Question
I am experiencing pain in on the outside of my right big toe.  While walking it feels as though I have a cut or crack in the dry skin. Upon inspection not cuts, cracks, scrapes or otherwise.  When I am not walking it is fine. If I massage the toe it feels as if there are miniscule pieces of broken glass in my toe, as I continue to massage the painful area the pain lessens and then is ok for a few hours to a few days. No swelling or discoloration. Any ideas?

Answer
Two thoughts, Alisa.  One is that there is dryness to the skin and small cracks that you cannot see.  The other is a compression of a nerve close to the skin.  This compression can be simply from walking.  The pressure on the nerve can cause the discomfort you're feeling.  I suggest you visit with a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation.

All the best,
Andrew Schneider, DPM

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