What are the main causes of stabbing pain in foot side. How can you identify the symptoms of lateral foot pain. What treatment options are available for foot side pain. How can you prevent stabbing pain in your foot.

Understanding Lateral Foot Pain: Causes and Symptoms

Lateral foot pain, characterized by sharp stabbing sensations on the outer side of the foot, can be a debilitating condition affecting one’s mobility and quality of life. This type of discomfort can arise from various factors, ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions. Let’s explore the primary causes of lateral foot pain and their associated symptoms.

Cuboid Syndrome: A Lesser-Known Culprit

Cuboid syndrome, also referred to as cuboid subluxation, is an often overlooked cause of lateral foot pain. This condition typically results from prolonged stress on the feet, particularly in individuals engaged in repetitive movements.

• Symptoms: Extreme pain radiating from the foot to the ankle
• At-risk groups: Dancers, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts
• Cause: Dislocation of small foot bones called cuboids due to repetitive stress

Nerve Problems: When Diabetes Affects Your Feet

Peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage common in individuals with diabetes, can lead to sharp, stabbing pain in the lateral foot. High blood sugar levels gradually damage foot nerves, resulting in various uncomfortable sensations.

• Symptoms: Sharp pain, burning sensation, and mobility issues
• Primary cause: Prolonged high blood sugar levels in diabetic patients
• Additional effects: Difficulty walking or standing

Common Injuries Causing Lateral Foot Pain

Several injuries can result in stabbing pain on the side of the foot. Understanding these conditions can help in early identification and prompt treatment.

Ankle Sprains: More Than Just a Twist

Ankle sprains are a frequent cause of lateral foot pain, often occurring during physical activities or even routine walking. The sudden rolling of the ankle can lead to ligament damage and intense discomfort.

• Symptoms: Sharp pain radiating from the ankle to the foot side and heel
• Cause: Sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle, leading to ligament tears
• Risk factors: Participation in sports, uneven surfaces, improper footwear

Tendonitis: When Inflammation Strikes

Two types of tendonitis can cause lateral foot pain: Posterior Tibial Tendonitis and Peroneal Tendonitis. Both conditions involve inflammation of tendons connecting different parts of the leg to the foot.

1. Posterior Tibial Tendonitis:
   • Affects the tendon connecting the foot to calf muscles
   • Symptoms: Pain and swelling on the ankle, inside, or side of the foot
   • Causes: Extreme stress or sudden injury
2. Peroneal Tendonitis:
   • Involves inflammation in one or both tendons connecting the lower leg to the foot
   • Symptoms: Stabbing pain or swelling on the foot side or around the heel
   • Causes: Overuse of tendons or ankle sprain

Congenital and Degenerative Conditions Affecting Lateral Foot

Some causes of lateral foot pain are rooted in congenital conditions or degenerative processes that occur over time. These conditions often require specialized medical attention for proper management.

Tarsal Coalition: A Congenital Foot Condition

Tarsal coalition is a congenital condition characterized by the abnormal fusion of two or more tarsal bones in the foot. This condition can lead to significant discomfort and mobility issues, particularly in young athletes.

• Symptoms: Pain on the foot side, potentially radiating towards the toes
• Additional effects: Muscle stiffness and cramps
• At-risk group: Young athletes are particularly susceptible to experiencing pain from this condition

Arthritis: When Joints Bear the Brunt

Arthritis can affect the foot in multiple forms, causing pain and discomfort in various areas, including the lateral side. Two primary types of arthritis that can lead to lateral foot pain are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis:
   • An inflammatory form of arthritis
   • Can cause pain and swelling in multiple joints of the foot
2. Osteoarthritis:
   • Results from cartilage degeneration in the joints
   • Characterized by worn-out cartilage, bone spurs, and reduced joint space
   • Can lead to severe lateral ankle pain affecting the entire foot

Stress-Related Foot Conditions: When Pressure Takes Its Toll

Repetitive stress and pressure on the feet can lead to various painful conditions affecting the lateral side of the foot. Understanding these stress-related issues is crucial for prevention and timely intervention.

