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

Sudden onset sharp pain top of feet nearest big toe on both feet.

by Tracy
(Evansville IN)

I got up and starting walking in the kitchen last night and all of a sudden I had alot of sharp pain in the top of my foot when I put weight on it..it's top of the foot on the big toe side...makes me have to walk with weigh on the outside of foot because it's so painful.then this morning I got out of the bed and started to walk into kitchen and now it is happening in the other foot too same place but even more excruciating! I can barely walk and it's even worse when I try to walk barefoot. My feet have become very flat in the last year or so and I'm overweight and have had to walk limpy because of problems that started with my knees and leg this summer...what could be happening..I'm really scared. Doesn't look swollen or red or hot..just came out of nowhere and now I can barely walk. (sorry no way of submitting a picture..no camera right now.)

RESPONSE

Hi Tracy,

Since there is no history of trauma, coupled by the fact that you state you are overweight, my first thought would be that of a midtarsal fault. This condition can be seen in patients who may be overweight and exhibit flat feet. Basically what happens is that your excess weight is forcing downward pressure on your feet. As the foot collapses (flattens), it causes a jamming effect on the bones at the top of the arch and as the foot collapses the bones in question create excessive friction. Over time this excess friction will cause an arthritic degeneration of the bones and thus the pain begins when you walk, particularly if you walk barefoot.
This would seem like the most likely scenario for someone experiencing pain in both feet in the area that you mention, with no history of trauma.
A good way to see if this is the case would be to start wearing a good laced shoe with a rigid arch support. You can try a store bought arch support but make sure it is rigid and not real flimsy.
Wear this regularly, avoid walking barefoot and give it a week to ten days and see if you do not notice some improvement.
If there is some degree of improvement then that is probably your problem. If that strategy does not improve your symptoms than I would suggest you contact a foot specialist in your area and have your feet examined.

Marc Mitnick DPM
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Jan 09, 2012
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Thanks so much
by: Tracy

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!

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ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

Mayo Clinic

Johns Hopkins Medicine

MedlinePlus

Arthritis Foundation

University of Rochester Medical Center

Harvard Health

Drugs.com

American Academy of Pediatrics

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

University of Maryland Medical Center

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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!

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Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

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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!

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Colorado

Wonderful advice

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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.

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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

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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,

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New Jersey

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a mom

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Lenoir, NC

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Bellevue, WA

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location unknown

Sudden onset sharp pain top of feet nearest big toe on both feet.

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