2012
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Sharp stabbing voodoo doll like pain on top of right foot where the foot meets the ankle
by: Living with it

I've had this pain for several months. Until last night I've nailed it down to 2 specific motions that cause the pain - sharply extending or flexing the foot. Either of these 2 motions will cause the pain but the pain doesn't start for several seconds to a minute after I've done the motion. That's what threw me off for a while. As long as I was aware not to move my foot like that I was pain free. I have a recliner and I noticed the pain was triggered when my foot was hanging off the recliner in an extended position. The pain was triggered again when I woke up in the morning and streteched and I naturally flex my feet which triggered the pain.

But last night in the early morning hours I started getting the pain every few minutes. It was like someone jabbing a needle into my foot and then withdrawing it quickly. It kept yanking me out of my sleep no matter what position I slept in. Hopefully it is temporary. Hopefully someone will figure it out.

Mar 30, 2012
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i;m so glad-sorry,i;m not alone
by: rachel

as everybody else i too have this amazing stabbing,shooting pain on my right foot,its been going on for a few months now,i,ve tried everything you can imagine.
i,ve even purchased 4 new pairs of shoes,boots and crocs over the past 6 months .i wondered if it was because i;m on my feet all day ,walking on a concrete floor.a ligament can also be felt getting tight at the heel.
does anyone else have a lump on the top of there foot???

while waiting to go back to the hospital my breakfast consists of codiene and cornflakes !!!

does any one have any ideas of the reasons y and can any thing be done.
fingers crossed .x

Feb 28, 2012
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So sleepy
by: chris

was woken up at 5 am with sharp stabbing pain on the top of my left foot, tried a analgesic rub, no avail, heat then ice and as a last resort a pain pill, nothing worked. Called my foot and ankle dr. he never returned the call, so assuming this isn't life threatening. Pain has persisted all day it is now 9 pm and am dreading not being able to sleep tonight.It seemed to be less painfulif i stay busy and on my feet. Help !!!!

Feb 03, 2012
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Dreadful stabbing pain on side of left foot
by: Anonymous

I am a 69 year old female in good health. The night before last night I was woken up about half an hour after I had fallen asleep in bed but the most awful, intense intermittent stabbing pains om the side of my left foot near the ankle and instep. Each pain lasted about 5 seconds. It stopped for about 30 seconds and then started again. It went on throughout the night and I got no sleep at all. The pain was the most excruciating pain I have ever felt and I have never had this before. The pain did not go until lunchtime the next day. I am frightened this pain might come again. I took 2 lots of painkillers in the night when this was happening, but the pain was so bad the tablets made no difference.

Dec 15, 2011
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Why hasn't anyone figured this out yet????
by: Phil

The only thing worse than this pain is going repeatedly going to different Doctors and having them say that nothing appears to be wrong! I even go to the Doctor with all the comments from this website printed up to show them. The podiatrist doesn't hardly pay it any attention. This is after waiting a month to see him.
I've been suffering from this for about 4 or five months now. My pain is located right behind and between my smallest toe and one next to it. After that, my symptoms are the same as most everyone else's. Especially in the way it comes in waves. The pain is so severe as to be indescribable. That's what I use these pages for, to try to describe to a doctor what it is like. I've had and an MRI and of course everything appears fine.

This topic has been going on in this website for over 2 years and no one has been fixed yet??

Will someone PLEASE post something here that answers questions?

-Phil

Hi Phil,
One point worth mentioning is that many times with this type of pain an MRI will come back negative. Over the years I have removed neuromas even in patients who had negative MRI's.
The two most common causes of the type of pain you are experiencing in that particular part of the foot would be a neuroma and an intermetatarsal bursitis.
Both of these can give you severe pain at any time and at other times not bother you at all.
You mention you have been to a couple of doctors but do not mention if you have had any treatment.
You really need to find someone who can "think outside the box" and treat you based on your symptoms rather than a normal MRI.

Marc Mitnick DPM

Dec 08, 2011
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Same pain but big toe and top of foot
by: Anonymous

This has been going on with me for quite some time now, probably a year. Mine started with this sudden sharp pain in my big toe, at the side edge of the nail. I feared an ingrown toenail. It is not that. This intermittent pain continues and now shoots up the top of my foot, staying in line with the big toe. It happens when I am off my feet usually. I notice also that sometimes now I feel it in my second toe. I am worried it will continue to increase. I mentioned to my Dr and she just said hmmm and looked at it. I have Fibromyalgia, so strange pain is on the laundry list of problems when I go to the Dr and this one got swept under the rug. Its embarrassing, I will yell out sometimes and fear this happening in public!! Any ideas?? I cannot afford a podiatrist unless it would be no choice etc.

