pinky toe feeling tingly and kinda numb.

My little toe has been feeling a little tingly and numb on my left foot. I have found that my knee hurts too. What could the possible problems been. Its been like this for 3 days so far. Do I have anything to worry about?

Hi Alycia,
I do not know if the knee pain is related to your little toe pain. Usually numbness and tingling on one toe is due to a local nerve irritation. You can give it a week or two, it may go away. If not have a podiatrist look at him to at least put your mind at ease.
Marc Mitnick DPM

my third toe on my left foot is smaller than my 2nd and 4th toes

by Luis
(miami,FL)

hi, on my left foot my third toe is way to small compared to my 3nd and 4th toes and it makes it look weird. is there anything i can do to make my 3rd toe grow longer to match my other ones? is there any surgery i can do to enlarge my 3rd toe? My guess is that my 3rd toes bones didnt grow or something..im just sick and tired of being embarased by my toes

im a male and 16 years old by the way
thanks

Hi Luis,
Most cases of a toe being shorter than the rest of the toes is usually due to a cause not related to the toes themselves but rather a shorter metatarsal bone which is the bones just behind the toes. This is a condition known as brachymetatarsai. I have seen a few of them over the years.
I have not written a page on this condition (yet), but you can certainly research it.
The condition can be treated by having a bone graft placed in the shortened metatarsal to actually lengthen it and thereby have the toes line up more evenly.
I find most people just live with the condition but if it bothers you enough seek a medical opinion.
Marc Mitnick DPM

"electric-like" pain on side of baby toe

by Andrea
(Seattle, WA USA)

Off and on--sometimes lasting for days at a time--I experience an electric-like sensation on the side of the baby toe of my right foot. It is not so much painful as it is annoying/distracting, as it feels like an electrical impulse. It is especially irritating at night, and keeps me from falling asleep. I do have a bunion on that foot. The electrical impulse radiates from the toe up the side of my leg. I am not sure what to do for this, or which type of doctor to see. A neurologist? A podiatrist? A chiropractor? Help.

Hi Andrea,
Sounds like a local nerve irritation, your best source for relief would be a podiatrist.
Marc Mitnick DPM

big toe nail pain to the touch and toe is tingly

by melinda newsome
(sparks, nv)

my toe nail ripped 1 year ago and i babysat it until it grew back. Now I have pain to the touch even when I sleep sharp pains in the toe area tingly and it feels like it goes numb what should i do. n The nail curves in a bit as well my mom had the same problem but hers was so bad she had the nails removed.

Hi Melinda,
Many times when a nail comes off and it grows back it can become ingrown. This would cause your symptoms. Typically in the majority of instances, my patients who come in with ingrown nails will tell me they hurt when in bed.
You should see a podiatrist; you will not need the whole nail removed, just the portion that is ingrown.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Swollen ball of big toe

by Lois
(Georgia)

You've been so helpful with your responses to my questions...more so than my own doctor. I have one more question...I didn't find anything similar already here. As you know, I've had the bunionectomy and I am now 3 months post op. The only swelling I seem to have left in my foot is in the ball/pad under the big toe. It is *not* the bunion, but is located where the sesamoid bones are. There is no pain, just LOTS of swelling....its as if something stung me there, but there is no pain. Is this residual bunionectomy swelling? Is it from the sesamoids? Something else? It is about three times the size of the one on my other foot. As much as I have been icing, using anti-inflamatories, massage, and elevation, the swelling doesn't seem to go away.