Stress Fractures: Tiny Breaks, Big Pain

Stress fractures are small breaks in one or more bones of the foot, often resulting from repetitive movements or excessive physical activity. These fractures can cause significant pain and mobility issues.

• Causes: Repetitive movements, injuries, falls, and extensive sports activities
• Symptoms: Severe pain in the entire foot, particularly on the side
• Impact: Can significantly restrict mobility, even with mild fractures

Bunions: When Toes Misalign

Bunions are a type of foot deformity that can cause severe pain in the outside foot area and the big toe. They develop when the big toe rotates inwards towards the other toes, leading to a bony protrusion on the side of the foot.

• Symptoms: Pain in the outside foot area and big toe
• Progression: Pain may be occasional at first but can become excruciating over time
• Cause: Inward rotation of the big toe, often due to ill-fitting shoes or genetic factors

Skin-Related Foot Pain: Corns and Their Impact

While many causes of lateral foot pain are related to bones, muscles, and ligaments, skin conditions can also contribute to discomfort on the side of the foot.

Corns: More Than Just Thick Skin

Corns are hard, thickened areas of skin that typically develop on the feet in response to friction or pressure. While they may seem superficial, corns can cause significant pain, especially when they form on the side of the foot.

• Location: Can appear anywhere on the foot, but primarily at the top or side
• Impact: Affect the deepest layers of foot skin, causing extreme pain and irritation
• Cause: Usually result from ill-fitting shoes or abnormal foot structure leading to increased pressure on specific areas

Diagnosing Lateral Foot Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention

Given the various potential causes of lateral foot pain, accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Knowing when to consult a healthcare professional can make a significant difference in managing foot pain and preventing long-term complications.

Key Indicators for Medical Consultation

• Persistent pain lasting more than a few days
• Swelling or redness in the affected area
• Difficulty bearing weight on the foot
• Pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep
• Signs of infection, such as fever or warmth in the foot

Diagnostic Procedures

Healthcare providers may use various methods to diagnose the cause of lateral foot pain:

1. Physical examination: Assessing the foot’s appearance, range of motion, and areas of tenderness
2. Imaging tests:
   • X-rays: To identify fractures, arthritis, or bone deformities
   • MRI or CT scans: For detailed imaging of soft tissues, ligaments, and tendons
3. Blood tests: To check for underlying conditions like gout or rheumatoid arthritis
4. Nerve conduction studies: For diagnosing nerve-related issues

Treatment Options for Stabbing Pain in Foot Side

The treatment approach for lateral foot pain depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. In many cases, conservative methods can provide relief, but more severe cases may require advanced interventions.

Conservative Treatment Methods

Initial treatment for lateral foot pain often involves non-invasive approaches:

• Rest: Allowing the foot to heal by limiting activities that exacerbate pain
• Ice therapy: Applying ice to reduce inflammation and numb pain
• Compression: Using bandages or wraps to support the foot and reduce swelling
• Elevation: Keeping the foot elevated to minimize swelling
• Over-the-counter pain medications: NSAIDs to manage pain and inflammation
• Orthotic devices: Custom or over-the-counter inserts to provide support and correct alignment
• Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen foot muscles and improve flexibility

Advanced Treatment Options

For persistent or severe cases, healthcare providers may recommend more intensive treatments:

1. Corticosteroid injections: To reduce inflammation in specific areas
2. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: For conditions like plantar fasciitis
3. Orthobiologic treatments: Less invasive alternatives to traditional surgery
4. Surgical interventions: For severe cases or when conservative methods fail
   • Bunion correction
   • Tendon repair
   • Joint fusion for arthritis

Preventing Lateral Foot Pain: Proactive Measures for Foot Health

While not all causes of lateral foot pain are preventable, taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of developing many foot-related issues. Implementing these preventive measures can help maintain foot health and overall mobility.