Nov 01, 2011
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Surprised to read so many others have this too
by: Anonymous

Mine started just yesterday. Exactly the same kind of pain all of you are describing - a sharp pain on the top of my left foot,about where the foot and ankle bones meet. Excruciating pain like I've never felt before that lasts about 3 seconds. Mine seems to occur more often than the rest of you report - just when I'm sitting down or even lying in bed. I don't drive (ride motorcycle taxis since I live in Phnom Penh) and while I'm usually quite active I haven't been for the past month or so due to work obligations. But I sure wish I knew what this was caused by! Very strange and painful. Certainly hope it doesn't last.

Oct 20, 2011
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The Same
by: Anonymous

I'm 26 and in very good health. I work out 5 days a week, including running. Recently, I have started to commute to a new job in my manual car. One morning, out of the blue, I experienced a very sharp stabbing pain right in the middle of my left foot. It has persisted ever since. It too comes and goes. It seems to really be active while I am driving, but even hurts while laying in bed, walking, or running. Strange that it seems to be affecting a lot of folks who have a manual car. Its really beginning to concern me, especially since its happening while I'm still young.

Oct 11, 2011
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A pattern is emerging
by: Jon

The previous poster plays the cello - I play the guitar. We can call it stringed intrumentitis.

Seriously this is enough pain to make me yell out and I've broken bones before without a whimper. As someone said above it's like someone hammering a nail through the top of your foot - in my case just where the foot joins the ankle - more or less dead centre.

I'm 54, fit, not overweight, good diet except a bit too much alcohol. I drive a manual car using my left foot on the clutch and the pain is in my left foot. I think it started after I started running for exercise but I haven't run for some time and just recently it's back with a vengeance. Today I was driving and I had to just grab my foot to try to stop it. Fortunately I was just coasting...

The only other thing that strikes me is that I'm too tall for my bed and sometimes I wake with my foot stretched over the bottom of the bed in a unnatural position - pulled really far back. Which reminds me that some time ago I had a massage and the masseur pulled the same foot back so far that there was a lump there next morning. There was no pain then though and it was some years ago but it was in the same place.

Someone please figure it out. It really hurts. No point in meds because it's so random - I've had it today and yesterday but not for a month or maybe 2.

Sep 12, 2011
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Treatment of Sinus Tarsi Syndrome
by: Paul

Treatment of Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

Treatment of sinus tarsi syndrome begins with identification of the activity that may be contributing to subtalar joint injury. Rest and bracing of the subtalar joint, using an ankle brace is helpful. Orthotics do help to limit the range of motion of the subtalar joint.

It's important to recognize that most cases of sinus tarsi syndrome are due to mechanical load applied to the subtalar joint. Therefore, the most important aspect of caring for sinus tarsi syndrome is identifying and eliminating pathological loads applied to the subtalar joint. Inflammation within the sinus tarsi can be controlled with injectable cortisone. If cortisone and bracing prove ineffective, ablation (destruction) of the nerve can be accomplished by chemical or thermal means. Chemical ablation is performed using serial injections of 4% alcohol. Relief with chemical ablation is achieved after 4-6 injections. Thermal ablation involves the use of a thermal ablation unit that freezes the nerve of the sinus tarsi.

Surgical treatment of sinus tarsitis focuses on the removal of the soft tissue contents of the sinus tarsi. The soft tissue plug found in the sinus tarsi is called Hoke's tonsil. Removal of Hoke's tonsil acts to denervate the sinus tarsi. Denervation of the sinus tarsi does not correct the mechanical problems of the subtalar joint, but denervation removes the local sensory feedback from the sinus tarsi. Therefore, removal of Hoke's tonsile is simply used to eliminate the pain associate with sinus tarsi syndrome.
Hope this helps

Regards Paul

Sep 10, 2011
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I suffer terribly from this too...
by: Anonymous

My podiatrist said, "Ah.... sinus tarsi syndrome." Apparently we have a tendon that is aggravated. Mine comes to me after I've been on my feet alot. But it doesn't come while I'm walking or standing. It comes and stays unbearably, stabbing and stabbing intermittently, when I finally sit down to rest. I frequently get up and walk around because although it hurts, it hurts less walking than it does sitting. Mine has followed a horrible ankle rolling sprain several years ago. A cortisone shot brings great relief almost immediately but it sure doesn't last long. It's a real pain - no pun intended!