Hi Lois,
The first thing that comes to mind, postoperatively were you wearing a surgical shoe (stiff soled shoe) or were you in a cast? If you were in a surgical shoe the swelling might be from that. Even though those shoes are necessary, they can also cause other problems.
Sometimes after any surgery, quirky things can occur; the swelling may end up being nothing, but keep in mind, if the swelling is near the sesamoids, depending on the type of procedure you had done, there might have been some surgical "work" done in that area. Do not be afraid to press your doctor for answers.
Marc Mitnick DPM

INTOO

by TRINA
(SURREY,BC,CANADA)

MY DOUGHETR IS 30 MONTH OLD AND SHE IS WaLKING Intoeing I ASK MY FAMILY DR.BUT SHE SED THAT AROUD 5 YEARS SHE WILL BE OK I WAS NOT HAPPY WITH AN ASWER PLEAS HEALP ME WHAT SHOULD I DO ....
THANK YOU
TRINA

Hi Trina,
Although most children do grow out of intoeing, there are some who do not and my opinion is family doctors are not your best source for advice in this particular area.
It is important to find out at what level of the leg, the intoeing is coming from. Once that is determined then a more accurate prognosis can be made.
I would recommend you take your daughter to an orthopedist or podiatrist.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Soreness on pad under 4th and 5th toes

About 3 months ago, I spent 3 weeks on a hiking trip. I probably went hiking about every other day or so. Early in the trip, I notice a soreness on the bottom of my foot. It was not bad and seemed to go away when I was walking. I know that sounds crazy but the pain seemed to be there at rest but not there when walking. When I returned home, I went to a podiatrist as the soreness did not go away. The x-ray did not show a break so he was thinking it was a Mortons neuroma. However, he could not get any of the normal symptoms to show up on exam. No soreness where it should be and no clicking. I waited three months to see if the soreness would go away but it has not. I then agreed to the cortisone injection. However, this has not made a difference in the soreness.

I am a 50 year old female, diabetic (sugars are under control). I do not wear high heeled shoes. Again, the soreness seems to be in the pad under the 4th and 5th toes and I feel the soreness at rest. Not extremely sore but enough that you know something is not right in your foot. It does seem more painful when I stand up on my toes. It does not seem to be any different with my shoes on or off. What I am saying is that it does not seem to reduce the pain by taking off my shoes.

Appreciate any help.

Hi,
First of all you can have a Morton's neuroma without the doctor being able to ellicit any of the telltale signs. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the patient's history.
Because of the location I would also consider capsulitis or an intermetatarsal bursitis as alternate diagnoses.
An MRI with contrast might be helpful in narrowing down a diagnosis, then possibly an additional cortisone injection, or some other treatment plan would be indicated.
Just because one cortisone shot did not help is not a reason to think you have to live with this problem.
Marc Mitnick DPM

underneath middle toe is swollen

by Sara
(Leicestershire, UK)

underneath my middle toe (right foot)is red and swollen, just the top bit. felt the bone and its ok. but last 2 nights its woke me up with real throbbing pain. as the day wears on its ok putting pressure on it. it also seems its starting in my left foot on same toe, but notice a red spot there when i put pressure on toe.

Hi Sara,
Two things come to mind. One is capsulitis (read my section) but the other is the other is the possibility of a stress fracture.
You would be wise to have the foot examined and x-rayed.

Marc Mitnick DPM

middle toe sore and numb

by sue
(pittsburgh pa)

The problem that I am having the the two middle toes are numb and sore below that I guess the pad of my foot is numb and sore. Recently the side of my foot near my ankle on the right side is a little numb this happened after I twisted my ankle in July. I did go to a neurologist the Dr said I have carpal tunnel syndrome in my hands no nerve damage in my foot. My general Dr told me it could be my shoes well have not worn the shoes in a year and I am still have the problem every day. My feet are flat has been for years no problems until now. I did fall prior to the problem above my knee cap was swollen for 2 weeks then about six months after the accident of fallen the foot problem began with the numb toes and pad of foot. Please help....

Hi Sue,
As far as your foot pain goes my first thought would be a neuroma (read my section on Morton's neuroma), the second possibility would be capsulitis.
Instead of having your foot problems treated by doctors not really versed in foot problems, why not consult with a podiatrist.
Both conditions that I mention are readily treatable.
Marc Mitnick DPM

terrible pain in my toes when exercising.

by Alvina
(Essex England)

when doing a high impact class or a spinning class cycle after a short while I get severe burning pains in my 4 toes of each foot. Right foot worse than left.