Footwear Considerations

Proper footwear plays a crucial role in preventing lateral foot pain:

• Choose shoes with adequate support and cushioning
• Ensure proper fit, with enough room in the toe box
• Replace worn-out shoes regularly
• Use sport-specific shoes for athletic activities
• Avoid prolonged use of high heels or shoes with minimal support

Lifestyle and Exercise Habits

Adopting healthy lifestyle practices can contribute to foot health:

1. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on feet
2. Stretch and warm up before physical activities
3. Gradually increase intensity and duration of exercises
4. Incorporate foot-strengthening exercises into your routine
5. Practice proper posture and gait
6. Stay hydrated to maintain joint and tissue health

Regular Foot Care

Implementing a routine foot care regimen can help prevent various foot conditions:

• Inspect feet regularly for any signs of injury or abnormality
• Keep feet clean and dry to prevent fungal infections
• Moisturize feet to prevent dryness and cracking
• Trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails
• Wear clean, dry socks and change them daily

By understanding the various causes of lateral foot pain and implementing preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of experiencing debilitating foot conditions. Regular foot care, appropriate footwear, and mindful lifestyle choices all contribute to maintaining healthy feet and preventing the onset of painful conditions. However, if lateral foot pain does occur, prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for effective management and recovery. Remember, your feet are the foundation of your mobility – taking care of them is an investment in your overall health and well-being.

10 Causes Of Stabbing Pain In Foot Side

Foot pain can occur in multiple parts of your foot. It can be on the foot’s ball, heel, outer side (lateral foot), or the inner side (medial foot). The pain you feel on your foot’s outer side is known as lateral ankle pain. 

Several factors can cause stabbing pain in the foot side, such as injuries, fractures, nerve damage, cuboid syndrome, and many types of deformation. People involved in sports or extensive workouts often experience pain in the foot side. 

The lateral ankle pain may happen suddenly or develop gradually. Getting on-time treatment can help you recover from the pain faster. 

Why Do You Feel Pain in Your Lateral Foot? 

The 10 major causes of stabbing pain in the lateral foot are:

Cuboid Syndrome 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, is a less common cause of pain on the foot side. It usually results from continuous stress on the feet.  

Repetitive movements can cause the muscles on your foot side to wear and tear. Such activities can also dislocate the tiny bones on foot called cuboids. Cuboid syndrome results in extreme pain that can travel from the foot to the ankle. 

Cuboid syndrome is likely to occur in dancers, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts. 

Nerve Problem

Nerve damage, or peripheral neuropathy, in the feet is common in people with diabetes. High sugar levels in the blood can damage foot nerves gradually. 

Peripheral neuropathy causes sharp, stabbing pain in the foot side. It can also make you feel a burning sensation. Nerve pain primarily affects mobility, making it hard for you to walk or stand up. 

Ankle Sprain 

Ankle sprains can happen anytime, anywhere. You can slip while running, jumping, or walking, which may affect the ligaments on the side of your foot. 

The stabbing pain in your lateral foot mainly occurs when you get your ankle rolled. This sudden roll can tear your ankle’s tendons, resulting in unbearable pain. The ankle sprain pain can radiate across the foot sides to the heels.

Posterior Tibial Tendonitis 

It refers to the inflammation of the tendon connecting the foot to the calf muscles. Extreme stress and any sudden injury can lead to inflammation in the tendons. 

Posterior tibial tendonitis causes pain and swelling on the ankle, inside, or side of the foot. It can also limit your mobility. 

Peroneal Tendonitis

It is the inflammation in one or both tendons of your leg that connects the lower area to your foot. Peroneal tendonitis occurs due to overuse of the tendons or ankle sprain. It may lead to stabbing pain or swelling on the foot side or around the heel.

