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

foot issue, mostly the great toe

by Patricia
(New Orleans)

The great toe on my left foot is in dorsiflexion. I have tried to keep in down when walking and have created a pain in my ankle and then swelling in my foot. I treated the ankle as a sprain w/ Rice and that is much better. I don't know what type of Dr. to see to correct the dorsiflexion. Would prefer not to have surgery. Can you direct me to who I should see? An orthopedist, a podiatrist, a physical therapist? I live in New Orleans, La. I'd appreciated any direction you can give me. Thanks. Patricia


RESPONSE

Hi Patricia,

The first thing that has to be determined is why is your big toe in a dorsiflexed position. Assuming you come to find that there is no neurological explanation for this and it is simply idiopathic, meaning it just happened, the only way that I know to straighten the toe would be through a simple surgical procedure.

The tight tendon, the extensor hallucis longus tendon, or perhaps even the extensor hallucis brevis tendon, would have to be lengthened, so that your big toe would come back down to the ground. This is also assuming there is no bone obstruction at the level of the big toe joint that is not allowing the toe to come down on its own.

The procedure itself is not a terribly involved one as the tendon lies just below the skin, you can probably actually see it as it would be more pronounced in a dorsiflexed big toe.

I am not so sure a physical therapist could do anything to actually stretch the tendon so that the big toe comes back down.

So, in that case you could see either a podiatrist or an orthopedist.

Marc Mitnick DPM
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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

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University of Florida Health

American Family Physician

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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


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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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Unknown location

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Poland
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South Carolina
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San Clemente, CA


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location unknown


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location unknown


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anonymous



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location unknown



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New Jersey



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Evansville, IA



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San Diego, CA



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Albany, NY



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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
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Canada
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location unknown
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location unknown
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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

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Florida
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location unknown
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New Jersey


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a mom

location unknown


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Lenoir, NC


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Bellevue, WA


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location unknown

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