I have worn orthotics for years now and yet the pain is still bad. I see a Posiatrist / Bio mechanic who made like a horseshoe shape thing to go on the ball of my foot and this helps greatly as this was incorporated in a custom made orthotic. That particular podiatrist left the NHS and his replacement has never been able to help me, just keep making me very thin orthotics that still give me great pain.

Please help, I am 46 and love to train at the gym and love doing impact classes.

Much appreciated.

Hi Alvina,
The first thought that comes to mind is that you have a Morton's neuroma; the impact of your exercise irritates the nerves that give feeling in the toes.
Orthotics are one way to treat the condition but are rarely my first choice.
I would suggest you consider finding another doctor who is more familiar with Morton's neuroma and discuss some of your other options.
Marc Mitnick DPM

pain at the base of toes

by Carolyn
(Canada)

Dr. Mitnick

My Dad has pain at the base of his toes, there's no swelling or anything else to be seen but he complains that when he's walking it feels like his sock has rumpled under his foot...His doctor seems not to be taking him seriously and he has been to "a foot doctor" he calls it who gave him some sort of insert for his shoes which he can't wear because they make it worse. He will be 80 this year.....any suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi Carolyn,
Read my section on "Morton's neuroma", typically that condition gives the "rolled up sock" feeling, but keep in mind any inflammation on the ball of the foot can give similar symptoms.
I would also read my section on "capsulitis" as well as these are the two most common causes of forefoot pain.
I would find your dad another podiatrist as there are more than one way to treat these conditions and generally shoe inserts are not the first line of treatment, at least not in my office.
Marc Mitnick DPM

big toe spasms

My big toe frequently spasms where the toe bends backward. It is painful and sometimes I found by putting my foot on the cold floor helps to eleviate the problem. I believe this is caused by my sleeping position. I have a history of a herniated disc at L5 and I believe that there is nerve encroachment because my left leg and foot are tingling all the time. I do have low back pain, and on previous X-Rays the joints are in question: What do you think?

Hi,
I think you are probably right and I also think there is not much you can do about the big toe spasm. It might just be one of those quirky health issues most of us have to live with. If you are really concerned then maybe a trip to the doctor would be indicated.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Middle Toe Numb

by Michelle
(Branford CT)

Hello.

The middle toe on my right foot has been numb lately and often times feels like a mild cramp. It is making walking painful and difficult as the pain can sometimes shoot up the sole of my foot.

A few weeks ago I stepped on something sharp that cut the middle of my foot. It was a small cut and didnt bleed much and I cleaned it. I am wondering if this could be some sort of nerve damage?

Thanks

Hi Michelle,
I doubt a superficial cut such as the one you describe would cause nerve damage and if it did it would be a more superficial nerve which would probably not give you the type of pain you are experiencing.
Your symptoms sound more like Morton's neuroma. (read my section on Mortons neuroma) If your pain is as severe as you describe then you might want to consult with a podiatrist who should be able to give you some relief.
Marc Mitnick DPM

toe pain

my 4year old for some time now has been complaining of her toes hurting.
this is @ the joints. it has increased to the point it is affecting her sleeping.
my pedatrician just thinks it is growing pains

Hi,
The toe joints are not where you typically see "growing pains". Because it seems to be just her toe joints that hurt I would take a look at her shoes, I am willing to bet there is a shoe problem.
Marc Mitnick DPM

sharp pain above bunion and below big toe

by Debi
(Washington)

