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

top of foot pain accompanied by pain on side of foot

by frank
(Berlin, Germany)

About 6 months ago i developed what assume was a cyst on the top of my right foot between my fourth toe and ankle. This area was sensitive to the touch and became progressively more painful. Eventually this problem was exacerbated by an additional pain that was centered on the side of my foot between my big toe and ankle that felt like a tendon or a ligament had tightened up to the point where it felt like a constant painful cramp. The pain in these two areas became so intense that I couldn't put any pressure on my foot when I first got out of bed until I limped around for a couple of minutes. I believe the problem originated as a result of beginning long (300 mile +) drives 4-6 times/month with my foot in constant pressure against the gas pedal. Additionally I increased my running routine from about 10 miles/week to 20 during this time . I tried all the home remedies (rest, ice, heat, elevation, wraps, ibuprophin), but nothing worked. I finally stopped running all together about a month ago and began using cruise control on my long drives which continue to this day. i went to see an orthopedic specialist who confirmed no bone fracture via x-ray. He prescribed an orthodic insert for my shoe, but that only made the pain on the side of my foot so intense that I could barely walk after a week. I went to another Orthopedic specialist who had an MRI done, and that confirmed no existing or prior fracture. But he saw some evidence

of a bone bruise on the op of my foot. He prescribed a carbon orthodic insert and a wrap for my ankle to stabilize my foot. After a week, the cyst is gone and I feel some relief, but soreness and discomfort to both areas persists. Pain is duller, but increases if my shoes are too tight and/or I walk for more than 30 minutes. Any alternative thoughts on what my problems are and/or other cures I should be considering. I need to start running again...I've gained 10 pounds and going stir crazy.

RESPONSE
Hi Frank,

It sounds like your problem is on its way to resolving itself through the use of an orthotic. Based on your description and the fact that the orthotics have seemed to eliminate or improve the situation, it sounds like you have a midtarsal fault. This is caused by a foot that flattens out too much and creates a jamming effect on the top of the foot which will then lead to inflammation and pain.
Use of an orthotic will prevent the foot from over flattening out and thus eliminate the jamming on top of the foot and over time the swelling and pain diminish.
If you are feeling at least 75 percent better you might try some light running, making sure you have an orthotic in your running shoe. Perhaps start in a controlled environment like on a treadmill and see what happens.
If you do alright, then you can try increasing your mileage. I would do this in conjunction with advice from your doctor.

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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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Mansfield Ctr, CT

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Placentia, California

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Unknown

Unknown location

I received the orthotics Monday afternoon and began wearing them Tuesday. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. My foot feels better than it has in months.

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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

Josette

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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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Pam

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

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

Wow, that is exactly the information needed!!! thank you thank you thank you!!! I appreciate this help so very much from Marc Mitnick DPM. Excellent information and help to improve One's life.

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!

Tracy

Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

I just want to say thank you for the quick response and the good info. I find it amazing and a super nice thing that you do here by answering medical questions at no charge.

Russ W.

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Your website is full of a lot of helpful information, and I am very impressed with the time in which you responded to my post. Thank you again for your time and consideration in your response.

-Sunny.

location unknown

Thank you very much for the information, I will consider it. Excellent web site.

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!

Rivi,

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

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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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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Nancie

Wisconsin

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

Julie

location unknown

Thank-you so very much for responding so quickly and in such detail to my question!! I will give my surgeon a call today!! This website is terrific!!!! Thank-you again!

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

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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

top of foot pain accompanied by pain on side of foot

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