Community discussion

I am desperate to get some advice!

Archive date 37 archived replies

I am desperate to get some advice! I have had a swollen, stiff middle toe for about 2 months. I have no pain in the toe and is not red all the time but the bottom and top of foot by the toes does have pain and swelling sometimes especially when walking for a bit. I have tried everything to reduce swelling and 2 podiatrists and my family doctor cannot tell me what is wrong. I have been limping for about 5 months due to plantar fasciitis in the OTHER foot so bearing weight on the "swollen toe" foot. Bloodwork has shown no gout and xrays show no break. My physiotherapist thinks something wrong with the tendon going to the toe. I am so frustrated and desperate for any help/advice!

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Community comment#1

I know you said no gout, but dang it looks just like it.

Community comment#2

My toe (exact same toe as yours) I was treated for infection. Didn’t have. Tested for gout. Didn’t have. Turned out it is something called Charcot. Now that toe has a curve in it.

Community comment#3

Looks like thinks groomers get from dog hair splinters. But they are painful.

Community comment#4

Try the med Diclofenac for your planter fasciitis...it is the ONLY thing that works for my severe episodes.

Community comment#5

https://www.nytimes.com/.../coronavirus-covid-toe.amp.html NYTIMES.COM What Is ‘Covid Toe’? Maybe a Strange Sign of Coronavirus Infection (Published 2020) What Is ‘Covid Toe’? Maybe a Strange Sign of Coronavirus Infection (Published 2020)

What Is ‘Covid Toe’? Maybe a Strange Sign of Coronavirus Infection (Published 2020)
Community comment#6

Covid toe. I had the same. It will go within a couple of weeks. Your toenail will turn milky as well.

Community comment#7

It looks like early arthritis?

Community comment#8

Is it warm to the touch? Does ice on it help it? Does it move normally up and down? I don't think it's covid-toe, nor charcot. I think it's an infection of some sort or a gout flare, regardless whether they could detect crystals in a joint or not.

Community comment#9

I find it very sad and concerning that 3 doctors can't diagnose this problem. Any x-rays?

Community comment#10

some spider bites can cause digits to look like that, we have brown recluses in our area, very dangerous.

Charcot-Tooth-Marie disease is a nerve/muscle breakdown. My hubby has it. But I've not seen it manifest like that. That toe looks like mine after I keep running into the leg of the dining room chair

my son lost his lower leg from Charcout. It is a serious disease. Xrays, antibiotic, try other podiatrists. Dont let it go.

Community comment#19

I really think it has something to do with the tendons or ligaments. I remember it starting after a few days constantly on my feet and I had heel pads in my shoes to take the pain off my heel of the foot with pf. This would mean I had pressure on the ball of my foot.

Community comment#20

I've never heard of this

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Community comment#21

Gout?

Community comment#22

Consider psoriatic arthritis.

Community comment#23

I have a middle toe like this...didn't bother me much because I also have bunions and at the time it showed up I had a flare up of "Mortons's Neuroma" and could not walk w/o support. The Neuroma is calm now and the toe still a bit plump.

Community comment#24

I have had extremely painful feet and my left knee since having Covid. They thought initially I had plantar fasciitis but shots didn’t help. I am on an anti inflammatory medication but the only thing that totally gives me relief is Prednisone. You may want to go to a rheumatologist. I know another lady that had the same thing as I have after also having Covid.

Community comment#25

Anyone have suggestions on how to get the swelling down? I really do not want to take NSAIDS without knowing what the problem is. Looking for supplements suggestions! Should I use ice or heat as I have had this for 2 months! Should I tape it? Reading so much different information that I want to hear from others who tried and tested and had results! Help!

Yes that’s exactly what I was thinking. It looks like what they call “sausage toes” In people with that type of arthritis. I know that doesn’t sound very glamorous but look up some photos.

I have psoriatic arthritis. My feet tendons are where it likes to attack the most! I was diagnosed by a rheumatologist. I don’t have skin psoriasis, just the psoriatic arthritis. 2 of my sisters have Psoriasis. 1 cousin also has psoriatic arthritis.

Podiatrist helped w pain mgmt with shot of cortisone (sp)...and second podiatrist added more cushioned orthotics and I bought some from Upstep so I didn't have to change everytime I went inside/outside.

How long did it take to calm down? I have no diagnosis yet but I am elevating my foot, icing it, light massage, taking ibuprofen and even used epsom salt bath. I see no change yet and it's been almost 2 months. I have thought it is neuroma.

You really helped shed some light on what may be wrong. It appears, thru research, that this may take some time to improve.

I think the Morton's neuroma doesn't just disappear...the shots help remove the inflamation...I'm afraid to stress the foot now in fear it may return!

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