I have a bunion on my left foot. I have had it for about 2-3 years. Suddenly I started getting a short but searing stabbing sharp pain right above my bunion on the side directly below my big toe. It happens sporadically, at night or during the day...sometimes once or twice a day and during the night while sleeping...it will wake me from a sound sleep. The pain is horrible...it makes me wake up and want to grap the toe area and hold it til it passes. The pain will literally make me sweat it hurts so bad. The pain only lasts for a few seconds but, it will almost take my breathe away...Can you please tell me what this might be or how to stop it, get rid of it or lessen the pain?? Thanks so much, Debi

Hi Debi,
Based on the area of your complaint it would seem logical that perhaps your bunion has worsened to the point where it may require treatment. Those bouts of sharp pain may be from a bursitis that is very common on the inside of the bunion joint.
I do not know if you will be able to get rid of that kind of pain on your own; it sounds like you will need professional care. Find yourself a good podiatrist.
Marc Mitnick DPM

in grown toe nail

by jennifer
(north carolina )

my son has a ingrown toe nail and is in a bit of pain , he is 5yrs old a bit of a hand full to get a hold of , his toe is a bit red and a bit warm to the touch , what can i do for him and do i need to take him to the doctor, he has his first day of school on Monday and has to wear sneakers will it make it worse please help

Hi Jennifer,
The fact that the toe hurts and is red means that at the very least it is inflamed and at the worst it is infected. For that reason he needs to see a podiatrist.
Although some ingrown nails will spontaneously resolve themselves most need professional care. It is not healthy for your son to be walking around with a possible infection.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Painful nodule on the underside of big toe

by Joel
(Los Angeles, CA)

Hi Dr.

I have a nodule or some sort of fluid filled sack on the underside of my big toe (see red circled area of photo) I just woke up with the condition about four days ago, there wasn’t any specific trauma to the area that I can remember. I am pretty active, tennis, aerobics and strength training. The overall pain is manageable without pain medication but it does hurt quite a bit when I press directly on the area or I perform a movement that would cause me to be up on my toes. I have very comfortable shoes and a custom orthotic, so there’s hardly any pain at all when I walk. I did play tennis with the condition and was able to play without too much pain, although it did cause the swelling to increase a bit. I’ve never had anything like this before – could this become a chronic condition or will it subside if I don’t continue to aggravate the area?

Thank you!

Hi Joel,
If the lump and pain came on suddenly then I would lean toward a cyst as being the source of the pain, but I have to point out that the circled area is a spot where many people have an extra cartilaginous growth. It is not true bone, but it is palpable and in an active person like yourself it could begin to hurt.
I would recommend you see a podiatrist who should be able to treat either condition.
Marc Mitnick DPM

bent my toenail back

by Alysia
(redding)

Bent my toenail back over a week ago now my toe is red and puffy.. There is also a blister looking on my toe.

Hi Alysia,
There is a good chance the toe is now infected, why not see a podiatrist and have it taken care of.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Pain in the ball of my foot on the side of my big toe

by Nancy

I was preparing for a trade show doing normal things like carrying some heavy boxes etc. I was wearing sneakers with socks. I didn't feel any pain. the next day I worked the trade show and wore flat leather sandals with a kind of roman 3 strap look. I started feeling this pain in the left ball of my foot towards the side of my big toe. I started limping around and by morning, that part of my foot was red, swollen and hurt to the step on it or touch it. It was very warm. I went to the trade show again in a different pair of flat sandals with a little more cushion and ended up walking on the outside edge of my foot all day limping around.

People who looked at my foot thought it looked like a classic insect sting, but without the bite mark. Swollen and warm.

I began icing it and have been doing that from Friday (a couple of times during the show) continuing on Saturday and now it's Sunday morning. I've also been taking Alieve. It still is very sore and does not feel like it is getting better.

I am leaving for vacation on Tuesday and this sucks. What else can I do? What do you think this condition is?