Sep 07, 2011
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Stabbing Pain
by: Paul

I too have a stabbing pain on the top of my left foot. I do drive a manual car and it has affected me while pressing in the clutch. It seems to happen mostly when I walk. All of a sudden the joint doesn't want to go any further because of the sharp pain.
I am 53 and fit but about 2 months ago I decided to take up playing soccer. Whilst at the park I kicked the ball with my left foot and felt a sharp pain, it has been playing up every now and then since that time at the park.
I don't have a broken foot I run for 5 Klms with ease. this generally only happens when I walk and least expect it.
I found a hot pack does help. It does relieve the pain and loosens up the joint.
I hope this helps.
Regards Paul

Aug 16, 2011
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foot top pain and now side of ankle
by: Anonymous D

I have had this pain for a long time off and on but never more than two nights in a row. Usually several months apart. It was always on top of right foot and now sometimes is just on the outside R. ankle bone. I am 67, female and have small bones, have tried every conceivable remedy, cold pressure seems the best but comes back soon after lying down. Does not bother in waking hours and movement in walking. Had x-rays done, some bone loss, will see bone specialist soon. Maybe all this foot pain is from tiny foot bones weakening and pressing on a nerve ???? but why such periods of no pain sessions

Aug 15, 2011
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Mine's just started
by: Ozzie

Last night out driving I suddenly experienced an intense jabbing pain on top of my left foot, lasting only a few seconds. It happened once more about half an hour later 9/10 on pain scale. Then nothing until tonight while I was standing up, when it happened again.

I'm 62, fit and active, right handed, drive a manual car, live in Australia, so this thing knows no borders. I've read all the other posts, and they describe it exactly. I just hope it doesn't persist, as it instantly disrupts whatever you are doing, and you can't help letting out an "ouch"!

Aug 10, 2011
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Ibuprofen ?
by: Anonymous

I have noticed an increase in this "bolt of lightning" pain in the top of the foot. (NOT joint pain) when I am taking ibuprofen. Anyone else take ibuprofen and has this intermittant pain ?

Aug 09, 2011
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Similar Foot Pain
by: Hank... Owwwww!

Mine started yesterday with an overwhelming and unexpected pain that will send you to the moon quickly. It lasted for a few seconds and was gone. I notice that just seconds before the pain of my life, I felt as if a nerve or something was twiching a bit then wham! This is on the right side of my left foot at the top.

It has happened several times since yesterday and seems to be getting more frequent. I am kinda getting scared. I dont want this to be a permanent situation. Doesn't feel like bone or muscle and has to be a disturbed nerve.

Are there other symptoms elsewhere that could be part of the same issue. I have also had optic migranes in the past that I attributed to nerve stuff... Anyone else?

Pain meds dont work either....

Aug 01, 2011
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me too
by: Tricia

Mine started two weeks ago. The pain actually woke me up. It started at the top of my right foot just behind the pinky toe. I've been having sharp shooting pain every since it started. The pain is very random and just sorta comes and goes. It may last or a few seconds up to a minute or so. It is very annoying but I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one dealing with this. Just wish someone could say what is causing it.

Jul 16, 2011
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Sharp Pain under 5th metatarsal
by: Al

I am a 41 yr old male, in good physical condition.

A week or two ago, I started experiencing sudden, acute pain under the right foot, in the middle of the 5th metatarsal, well away from any joint. The pain lasts approx 20 seconds total: it starts suddenly at a 5 on a scale of 10, peaks to an 8 out of 10, and disappears gradually over the last 5-10 seconds. It completely disappears for 2-3 days, then comes back without warning.

The pain is sharp, intense (to the pont of feeling nauseous), as if a needle was driven out from inside my bone. Like the other stories below, this happened when I was at rest, usually driving.

I severely bruised this same bone approx 5 years ago, but it has since healed, and I have not felt any pain for approx 4 years. I don't know if it is related. I assume it might be.

