Dr Foot Discussion

[Roadrunner]

About a month ago I started to get a sharp pain on the ball of my foot, around the 2nd toe area.
I am a runner but wasn't running at the time as I was on holiday. The previous week was spent mountain biking. It flared up in the week after this when I was not doing any sport and hurts when I walk.
There is also a significant lump on the top of my foot between the 1st & 2nd metatarsals which is more noticable when a curl my toes under.
I have tried resting (i.e. no running) but it didn't seem to make much difference and am now tentatively running again as it doesn't hurt when I run. My GP prodded it and said nothing was broken and sent me home with some ibuprofen!
Can anyone throw any light on what the problem could be and the best way forward. I am going to see an osteopath in the next couple of days too.
BTW, I already wear custom orthotics to correct pronation which I have had about 6 months. I have also had a troublesome calf on the same leg - could this be related?

[kirst_t]

I too have recently developed this and am desperately trying to figure out what is is... I'll let you know if I do!

[Roadrunner]

Osteopath suggested it maybe a stress fracture and I am having an x-ray in the morning.
Will let you know kirst_t

[bigE]

I have been having this same problem with my foot for almost 19 months. It is extremely painfull after walking on it for a mile or two. It doesnt hurt until I am on my feet for awhile. I went thru a whole year in Iraq as an Infantryman, but was on a hummer more than walking while on patrol. I've been to a few orthopedic Dr's but all they can tell me is that it is an overuse injury. I have been wearing an orthodic device for 6 months now but it doesnt seem to help a bit. I've been home for over a month with no change. Its a sharp stabbing pain that feels like its isolated right on top and slightly to the side (towards my big toe) of my 2nd metatarsal. I'm a very active person and this problem has tormented me for too long.

Any Ideas......I'm desperate!

[Roadrunner]

Hi
Well, after seeing a rheumatologist who referred me for an x-ray and an MRI scan I was sent for an ultrasound scan. This finally showed up what could possibly be scar tissue. They then stuffed some cortisone in there (only for the very brave - had to apologise for bad language and nearly kicking doc in teeth with good foot!) BUT it does seem to have helped. Admittedly I have been resting completely, not even swimming, and it is tons better. Am now trying short runs and so far so good although I still feel something very slightly.
Can't offer any magical answers, just to say that for something that doesn't show up significantly on x-ray/scans etc, it has caused a lot of pain.
Would be interested in anyone else's solutions.

[bigE]

So you think I should see a rheumatologist?, I've had this x-rayed numerous times, and nothing out of the ordinary is there. I do have a slight bunion, but I've been told that it isnt that much of a misalignment, thus, no treatment required. How could this be? it feels like someone is stabbing me with a rusty nail on the ball of my foot every time I put even the slightest pressure on it (this, of course after I've been on it for awhile). I really think it is a nerve that is being aggravated and swelling up. To the touch I can feel something rolling around the 2nd metatarsal head and I've also had a problem with my calf muscle in the past. I couldnt even raise up on my toes when it was messed up.

They also said that the mis-alignment because of the bunion is forcing my 2nd metatarsal to take all the pressure which it wasnt meant to (this I can believe, because I'm building up a good sized callous under my 2nd toe). They have ruled out mortens neuroma because this usually only happens between the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsal.

I find it hard to believe that I'm just going to have to live with this ailment. I dont think they really understand the level of pain that this causes me. That, or they think I'm lying.....who knows.

I'm definitly not a couch potato so how did you go about getting a cortizone shot?, and how long do they last?

Thanks

[Roadrunner]

I'm certainly no expert but my rheumatologist has suggested that x-rays are not the best medium for finding these sorts of problems.
If I were you, I would ask my GP to refer me to a specialist (if you have private insurance - even better as it will be quicker), especially as it's gone on for a long time. Can you get something through the Army?
All your symptoms sounds exactly what I have had and I know what you mean - you feel like a fraud when they can't find anything but the pain is very real.
One thing - if you don't already, avoid barefeet.
Good luck