Thanks
Nancy

Hi Nancy,
The first possibility would be a stress fracture. With this type of fracture there can be a fair amount of pain, redness and swelling in an isolated area.
If I understand your description of where the pain is located, the next possibility would be a sesamoiditis.
Read me sections on fractures and sesamoiditis and see if either one describes your problem. More than likely you will need to see a doctor.
Marc Mitnick DPM

toe problem

by elizabeth
(n.iireland)

babies little toe bends back further than the rest of toes

Hi Elizabeth,
I would not worry about it; as your baby gets older it will bend less and become more like the other small toes.

Marc Mitnick DPM

broken toe

by colleen
(charlotte, nc)

I believe I broke my "pinky" toe, however there is some swelling and a minimal amount of bruising. Hurts bad when I put any weight on my foot to try and walk especially on the side. It also feels somewhat numb on the underside of my foot. I guess my question is this.. Is this normal for a broken toe? Should I go and have my foot xrayed to be sure?

Hi Colleen,
Your symptoms are suggestive of a broken toe, but the only way you will know is to have an x-ray. It is important to know whether the toe is broken or not so make sure you follow up with an x-ray.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Sharp Pain in first and second toe

by Lynn
(Portsmouth, VA)

When I walk I have a sharp pain in toes one and two, the ones next to the big toe. The pain is so sharp that I sometimes fall. It is not constant. Some shoes make it worse than others. It happens even if barefooted. The pain does not linger once I sit. I have to walk a mile to and from work each day. I can't afford to not have my feet working property. The right foot is worse than the left. I cannot exercise because I cannot wear tennis shoes. I went to a foot doctor when I was in my 40's. I'm now 54. But was told it was all in my head. Actually the pain is in my foot! I'm afraid to go to another doctor because I'll be told the same.

Hi Lynn,
Great advice from your last foot doctor; I hope you did not pay him for that advice.
Anyway, read my sections on "Morton's neuroma" and "capsulitis". It sounds like either one of those conditions, but I would probably lean more to Morton's neuroma.
Find yourself a qualified foot doctor, these conditions are readily treatable.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Hallus rigidus and sandals

by laurie
(Davis, CA)

Greetings,

I have hallux rigidus and problems with neuromas and fascitis. Feet are a mess, obviously. I have custom orthotics for the HR. Usual problem with sandals.

I'm looking for either a sandal with built-in orthotics OR a sandal in which I can slip in the orthotic. Any suggestions?

thanks, Laurie

Hi Laurie,
The problem with sandals in hallux rigidus is that the sandal is too flexible while the big toe joint is not, so the excessive pressure on the big toe joint then becomes painful.
The Vasyli sandal that I have on my homepage has a built in orthotic and is fairly rigid so it may be beneficial plus it is not especially expensive. There are sandals out there like the Byte sandal that will hold an orthotic but they tend to be pricey and I am hard pressed to recommend them because of their price.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Cramping under toes

by Lois
(USA)

Hello...back again with another question. I am close to being 6 months post op from my bunionectomy and I've been doing pretty good so far. There is a couple of residual issues that I have questions about. The first is that when I curl my toes down, when I'm doing flex and bend exercises for my foot to regain ROM, I instantly get a cramp in the foot under the four toes. It is uncomfortable, annoying, and keeps me from continuing with my bending exercises. This has been going on since right after the surgery. The second is that I still have pain in the big toe between the bunion joint and the first joint...a sharp, deep pain that never seems to go away. Again, this has been going on since the surgery. The best way to describe the location is if you were a sprinter getting ready to push off...that area that you push off from. Do you have any idea why I still have these two issues? Am I destined to deal with these two problems now forever? If not, how do I get them to go away??

Hi Lois,
I suppose you could argue that both pains are a direct result of the actual surgery and then the immobilization of the foot that occurs from wearing a surgical shoe or cast depending on the type of bunion surgery you had.
In either event you should voice your concerns to your doctor. If you were my patient I would suggest a round of physical therapy to decrease inflammation and increase range of motion in all the painful areas.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Stuped toe and toe nail has fallen off completely

by Percy Doughty
(United Kingdom)

Hi I am a type 1 diabetic, male and 73 years old. I happen too stump my toe and it fell off. It does not look infected, but is very painful and sometimes it feels like someone is digging a pin insid of it. Please can you advise what I should do and how long will it take for a new nail to regrow?