I am booking a doctor's appointment and will advise if I obtain a diagnosis.

Jul 08, 2011
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Left foot pain as well
by: Geoff

Why is it in the left foot for the vast majority of us? Do we all drive manual cars or are we all left handed, there must be something which causes this problem specifically with the left foot!
My pain occurs when sitting or resting in bed, sudden stabbing pain.

Manual Car, Left Handed, Runner

Jul 03, 2011
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Periodic stabbing pain on top of foot
by: John

A week ago I started having severe stabbing pain about 1 inch back from the pinki on my right foot. The two nights ago it would not go away. It felt like an ice pick being stuck into my foot - lasted for about 1-2 seconds and then nothing for about 10-15 seconds. Then another stab. This went on for two days - no sleep. Yesterday I managed to slip in to a DPM. He took xrays - no problem indicated. During the examination he identified very tender/sore streak from the point the pain occurred to about 2 inches toward the back of the foot. I had severe siatic nerve problems a year ago that were resolved. He stated that the top of the foot is served by a different nerve path and not the siatic.

The treatment was: spray the whole strip with really cold stuff, inject a mixture of anesthetic and cordozoner. (sorry about the spelling) Since I had this very well established pain duration and time period between shots of pain, his theory was to break the pain cycle by essentially temporarly disabling the nerve. Makes the right side of the foot numb. I also took 10MG of Diazepam. Tried to go to sleep last night but the pain persisted. Picked up ibuprofen and took 600mg (perscription strength) and Max-Freeze on recomendation of the pharmcist. After about an hour I was able to get to sleep for almost 7 hours. Woke up due to stabbing pain again but not so much. Tapered off during the day. Tonight there is no pain, no twitching along the nerve, and all feels normal. This might be the first full nights sleep in two weeks.

I think his theory about breaking the cycle was spot on. His speciality is foot surgery so I have confidence that he knows what he is talking about.

So far - so good. I am still puzzeled how the body can set up a periodic pain for 1-2 seconds and make it happen every 10-15 seconds for hours on end. I would really like to understand how this happends and why.

Apr 10, 2011
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damthathurt
by: bob

47 yr old, good health, good diet, way to much pepsi, beer, active, 6 pm yesterday had severe pain in top and small toe side of right foot, came on very suddenly, about a 6 on 1-10 pain scale, hurt more when I tried to walk, Took telonol and later ibuprofin eased up after about 5 hours, Nearly gone completely this morning. Suspect it to be muscular cramp,, this hurt very badly, at time I thought I had dislocated a bone or something. Thankfully it got better, good luck.

Apr 08, 2011
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ME TOO
by: Tony

I have just started with these identical pains on the left side of my left foot.
I had the same symptoms 10 years ago following an operation on my back to relieve a large prolapse in the lower lumber which leads me to believe i may have aggravated my back while chopping down that bloody tree.

Apr 04, 2011
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Same here
by: Anonymous

For 3 weeks I've had sudden stabbing pain in the top of my right foot.

I suspected it had something to do with exercise, because I've been trying to hit the 6-minute mile. Recently I've had bothersome ankle and leg bone pain (which was new to me), and now the sudden stabbing pains in the top of my foot.

It worries me and I hope someone has answers.

Mar 29, 2011
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The Foot Pain Continued
by: Ross

I'm 40, male, reasonably fit and have all the same symptoms - left foot, outside edge usually though - seems to "attack" mostly when I'm sitting or in bed, leading me to believe that this is some how related to poor circulation and perhaps, as someone mentioned earlier, a rush of blood back into veins or a pinched nerve. If I rub the spot (or keep my leg vibrating by pushing down on the ball of my foot - if I'm sitting) after the first shot of pain I can generally keep it from zapping me again, but I need to keep it going for ages and if I stop at some point I generally get zapped again!

Mar 24, 2011
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Please Help!!
by: Anonymous

I too am having a sharp stabbing pain in my left foot but mine is at the base of my second toe. I dont recall hitting it or dropping anything on it, its not swollen or red. The pain seems to only last about 30 seconds or so and goes away for awhile only to return...Any Ideas

Mar 08, 2011
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add me to the list!
by: Dee B.

