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

Swelling in middle of right instep

by Jean F
(Venice Florida)

For years I have had a swelling in the middle of my right instep. Last year I went to my poditrist and he did an x-ray and then ordered a MRI. It was diagnosed as a stress fracture. He also noticed that I was pronating left on that same foot and recommended a "Ritchie Brace" I wore the brace for a week or so but found it extremely uncomfortable as it rubbed against my bony ankles. I am very thin skinned and do not have much padding in my feet. Also I might add that I have also been wearing inserts for years having been recommeded by another poditrist years ago for aching feet. I am a bit disappointed with this last doctor. When I asked him how long I would be wearing this brace, his answer to me was very abrupt! "I do not have my magic ball with me today". I have not been back to him since. Can you help me!

Hi Jean,
If the swelling on the top of your foot was diagnosed as a non-healed stress fracture, and, if there is no pain (you do not mention pain), then why not just live with it as you know it is not a tumor or more severe problem?
I assume you are very flat-footed and that is why the second podiatrist ordered a Richie Brace, although I am not quite sure what he intended to accomplish with it. I have found them to be very uncomfortable for patients and I rarely recommend them.
I think you probably need to me in a good orthotic; make sure the pair you presently wear, have not worn out.
Lastly, I would write a note to the second podiatrist and tell him his condescending attitude was not very professional and in your mind made him look like he did not know what he was talking about, because he could not take 30 seconds and give you a "time line" as to what to expect by wearing the brace.

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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Scotland

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(location unknown)

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Redondo Beach, CA

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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South Africa

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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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Alameda, California

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New Zealand

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Sincerely

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Arizona

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Florida

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Poland

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South Carolina

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unknown location

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Arlington, VA

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San Clemente, CA

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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!

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Poland

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Seattle, WA

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location unknown

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New Jersey

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location unknown

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Chrissy

location unknown

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Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

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Russ W.

location unknown

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location unknown

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Jackie

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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Albany, NY

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Jill S.

location unknown

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Jackie

Whichita, KS

thanks again, this site is very helpful.

mark

Boston, MA

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....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

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Canada

I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!! I have had a fusion in my rt foot and am finally getting a little bit better......

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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!

Rustam

Bellevue, WA

I cannot thank you enough for your response, opinion, and suggestions! I want you to know how much it means to me, and I'm sure everyone else who has ever asked you a question! I feel like you're a lifesaver and have empowered me to take a stronger role and stand up for myself and my feet!

Jodi

location unknown

Swelling in middle of right instep

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