Anyone had foot pain like this?

[stripytees]

Already been to the GP last week and had a blood test for gout but it's not that. He prescribed Naproxen but it's not helped. Seeing a different GP this Thursday (the same one is not working there anymore) but just wondering if anyone's had this...

The pain is on top of my foot around the metatarsal area, especially my second and third toe. It feels like my second and third toe are kind of stiff and "stuck together" - with my other foot I'm able to move my toes to spread all toes apart but in this foot these two toes won't really spread at all. There is a bit of swelling on top of my foot in that area (visibly compared to the other foot), although that's gone down from what it was at first. When I press the area with my fingers it feels tender. I can bend the toes without pain, though.

Initially walking hurt a lot and I could only limp around, now I can walk but I still feel a soreness in that area, the more I walk the worse it gets. I've noticed that after walking the second toe sometimes looks more swollen.

The pain started out of the blue - I was just walking from A to B at my normal pace, in really comfortable shoes. So no obvious injury or overuse, and haven't done anything different recently in terms of exercise. Always wear really "sensible" shoes, mostly reasonably flat lace ups or trainers...

Have tried all the usual - rest, elevation (spent the first 3-4 days pretty much on the sofa with my foot up), ice, Arnica cream, ibuprofen and paracetamol (before the Naproxen prescription).

I'm just getting really fed up with this now, especially not knowing what is actually wrong with it. Can't plan anything because I'm not sure how much I can walk. Not sure if going to a private osteopath or podiatrist would help?

Anyway, sorry this is so long.

Go see a private Podiatrist, they are the foot specialist.

These are the possible causes:

Plantar plate tear (unlikely)

Mortons neuroma or inflammed nerve - correct location but often over diagnosed.

Intermetatarsal bursitis - very likely

Keep on taking the Naproxen and paracetamol, wear good supportive shock absorbing shoes, no going barefoot, wearing flip flops or heels

Could buy a good pair of orthotics from a pharmacy - Vasyli are good.

This will probably settle in time.

Thank you!

I found a local podiatrist online last night and will call to book when they open this morning.

I am unaware of a blood test that rules out gout.

Podiatrists have limited knowledge.

You need a diagnosis firsr

Why do you say Podiatrists have limited knowledge Hello?

They are able to independently diagnose, treat and many have prescribing rights.

IMO they are the ideal professional to see about a foot pain like this.

The blood test is uric acid levels.

As a 30-something female vegetarian who rarely drink I'm not actually in the risk group for gout.

I've now been to a podiatrist who says it's a soft tissue injury. I have some support insoles to keep my feet in an optimal position and otherwise it's a case of waiting as these things usually take 6-8 weeks to heal. The podiatrist did a full assessment and there are no "structural" issues with my feet anyway.