Tarsal Coalition 

A tarsal coalition is a congenital condition that refers to the formation of abnormal tissue bridge between two normal tarsal bones. The term “coalition” means merging two or more things into one mass.  

The pain in this condition is felt the most on the foot side that can radiate toward the toes. Tarsal coalition can also lead to muscle stiffness and cramps. Young athletes are likely to feel a stabbing pain in the foot side due to the tarsal coalition. 

Arthritis 

Arthritis affects your foot in multiple forms. It could result from inflammation (Rheumatoid arthritis) or bone degeneration (osteoarthritis). 

Osteoarthritis refers to tearing cartilage in the joint from wear and tear. This joint damage can be identified as worn-out cartilage, bone spurs, and reduced joint space. 

Arthritis can lead to severe lateral ankle pain affecting the entire foot, especially the side. 

Stress Fractures 

Stress fractures are one of the most common foot pain causes. A foot fracture is a small break in one or between two bones because of repetitive movements, injuries, falls, and extensive sports activities.

Fractures to the foot side are extremely painful. Mild foot fractures can also lead to severe pain in the entire foot, causing restricted mobility. 

Bunions 

A bunion is a type of foot deformity that causes severe pain in the outside foot area and the big toe. They appear when you move or rotate your big toe inwards or towards the rest of the toes. 

You may feel bunion pain occasionally, which can get excruciating over time. 

Corns

Corns are hard, thickened areas on the foot that can appear anywhere but primarily at the foot top or side. Corns impact the deepest layers of your foot skin, causing extreme pain and irritation. 

Treatment Options for Stabbing Pain in Foot Side

Foot side pain can go away within a few weeks with conservative treatment methods. But if the pain aggravates, you can opt for orthobiologic treatments that are less painful than traditional surgical procedures. 

Conservative Methods

Your healthcare provider will recommend the following initial treatments:

• Rest. If foot pain limits your mobility, you need to rest to prevent it from worsening. 
• Orthotic Devices. The doctor may suggest using orthotic devices to support your mobility. These include braces, night bars, casts, splints, and gait plates. Orthotics generally differ in the materials. Your healthcare provider may recommend a rigid orthotic, soft-orthotic, or semi-rigid orthotic device, depending on the intensity of the pain. 
• Icing. Ice helps you lower the painful inflammation in your leg. It’s better to put an ice bag on your foot for 10 minutes to treat the pain.
• Epsom Salt Soaking. Epsom salt consists of magnesium and sulfate that can help reduce inflammation and swelling in your foot. 
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Many anti-inflammatory medicines can help you relieve inflammation and swelling in your body. These include Vaporub, Naproxen, and Aspercreme. Never take any NSAID without your doctor’s consultation. 

Orthobiologic Methods

If you still feel a stabbing pain in foot side, cell-based therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy can provide you some relief. 

Cell-based therapy is also known as stem cell therapy. It focuses on your natural tissues and cells. Two types of cell-based therapies help reduce pain: Minimally Manipulated Adipose Tissue transplant (MMAT) and Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMAC). 

MMAT focuses on replacing damaged adipose tissues with healthier ones, while BMAC harvests your bone marrow cells and transplants them with new ones. 

The doctor will put you under anesthesia in both cell-based therapies, which usually take only 1.5-2 hours to complete. You can even go home right after your procedure on the doctor’s instructions. 

PRP targets your tissues and stimulates their growth. Platelets are an essential part of our blood. They perform several functions, such as releasing 10 types of growth factors to stimulate tissue growth, sending out chemical signals to attract the blood’s healing cells, and producing a healing web called fibrin.  

Healthy tissues and regenerative cells promote recovery and prevent any future injury. PPR is typically completed within 45 minutes.

Stabbing Pain in Side of Foot

Mild to moderate foot pain can often be linked to shoes that don’t fit well or other minor issues. But the story may be different when you’re having sharp, stabbing pains in the side of your foot. 