I have the same stabbing pain dead center of my right foot. Happens randomly. Usually when I am on my feet alot. Sometimes if I lift my foot up, it will help lessen the pain alittle. The pain is so sudden and quick I automatically yell "ow" and lift up my foot trying to get the pain to stop. It will stab 2 or 3 times in a row about 10-15 sec. apart and then go away. It sometimes comes back the next day or 2 then goes away for weeks or months. Another thing to just live with I guess.

Feb 20, 2011
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update on ankle pain
by: sheri

Saw a neurologist on Feb. 18th. Had a neurological physical exam. Dr. diagnosed "neuralgia" and prescribed Gabatentin 200-400mg twice a day as needed. Have taken the med. for a couple of days now, but still experincing pain episodes lasting 5-10 minutes 3-6 times a day. Going to continue on med. for a while and see how it goes.

Feb 16, 2011
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excruciating lateral ankle pain
by: sheri

Excruciating/"stabbing" ankle pain on my lateral (outside) ankle -- it comes and goes lasting a few seconds to a minute. I had to leave work today (I'm an RN who works in an Operating room). I had several attacks of pain and was afraid that I would randomly scream out in pain and scare a patient and/or staff. A surgeon x-rayed my foot in the OR but no bone problems detected. Took the bus home as I was afraid to drive home because when the pain comes, it is overwhelming and i'm not sure how I would react.
I first noticed this pain 3 weeks ago - I was shopping and it took my breath away. that same day I had two other episodes. No more episodes until yesterday evening when I had an episode lasting a minute, then was awakened 3-4 times during the night with episodes. I made the mistake of "shaking it off" and going to work today. Have called my primary care Doc for a work-up. Does anyone have any insights??? I'm thinking that I need a full workup with a neurologist.

Jan 24, 2011
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Mine started this morning
by: Fred H

It's a sudden sharp excruciating pain in the top of my left foot as described in other posts. It comes on about onece every five minuites, lasts for about 5 seconds, and disappears completely. Apparently no one has posted a diagnosis.

Jan 17, 2011
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No one has a diagnoses ?
by: JD

There are quite a few of us. I will keep watching
so please keep us informed if you see results from
meds, diet, whatever. Geez it hurts, only for 5 to
sixty seconds but still. Eventually we'll ID this.

Jan 17, 2011
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follow-up to left foot left side comment I left
by: Anonymous

Well, the next day, I went to the internist. She said don't worry about a clot. Those occur on large veins, like at the calf. She sent me for an xray--hypothesizing I had a small fracture. But, no dice. The pain was present the following night--for which I took a Vicadin she prescribed. It has disappeared since then. Now I'm thinking it is some slight shingles episode.

Jan 09, 2011
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Doc, He said : "In the top of the foot DEAD CENTER
by: Anonymous

I too have been dealing with these pain zaps
since 2007 or so. I think it is uric acid/gout
related but not in nor slightly behind toes at all. Looking down at top of foot its about midway up the arch in the top of foot as it rises to ankle. Veins seem to converge or branch. In my minds eye the pain is so electric intense its as if its a few thousand capillaries suddenly denied blood. But all my frantic rubbing and praying do nothing to stop it. Then its gone - so completely gone that I forget about it. Months at a time no problem then... ZAP !

Somebody's got a voodoo doll with a bigass hat pin ready to stick in top right foot again!
I've had to steer clear of beer as I often have
attacks after.

Jan 09, 2011
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narrow shoes causing pain?
by: Anonymous

My pain seem to start after wearing narrow pointed shoes for a long time.

Jan 03, 2011
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Left top of foot left side
by: Anonymous

Like those listed, I, too, have been awakened by this and cannot return to sleep. I am worried that this is a symptom of a clot. So far, this has been going on almost 24 hours. Ibuprofen seemed to help in the daytime--and evening but not now, during the middle of the night.

Nov 30, 2010
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Severe, Sudden, Stabbing pain in foot
by: CW

I have the same, sudden and very sharp pain on my right foot. Similar to what others have reported, it comes without warning and is so sudden and severe that it causes me to cry out in pain. It is as if someone is driving a nail down the top center of my foot. It doesn't seem to be related to activity and happens most when I'm sitting and/or (trying) to sleep. It has been happening on and off for about 2 weeks, but seems to be getting worse. I can go several hours without any pain, but then will have several attacks (lasting 5 seconds to 1 minute) in a row. I had an Xray last week which showed nothing remarkable and have a bone scan later this week. My doc gave me pain medication which is of no use because the pain is so sudden and only lasts for a short time. Would love to hear what other's have found out about this. Is it a nerve disorder? I've fractured my hip twice and know what bone pain feels like. This does not feel like bone pain.

