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

Ball of foot bulge on both feet with pain

I have a bulge the circumference size of a golf ball on the ball of both feet. Also I have a hammer toe on the second toe on both feet. I've been to four different podiatrists. One said that he wanted to clip the tendons on all toes; one said that i did not have a neuroma as I thought, only a hammer toe; one said that I had a classic neuroma on the balls of both feet and hammer toes. the Specialist that I went to said that as you age you lose fat at the ball of feet. when I asked him what the bulge was he said that it was fat, which was contradictory. He also wanted to fix the hammertoes (second toe of each foot)but also wanted to put pins in the three toes next to it. He said that if he fixed the one hammertoe it would be shorter and i would not be happy. I don't see putting pins in three toes that are not hammertoes...!!

I want to get my hammertoes fixed but want to know what is causing the large bulge on the balls of the feet. Is the bulge causing the hammer toe or is the hammertoe causing the bulge. Also, I have severe toe cramps HELP!!!! I don't mind having the surgery but want to know what is really going on with my feet before I have surgery...Any ideas? I want the bulge removed; feels like I'm walking on a wadded up sock.

ANSWER

Hi,

The common thread I am getting from all your visits to the different podiatrists is that they all seem to think

that your hammertoes are creating the lump on the ball of your foot.
In most cases when there are what is known as rigid hammertoes, in other words, the toes stay in a bent up position, what happens is that there is a stretching of the ligaments on the bottom of the foot that attaches the toe to the metatarsal bone. This stretching is known as capsulitis.
Since the ligament is being stretched it then becomes inflamed and will cause a swelling on the ball of the foot. This will feel like a fullness on the ball of the foot that can be anywhere from annoying to outright painful.
There is always a chance that you could have some kind of soft tissue growth causing the swelling but since you mention it is occurring on both feet, that possibility seems more remote.
I have to tell you that I am not sure that the growth is the size of golf ball. That would be huge and would be definately consistent with a soft tissue growth.
I will go out on a limb here and assume the growth is much smaller.
In any event wearing a low heel shoe with supportive sole or even an orthotic with a metatarsal pad built into it may alleviate the lump on the bottom of the foot; it will not straighten the hammertoe, but many people can live with hammertoes if they do not hurt.
If you are contemplating surgery then go with the podiatrist who seemed to make the most sense and whom you trust.
If you are concerned at all, then go see a fifth podiatrist.

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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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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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

I searched the internet everywhere for a clear description and illustration of my symptoms/problem. https://www.foot-pain-explained.com/ was where I ended my search with answers. If I lived in Jersey (left 30 years ago) and didn't live in Florida I would definetly make an appointment with Dr. Mitnick.

Thanks, Kathy

Florida

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Poland

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South Carolina

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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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San Clemente, CA

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Pam

location unknown

Great insights! Thanks Doc, you're the best.

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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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Bonnie

location unknown

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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

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

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

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

Michelle

Colorado

Thanks again for the information provided on your site. It's easy for non-medical folk to understand your writing, and helps provide better communication between patient and doctor.

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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Wisconsin

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

Julie

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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

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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

Ball of foot bulge on both feet with pain

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