Dealing with foot pain isn’t something that you alone are going through. Medical research reveals that 77% of Americans over 18 have experienced foot pain. Physical therapy specialists can help you determine the cause of the stabbing pain in the side of your foot. These specialists can also help you find top-notch options for treating your foot pain. 

Three causes of stabbing pain in the side of the foot

Physical therapists are trained to treat the human musculoskeletal system, including your feet. They know how each structure in your foot is supposed to work, and they know what types of issues can cause the pain you’re experiencing.  

Three issues that could be causing the sharp pain in the side of your foot are: 

1. Foot sprain — This issue occurs in the foot ligaments. It happens when these ligaments are overstretched or damaged by physical activity. 

2. Plantar fasciitis — This condition occurs when a foot structure called the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. It’s estimated that plantar fasciitis occurs in about 10% of the general U.S. population. 

3. Posterior tibial tendon injury — The posterior tibial tendon (PTT) attaches the calf muscles to the inside of your foot. Injuries to this tendon are most likely in women over 40. Medical studies reveal that up to 10% of such women develop a PTT injury, especially if they’re obese. 

How can a physical therapist treat stabbing pains in the side of your foot?

Treating these and other causes of stabbing pain in the side of your foot is possible with an individualized physical therapy plan. Your physical therapist can develop such a plan for you after an evaluation of your foot. This allows them to gather the information necessary to ensure that the plan fits your needs. 

Some of the physical therapy methods your foot pain therapy plan may include are: 

• Soft tissue mobilization intended to improve blood flow to a foot injury. 

• Therapeutic exercises that can improve foot mobility, strength and stability at the ankle. 

• Gait training to improve the way you walk. 

• Footwear and insole recommendations that can help reduce stress on your feet. 

• At-home care sessions where your physical therapist works with you one-on-one in your own home. 

• Virtual physical therapy appointments that allow you to meet with your physical therapist over a secure online video feed. 

Find the effective care you need for foot pain at Advent Physical Therapy

Fed up with the stabbing pain in the side of your foot? Our physical therapists at Advent Physical Therapy are committed to helping you find ways to reduce your pain. We’ll start by doing a free screening of your foot to pinpoint the root cause of your pain. Next, our team will create a personalized therapy plan for your painful foot that’s designed to decrease pain and prevent it from returning. You can even get our help if you don’t have a doctor’s referral. 

Contact our team today for more information about the foot therapy services we offer or to schedule an initial appointment.

Pain in the foot and heel treatment at the Linko Clinic

Pain in the foot and heel is a biologically important warning signal that indicates pathology.

Pain in the foot appears as a result of:

• overload,
• deformation,
• fractures,
• tendon and joint pathologies
• or general diseases caused by metabolic disorders.

Foot pain can also appear as a result of:

• her intensive training,
• improper load distribution and injuries.

In addition, there are other diseases that manifest themselves as pain in the foot, but have nothing to do with orthopedics.

Pain in the foot can be considered by department:

• pain in the heel or in the Achilles tendon is characteristic of the hindfoot,
• middle instep pain,
• pain and deformity of the toes, most often as a result of transverse flatfoot, is observed in the forefoot.

Anatomy of the foot.

The strong calcaneus is the support of the ankle joint. The tarsus bears part of the load for the vertical mobility of the foot. The foot skeleton consists of three sections: tarsus, metatarsus and toes. The arch from the calcaneus to the toes forms the longitudinal arch of the foot. When rolling from heel to toe, the heads of the metatarsal bones transfer force to the floor and, together with the toes, form the forefoot.

Foot and heel pain – when should you see a specialist?