Nov 15, 2010
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top of left foot pain
by: S J

I too have pain on the top of my left foot! It's awful...lasts a few seconds to a minute, and comes in waves. Mine is in the center top of the foot, not near the toes or ankle.
It is so severe it can keep me from sleeping. If I am sitting still, I am shocked from the pain.
It can go away for a couple of days, and then return...happening several times to maybe 30 times a day.
My left foot has hurt for about a year now. I do not have a sprain or swelling. It is so strange.

Sep 26, 2010
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Me too
by: Anonymous

43 year old male. Regular excercise and quite fit. Experienced a sudden sharp pain in my left foot six times today. If I am relaxed, the pain causes me to cry out, but when it hapened while I was running, it seemed less severe.

Aug 14, 2010
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same pain
by: Chuck

I started having the same pain about 3 hrs ago. Very sharp on top of my rt foot. Lasts for a second, comes every 15-30 seconds. has lasted for 3 hours now. Woke me up from a dead sleep.

Aug 09, 2010
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What is this ..
by: Shelia

Mine is 1inch in frnu of leg.she was realy trying to find

Aug 09, 2010
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same
by: Anonymous

i am having the same sensation, it just started happening about an hour ago, its in the middle of the night and i woke up because of the pain. it seems my foot has a stabing sensaton every 5 seconds and its not going away, i am in severe pain as of now. idk what to do. it doesnt seem as seriouse as to alert a doctor though,

May 12, 2010
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Same pain, but bottom of foot
by: jhrBanker

I have exactly the same pain, except that mine is in the bottom of the left foot, about 2/3 of the way back towards the heal, and close to the outside of the foot. I work from home at a desk, and spend alot of time without shoes. I've seen a Podiatrist, but it seems like she only wants to sell me shoes, and I can't see how that can help when I spend most of my time sitting at a desk.

Apr 12, 2010
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I also have the same pain
by: Anonymous

I thought that I must be the only one to experience this type of sharp, stabbing, excruciating pain on the top of my foot because every time I try to explain it to someone they look at me like "yeah, right". I decided to search the internet to see if anyone else was as "crazy" as I was. Apparently I am not the only one suffering from this painful infliction. I too have asked my doctor what this could be. He has no idea. He "could not see anything". Just as anonymous asked and the good doctor refers to toes. I don't think they know actually. If we could only get a straight answer.

Jan 09, 2010
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I'm feeling you
by: Anonymous

I have your same pain. Left in all.

Nov 05, 2009
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Same symptoms
by: Melissa

I am 26 years old, 5'6", approximately 134 lbs, in good physical shape, exercise regularly (at least 3 times a week - strength training and cardio - with a personal trainer) and have a good balanced diet.

I also experience these intense sharp shooting, stabbing pains on the top of my left foot, ever so slightly to the right of the top center of my foot, above the arch. So it's not near the 3rd & 4th toes - nor near the toes at all actually, it's more in line with the 1st and 2nd toes, but higher up. This pain is incredible when it happens, 'world stopping' as the previous post said - enough to collapse and writhe in pain. It also lasts between a couple of seconds, to a minute. Sometimes it happens numerous times a day or numerous times an hour, sometimes spaced only a few minutes apart - whether or not I am wearing shoes. Then, it won't happen again for days, sometimes weeks, and then, all of a sudden, it's back to numerous times a day.

I sit a lot since I am a cello teacher, so I don't know if this has anything to do with it. But I have been a cellist practically my whole life and have spoken with other cello teachers who have been teaching a lot longer than I have, but they have not experienced this before. I noticed this pain starting a lot this last summer, then it subsided, and now it's back in full swing. I can't work out what triggers it, or what I should do about it. Is this something I should worry about? It's only on the top of my left foot. This summer I also felt it in my hands, but haven't since. It looks like a nerve in my foot..or a vein, or something. I can sort of see a fine line when it starts the severe stabbing pain.

Any help/advice/ideas are so, very appreciated.

Thank you,
Melissa

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Sudden sharp stabbing pain in the top of one foot

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Sudden sharp stabbing pain in the top of one foot