Question
QUESTION: About a month ago, my right foot started swelling, felt like the skin was being stretched too far.

The swelling is located in the area between the toes to just before the joint.

I haven't done anything as far as I know, but I find it painful to wear running shoes or any type of shoe that presses on that part.

I am going to see my dr tomorrow about this, but I'm hoping to get an opinion about this from someone who knows feet!

Thanks.

ANSWER: Kristina,
It's good that you're going to the doctor.  Make sure he takes an x-ray to make sure it's not something like a stress fracture.  You wouldn't have injured it in a memorable way, but it still can swell and be painful.
Good luck with your visit!!
All the best,
Andrew Schneider, DPM

http://tanglewoodfootspecialists.com
http://www.houstonrundoc.com
http://www.facebook.com/HoustonPodiatrist
http://www.twitter.com/HoustonFootDoc

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi there:

He never suggested any x-rays, it's not painful to the touch.

He originally thought tendinitis, but thinks otherwise after examining my foot.

He gave me a topical anti inflammatory to use, and said if it didn't get better with that and icing at the end of the day to come back in.

Ironically he'd tested my uric acid levels last summer and they were normal so ruled out gout.

If this continues to happen I will return to see him and hopefully we can look further into this.

I'm wondering though if my line of work has anything to do with it.  I'm a landscaper and do wonder if using a shovel is possibly doing this to me.  Is that a possibility?  Would that lead to a stress fracture?

Thanks.

Answer
Your line of work can definitely play into it.  If the topical anti-inflammatory doesn't work well, you should suggest an x-ray if your doctor does not.

All the best,
Andrew Schneider, DPM

http://tanglewoodfootspecialists.com
http://www.houstonfootdoc.com
http://www.facebook.com/HoustonPodiatrist
http://www.twitter.com/HoustonFootDoc