• for painful swelling in the foot or ankle for more than five days.
• for open wounds.
• in the presence of stitching and cutting pain.
• if foot pain continues for several weeks.
• if, in addition to pain in the foot, you have an elevated temperature.
• for structural changes in the foot or ankle.
• Pain in the foot and heels in athletes – runners
• Achillodynia (pain in the Achilles tendon)
• heel spur (stabbing pain in the heel)
• Haglund’s disease (calcaneal tubercle deformity)
• stress fracture (fatigue fracture)
• inflammation of the mucous bags in the area of ​​the tarsal joints (intermetatarsal bursitis)
• bursitis of tendon sheaths on the sole
• peroneal tendonitis

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon (Achilledynia)

Achillodynia symptoms

• Stitches in the Achilles tendon when starting to move.
• thickening of the Achilles tendon above the attachment site.
• redness and localized increase in skin temperature.
• crepitus – crunching of the tendon during movement.

Early stage: pain in the foot under load.

Late: foot pain at rest / constant pain.

Achillodynia often presents as a stabbing pain in the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel at the beginning of a movement or exercise. However, this is rather misleading. Even if the pain in the foot goes away during the training itself, the Achilles tendon is still subjected to stress and becomes more vulnerable, which, sooner or later, will lead to its rupture.

How is Achillodynia treated?

• foot load limitation. For acute inflammation, use of anti-inflammatory painkillers (eg, ibuprofen). – the use of special insoles (increasing the rise in the foot, protection against excessive pronation)
• special calf stretches
• shock wave therapy
• surgical removal of inflamed tissue
• tendon reconstruction surgery (Achilles tendon plasty)

Heel spur: plantar fasciitis

Heel spur symptoms:

• stitching pain in the foot
• Pain in the foot when starting to move
• pain depends on intensity of exercise
• cutting pain in the foot on the sole in the heel.

Most often, low-quality shoes or overexertion in the foot is the basis of the inflammatory process of the plantar aponeurosis.

Heel spurs occur in overweight or tall people. Athletes-runners, as well as people who are fond of other sports, often complain of stabbing pain in the plantar region of the foot.

How is a heel spur treated?

Patients suffering from plantar fasciitis are advised to reduce the load on the foot, which does not feel pain. Exercises to stretch the aponeurosis in the foot prevent chronic disease and speed up recovery. Special insoles limit the place of attachment of the tendon on the heel from loads. Shock wave therapy accelerates the treatment of this pathology.

Inflammation of the synovial sheaths of the tendons (tenosynovitis)

Tenosynovitis is a cause of pain in the midfoot, caused by inflammation of the synovial sheaths of the extensor tendons that travel along the back of the foot and connect to the toes. Such a disease can occur as a result of physical overexertion.

Symptoms of tendovaginitis:

• pulling pain in the foot
• reddening of the skin, swelling, crepitus (crunching) in the tendons during movement
• palpable tendon thickening

Incorrect and too narrow shoes, as well as excessive sports activities, are the main causes of inflammation of the tendon sheaths.

What is the treatment?

• cold packs
• physiotherapy
• painkillers (Ibuprofen)
• orthosis fixation

People who play sports are advised to stop exercising and change to more comfortable shoes until the foot pain is completely gone. NSAIDs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will help to overcome foot pain.

Exostosis of the calcaneus (Haglund’s disease)

Symptoms of exostosis of the calcaneus

• deformity of the posterior calcaneus
• swelling and redness at the attachment of the Achilles tendon to the heel
• hindfoot pain

The causes of this disease are uncomfortable shoes with narrowed tops. These shoes strongly press on the upper surface of the calcaneus and are the beginning of a number of deviations in the foot. When using unsuitable shoes, other defects may appear in the foot, which the patient may not be aware of at the onset of the disease.

How to treat Haglund’s exostosis?

