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

Right Middle Toes Stabbing & Burning Pain, worsens when shoeless...

by Doug Murray
(Moreno Valley, CA)

Hello,

I am a 49 year old Caucasian male. For several months now, if not a year, I have experienced frequent sharp burning and stabbing pain in my right foot, only in the two toes beside the big toe. If I go barefoot, it accelerates and exacerbates the condition. My foot is more comfortable in a shoe. It feels like there are loose bones or the toes are slightly disconnected at times and the shoe ?holds it together?. But even in a shoe, the pain is still pronounced when walking and I have to limp to minimize the pain. Sometimes it spasms so sharply that I almost fall over. After a long day on my feet (my 2nd job requires me to be on my feet all day) it burns so badly I have to ice it and stay off it.

I saw a family doctor for it several months ago. They x-rayed it and supposedly found nothing ?remarkable? and said it was just arthritis. The doctor really didn?t listen to my complaint in detail. They prescribed anti-inflammatories and pain relievers. But it has gotten worse. Some pain outbreaks last for hours and don?t subside unless I take strong pain killers and stay off the foot. Even then, the toes feel numb and tingly, like I?ve been out in the cold.

Often it feels as if there is a loose piece of bone under the middle toe, where it meets the foot, a spur, that seems to shift around and cause more discomfort and pain. Is this possible? I can?t recall any traumatic injury to this area, but it could have been a result of some rough jet ski riding two summers ago. I am afraid it may result in surgery, but I want to be as informed as possible before going to a podiatrist because I have no insurance and don?t want to waste time at a regular MD again. The pain is quite disruptive for two little toes and I can?t stand it anymore. I hope you can advise. Thank you!

Hi Doug,
Three things come to mind, Morton's neuroma , capsulitis , and synovitis or inflammation of the lining around the joints. Your family doctor is not the person to see; a podiatrist would be a much better option. If I was a gambling man I would bet on a neuroma, but you would be better served to have someone actually examine your foot.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Comments for Right Middle Toes Stabbing & Burning Pain, worsens when shoeless...

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Dec 06, 2016
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Same Problem
by: Tony

I have the same problem. I have tried everything and nothing helps.

Dec 18, 2015
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Stabbing & Burning pain Right Middle Toes
by: YCA

I've had this condition over a year *the pain comes & goes.I'm a 60 year old woman, healthy, go workout and play tennis. Over-worked feet sometimes leads to extreme pain in the bottom of my right foot, a condition called Plantar Fascia. When this condition go worse- sharp stabbing pain in the two toes next to my big toe and the ball of the foot swells I went to my acupuncturist. Acupuncture treatments gets the blood circulating.
The condition called plantar fascistic from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective "the Kidney Meridian, the Bladder Meridian, which runs through the back fascia parallel to the Kidney Meridian, plays an important role in treatment" says Dr.Kai-Chang Chan, L Ac, M.A.O.M
Acupuncture has always worked in revealing the pain and TCM has allowed me to look deeper into the cause of this condition. The Liver and Kidneys and Bladder Meridians, for me, needed to be repaired and regenerated. I hope you all will consider the TCM approach.

Oct 06, 2015
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toe pain
by: Patty

Has anyone found out what this is? I too, have a sharp burning pain in my right second toe(next to the big toe) the nail feels like it's pulling and separating from the skin, but it's not. My nail has also become very thin, I am not able to apply polish because it burns worse. No explanation by any specialist. They gave me Ketamine gel to try out. The podiatrist said it might be nerve pain/damage but no definite answer or solution.

Sep 17, 2015
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Burning, sharp stabbing pain in a single toe
by: Anonymous

I have had the same symptoms for two years with a sharp stabbing, burning sensation on the 4th toe on my right foot. The pain comes on fast, last 5-10 minutes then goes away. While the pain is "on" my foot feels like it is on fire. I have that once every two days+/-. It hurts and burns like heck and I have trouble walking when the hurt is on. I'm trying to keep the laces on my shoes "loose" and wear socks that don't squeeze my toes. Sometimes that helps. I NEVER have the pain when I am shoeless.

Jun 09, 2015
Rating

Me, too!!
by: Anonymous

I am having the same problem. It's been about a year, and finally got so bad I went to my podiatrist in Artesia, NM. He took an x-ray and knew what the problem was immediately. He is doing surgery (the name of the problem is a mile long and I can't pronounce it). It is outpatient surgery, and he says I can walk on it after the first day, as long as I wear protective shoes or a boot. For such a small body part, the pain is excruciating, and I feel bad for ANYONE who has this pain.

Jul 30, 2014
Rating

Resolution
by: Harry

Hi Doug, I am experiencing the same symptoms and don't know where to start. Did you ever get your issue diagnosed / resolved?

Oct 30, 2013
Rating

Stabbing burning toes.
by: Anonymous

Hello, I have suffered with burning toes, stabbing and waves of pain, at there worst at night. I have suffered with this for 2 years now, the doctor does not know what it is. He just gives me pain killers. wish someone out there could help me. I did get a second opinion and another doctor said it was nerve damage and that there was nothing anyone could do. You would think in that in this day and age there would be something. I feel that this pain is going to be with me all my life. I am 65 but still feel I am not old. has anyone got any ideas who may be able to help me. the pain really gets me down I go the bed with it and wake up with it. I even feel that the pain killers dont help me any more....

Jul 27, 2010
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Right middle toe stabbing,burning pain
by: Anonymous

If it is a neuroma,this can best be diagnosed with an MRI.DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT, HAVE SURGERY!!! I made that mistake 10yrs ago, and I'am still paying for it.Surgery does not effectively work.The neuroma usually comes back over a period of time. I'am currently in the process of pursuing an Acupuncturist and/or possibly a Chiropractor.Both are noted for having the ability to heal neuromas, without such an invasive procedure that would be required with surgery. I wish you good luck on whichever direction you choose to go.

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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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(location unknown)

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Scotland

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(location unknown)

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LH

(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Regards,

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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

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Sincerely

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Arizona

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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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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.

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location unknown

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location unknown

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Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

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location unknown

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location unknown

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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

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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

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

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

Right Middle Toes Stabbing & Burning Pain, worsens when shoeless...

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