Question
I walk/hike long distances and lately the tips of my 2nd and 3rd (maybe the 4th a little too) start to burn and hurt terribly after about an hour or hour and a half of walking. It can't be my toes hitting the ends of my shoes, I have plenty of room (though not tooo much). I loosen my shoes-no improvment.  I tighten my shoes - no improvement.  If I walk very consciously slowly stretching my toes as I walk this seems to bring some relief but as soon as I walk normally again it comes right back. When I stop, the pain goes away quickly.  It only hurts while I am walking.  This used to happpen occassionally in the past but now it is happening every time I walk.  Is it me or my shoes?  Thank you, Sandra

Answer
Hi Sandra,

It sounds like a neuroma.  This is an enlarged nerve behind the toes that will usually worsen with activity.  It ususally improves with massage and removing shoes.  I would see a podiatrist for treatment.

Sincerely,

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


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