Most often this disease affects athletes – runners. Patients are advised to stop exercising and reduce the load on the foot. Exostosis of the calcaneus is treated with the following methods:

• orthopedic insoles
• physiotherapy
• NSAIDs (eg Ibuprofen)
• shock wave therapy
• surgical correction of deformity (in advanced cases)

Metatarsalgia (Plus Bone Pain) with transverse flatfoot

Symptoms of metatarsalgia

• The reduction of the transverse arc of the front section of the foot
• forefoot extension
• external deviation of the thumb
• foot pain under stress

In metatarsalgia (pain of the metatarsal bones), patients experience pain in the metatarsophalangeal joints at the level of the balls of the foot of both feet, which are located just behind the toes. This area in the foot is subjected to more pressure than the others. Due to the transverse flatfoot, the transverse arch of the foot decreases and the load on the plantar fascia increases. During the roll of the foot from heel to toe, there is an overload of the anterior section of the region of 2-4 metatarsal bones, which normally practically do not carry it. Weak connective tissues or poorly trained leg muscles are the two most significant reasons why patients begin to feel pain in the foot. If a person wears uncomfortable shoes with a narrow toe every day, the risk of the disease increases significantly.

What is the treatment?

• orthopedic insoles for strengthening the transverse arch of the foot
• foot exercises and gymnastics
• shoes with low soles, non-constricting forefoot
• operation: correction of transverse flat feet

Morton’s neuroma

This is an abnormal thickening of the interdigital nerve of the foot that causes pain between the third and fourth toes. This disease, which is characterized by stabbing and burning pain in the foot, can be triggered by transverse flat feet.

Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma

• stabbing, sometimes burning pain in the toes in the forefoot
• numbness of fingers
• pain relief after removing shoes

Morton’s neuroma disease manifests itself in the form of painful swelling of the neural sheath between the metatarsal bones, and the transverse flatfoot accelerates its development.

If you feel like you’re stepping on a pea or a pebble when you walk, you most likely have Morton’s neuroma.

Diagnosis of pathology lies in traditional methods of examination, including MRI, the sensitivity of which is 98%

How is Morton’s Neuroma treated?

• low-soled shoes, non-constricting toes
• foot gymnastics
• Local anesthesia with Cortisone in the area of ​​the neuroma
• neurectomy – surgical excision of an inflamed nerve

This is a deformity at the level of the medial metatarsophalangeal joint with valgus (lat. Valgus – curved), that is, directed outward, deviation of the first toe.

Valgus deformity of the first toe is caused by a long-term violation of the biomechanics of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, which may be associated with transverse flat feet and weakness of the ligamentous apparatus, some neurological disorders, congenital deformities, and a number of other reasons. Joint deformity is accompanied by progressive arthrosis.

Severe forms of deformity primarily affect women. This is due to the weakness of the connective tissue in women. In addition, this is due to the peculiarities of the forms of women’s shoes (heels), which contribute to this negative trend.

There are three unfavorable shoe shape factors:

Heel height.

• Heel heights over 3 inches (7.62 cm) result in significantly increased forefoot pressure. On the one hand, this contributes to the appearance of flat feet, and on the other hand, the toes are pressed into the shoes.

Narrow toe.

• if the toe of the shoe is too narrow, then the toes do not have the necessary freedom. As a result, they are forced to be in an uncomfortable position, which eventually leads to permanent deformation.

Shoes too short.

If the shoes are too short, the toes are forced into an unnatural position, and this contributes to bunion.

With valgus deformity of the foot, the angle between the I and II metatarsal bones is significantly increased. In this case, the 1st metatarsal bone begins to shift inward, and the first finger, held by the adductor muscle, shifts outward. Because of this, the head of the 1st metatarsal bone begins to form a tubercle, which is called ” bone on the legs”. Since in this case the big toe cannot still “look” forward, it begins to gradually deviate outward.

Due to constant pressure, the bulge “bunion” becomes inflamed and contacts excessively with the shoe. This usually leads to bursitis, that is, inflammation of the mucous bag of the joint.

In addition, due to constant pressure, bone changes begin in the area of ​​the head of the 1st metatarsal bone. Changes in the bone lead to swelling, hypersensitivity, pain in the thumb.