Thanking you in advance.

Hi Percy,
As a type 1 diabetic you only have ONE option and that is to see a doctor and let he or she decide the best course of treatment.
Over the years, of all my diabetic patients who went on to lose toes, feet or even legs, most cases started with something the patient did to himself. Does that sound like you? Do not procrastinate!
Marc Mitnick DPM

hammer toe

HISTORY-I am 46 years old, 207 pounds, 5'6" tall. I walk/jog approx. 8-15 miles a week. I am a secretary so most of my day is sitting. I have had foot pain for years. My feet are especially sensitive to uneven surfaces. I have never found a pair of shoes that I can wear all day without my feet hurting at the end of the day. When I get up in the morning, I usually put shoes on because my feet feel better with shoes on. I have had planters flas-I don't know how to spell it-but I have had it once. Diabetes runs in my family-mom's side. Everyone has had it with no exception so far. My mother also has neuropothy. I try purchasing shoes with a low heal and plenty of toes space. Recently I have had toe nails that are falling off. The nail on my right foot (2nd toe) turned purple-no, I did not injure it in any way. I have had a bunionectomy on my right foot about 15 years ago. Most of my pain is in my right foot on the outside of my foot and on the ball of my foot. Sometimes I feel like the ball of my foot is swollen when I walk on it. It becomes especially painful when I jog. I have had to take ibuprofin lately so I can complete my jog. I do have a hammer toe on my right foot,it is also a long toe. It does have a callous on the top of the toe and is definetely arched. I have callouses on the balls of my feet.

I saw my foot doctor today and his recommendation was surgery. He wants to fix the bunionette (bunion on the outside of my right foot) and the hammer toe. He would also like to correct the slight hammer toe on my left foot. I had a nail fall off of my left foot as well but my left foot doesn't bother me. I'm not opposed to surgery on my right foot but am having second thoughts on surgery on my left foot. I am under the understanding that surgery is the only to correct the problems I am having. What are your thoughts?

Hi,
I could not agree more. I would only have the problem that hurts surgically corrected. If the other problems worsen over time you can always have them fixed.
The bottom line is this: your doctor talks about fixing problems that are not really problems and he cannot guarantee you that you will be better afterwards, plus there is always the possibility you might be worse.
I am always skeptical of doctors who "look" for things to correct.
Marc Mitnick DPM

bone spur on pinky toe

by brenda brown
(greensboro nc, guilford)

In alot of pain when i walk or step the wrong way. I dont wear high heel shoe, i am on my feet alot,i also have special made insole for my shoe. My pinky toe has been hurting for about 3 month. the pain is getting worst.

Hi Brenda,
If the pain is getting worse and has been present for three months then there is a very good chance the pain is not going away any time soon. I would suggest you see a foot specialist and let he or she solve your problem.
Marc Mitnick DPM

big toe scaling

My big toes are so dry and scaly. I do have toenail fungus which I am trying to get rid of with a home remedy. However, the scaling has been going on a long time too. I do soak my feet and use a scrubber and foot moisturizer to try to make it better. Just looks awful. It almost seems like the skin is renewing faster than the old skin is falling off and then that results in loose scaly skin on the big toes. Do you have any suggestions as what I should do?

Hi,
Until you get rid of the nail fungus you more than likely are going to have the big toe scaling problem because in most cases part of the problem is athletes foot which has gotten into the skin from the nail.
If you have actual toe nail fungus applying a home remedy alone will probably do you little good as the fungus grows underneath the nail and just applying any kind of medication to the top of the nail is usually a waste of time.
The nail needs to be cut back as far as possible.
In the meantime you might want to try applying anti-fungal cream or lotion to the scaling skin which should help the overall appearance.
Marc Mitnick DPM