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

swelling and tenderness

by Joe

I have swelling and tenderness at the base of the second toe on my right foot. The swelling is also on the top of foot mainly between the big toe and second toe. I have had the swelling for 6 weeks. There is no pain when I move the second toe back and forth or side to side. If I push on the base of the second toe there is tenderness and some pain. Three weeks ago my family doctor took and x-ray of the foot and said there was no stress fracture. He thought it was a bone bruise and he has me wearing a metatarsal pad. I walk for exercise (61 years old) and my doctor thought it would be ok to resume walking. The metatarsal pad does help, but I still have the swelling and some tenderness on the bottom of the foot at the base of my second toe. It seems like the swelling is lasting a long time.

This forum has the best information I have found on foot problems. I understand its difficult to diagnose the problem without examining my foot yourself, but I'm hoping you have some ideas about my problem. Thanks.

Hi Joe,
Read my section on "capsulitis" and see if that sounds like your problem. If the metatarsal pad is helping there is a very good chance it is capsulitis.
You may have to have an orthotic made with a built in metatarsal pad and will have to wear it on a regular basis.
Keep in mind, every time you walk on the foot, you are re-aggravating the condition and that is why foot problems can take so long to resolve themselves.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Comments for swelling and tenderness

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Sep 26, 2012
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Toe swelling
by: Anonymous

I have swelling of my second and third toe of my right foot. When I walk at work I can feel a burning. There is also a slight swelling in the joint area at the base of those two toes. Any idea's?

See these discussions.

See these discussions.

Jan 18, 2011
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Right Foot Pain
by: Lou

Mitch,

I have the exact same symptoms as you. What did the doctor diagnose you as having?

Jun 14, 2009
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Underfoot swelling and hypersensitivity
by: Mitch

Good day, i hope you are able to shed some light on an intriguing problem i seem to have developed.

Recently when driving an automatic car, i had the sensation underfoot (when pressing the brake pedal) that i had a roll of cotton wool wedged between the base of my big and second toe (and pad of my foot) and my shoe ..It is in fact a puffy swelling that has developed (no redness etc) and i can feel the fluid when i flace the pad of my foot on the ground and lift my heel upwards.. Sometimes i get the sensation of coldness, burnt skin, also in the area. It almost extends to the base of my big and secod toe , but is primarily located on the round part of my foot pad (towwards the front) .. I believe that i have slight symptoms alos on my left foot , but nowhere nearly as bad ..
I have ben searching the web for any info but cannot really find anything that describes my sensations ..

Really appreciate it if you can point me in the right direction .

rgds

Hi Mitch,
Read my sections on "Morton's neuroma" and "capsulitis" and see if your symptoms are similar.
Marc Mitnick DPM

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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

MY PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS(items I prescribe in the office)

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

Orthotics for heel and arch pain for those who must wear dress shoes click link below

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(location unknown)

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LH

(location unknown)

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Joe

(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Madison, Alabama

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Regards,

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Mansfield Ctr, CT

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Placentia, California

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Unknown

Unknown location

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Unknown location

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Pacific Grove, CA

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New Zealand

Thank You for my answer! I have been schedule for a bone density scan, allingment, and I am in the process of getting orthotics made, and checking out the natural remedies. Thank again! What a great web site!

Sincerely

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Yes I want both pair of orthotics. You don't have an option of ordering 2 at one time so I had to place the order twice. Thanks. My husband likes these and wants to put them in all of his shoes. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

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Arizona

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Florida

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

Anna

Poland

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South Carolina

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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)

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location unknown

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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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Poland

Thanks for taking time to read and answer so many questions. It is truly a public service!

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Seattle, WA

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

Bonnie

location unknown

Also, and importantly, just want to praise this web site. Thorough and thoughtfully presented, it certainly must be of considerable assistance to anyone with a foot problem. Terrific -- and very interesting.I trust the address comes up easily for those seeking information.

Bill

New Jersey

Thanks so much for answering my question. You've been more help to me than my own Dr. has been lately. Thanks again....I hope to be able to walk without pain someday.

Debbie

location unknown

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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!

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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!

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

Like others have stated...This site is amazing and I am so thankful that it was created.

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

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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.

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Canada

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location unknown

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Wisconsin

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

Julie

location unknown

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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!

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Bellevue, WA

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Jodi

location unknown

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