Question
What can cause pain in the pinky toe and the toe next to it and also radiates through that side of the foot. It worsens when the foot gets cold,that causes it to get extremely painful. It started in my right foot and is now starting in my left foot. I went to a Dr and he had X-rays done which showed nothing. I also had a test done on my legs to check blood flow and that showed some thinning of the veins which they say is normal for my age of 45. It is driving me crazy and winter is almost unbearable.

Answer
HI Linda,

Your foot pain sounds like it is the result of a nerve problem.  This will not show on x-ray.  In some cases this can be seen on an ultrasound.  This could be a neuroma or an injured sural nerve.  You will need to see another podiatrist to get a better diagnosis.  You may benefit from orthotic devices and possible cortisone.  The diagnosis can be made by placing a small amount of anesthetic around the nerve to see if this relives the pain.  If you have treatments and still have pain, I would consider cryosurgery or neuroablation for relieve of the pain caused by the abnormal foot nerves.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com

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