Incorrect position and angle of the big toe leads to premature wear of the main joint, cartilage damage and a significant increase in the size of the bone growth on the foot.

Clinical picture

• deviation of the thumb from the central axis
• foot joint pain
• leg fatigue
• deviation of the big toe outward, gradual increase in “bunion”
• hammer deformity of other toes
• transverse flatfoot

Treatment

In the early stages of the disease, treatment is predominantly symptomatic, aimed at eliminating pain. With severe deformities, surgical intervention is performed to eliminate the deformity. Early surgical treatment leads to the prevention of arthrosis in the first metatarsophalangeal joint and more favorable consequences of the operation. Modern methods of operations do not destroy the joint, while maintaining its mobility and support. Corrective osteotomies such as Chevron, Skarf or proximal osteotomies in various variations are widely used

Prophylaxis

• regular orthopedic check-up
• use of orthopedic insoles
• use of rational shoes (heels no higher than 7 cm, shoes without studs, pointed toes, made of natural materials)
• to prevent and improve blood circulation in the foot, walk barefoot on sand and small stones.

causes, treatment of pain in the joints and pads in St. Petersburg

Pain in the toes in most cases are caused by diseases such as arthritis, arthrosis or circulatory disorders.

Arthritis

A sign of arthritis of a different nature are periodic pains that occur at night (most often at 3-4 hours). Each arthritis has its own specific fingers. For psoriatic and reactive arthritis, as well as gout (more common in men), pain in the big toe is most characteristic. The rest of the toes can become inflamed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthrosis

Arthrosis of the big toe develops more often in women. The reason for this is long-term wearing of shoes with a narrow toe, while the big toe strongly deviates inward, pressed against the second toe. The protruding bone receives additional traumatization (rubbed with shoes) while walking and is gradually deformed. Later, not only the protruding bone is deformed, but the entire joint. It becomes much wider than it was before. Movement in such a joint is severely limited. In advanced arthrosis, the deformity usually fixes the finger in the wrong position so strongly that it is almost impossible to return it to its normal position.

Circulatory disorders

In case of circulatory disorders in the feet, as well as hyperactivity of the nerve endings of the legs, the following symptoms can be noticed: pain in the toes, burning in the feet, loss of sensitivity. There are two diseases with a similar set of symptoms: atherosclerosis of the arteries of the legs and obliterating endarteritis. With these ailments, blood circulation in the arteries of the legs is disturbed, an insufficient amount of oxygen enters the tissues. As a result, pains appear in the big toe, the rest of the fingers, the foot, the lower leg hurt, the skin becomes pale and dry, the growth of nails is disturbed (they become brittle and unhealthy), the hair on the legs falls out, the lower extremities often freeze.

Other causes of pain

Plantar fasciitis (Morton’s neuroma) is caused by increased pressure on a nerve and is characterized by pain at the base of the toe.

Chronic injuries in this area can also be the cause.

Diabetes may cause numbness in the feet and fingers.

An outgrowth of dead cells, the so-called indurations, on the balls of the toes often have a root (nucleus), especially often occur with great and prolonged pressure on the toes.

A nail ingrown into the skin is very unpleasant. Trim your nails carefully to minimize discomfort. Otherwise, severe pain or infection may develop.

Another cause of toe pain can be flat feet.

Recommended treatments for patients:

• Kinesiology and osteopathy
• Complexes of physiotherapy exercises (isometric kinesiotherapy)
• Massage
• Mud treatment
• Active oxygen treatment

Pain in the toes may be a symptom of the following diseases:

• Arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Reactive arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Arthrosis
• Flat feet
• Injuries
• Diabetes mellitus
• Atherosclerosis of the leg arteries
• Endarteritis obliterans
• Ingrown toenail
• Plantar fasciitis

Reviews of treatment

Many thanks to Pronkin Sergey Ivanovich for the excellent results of treatment, attentive and friendly attitude, enlightening conversations during treatment and explanation of the causes of pain in the joints.