Injury to toes on left foot--Please Help! - Foot Problems Message Board

sealover · 11-20-2003, 11:34 PM

Hi. I would really appreciate some insight into what could be wrong with my left foot. First, some background info: 10 years ago I stubbed the 2nd toe of my left foot and, as a result, for 10 years following that injury I would feel tingling shooting up that 2nd toe every morning when I set my foot on the floor getting out of bed. Finally, a few months ago, this nerve problem seemed to go away for whatever reason, and I was so very happy. However, I always said that if I ever hurt that toe again, that would be the end of it. Well, it happened again, but this time the injury is so much worse and it involves all 5 toes and the ball of my left foot.

This is what happened: Six nights ago as I was getting out of the shower, I accidentally hit my toes extremely hard on the metal tracking of the bath tub for the shower doors. The pain was excruciating (the worst pain I have ever experienced), and I immediately felt significant tingling on the ball of my foot and in the toes. I applied cold compresses to my toes right away. Then the next day to present I have been soaking my foot in a warm bath 1-2 times per day and I've been taking 1800 mg of prescription Ibuprofen daily. This all does not seem to be helping much. I still have not been able to walk on my left foot, although when I tried to gently put weight on that foot, I experienced intense tingling in the ball of my foot and up into the tips of my toes. I went to my family doctor on Tuesday of this week, and because he didn't see significant swelling, he refused to order x-rays. He didn't seem to know anything about these types of injuries. I am angry that he didn't order x-rays; I think that was stupid of him. He also made a remark that my foot will be just fine in 2 weeks because he has never heard of a nerve injury lasting beyond that point...well you all know that is completely untrue! I have an appointment to see a Podiatrist next Monday. Meanwhile, like I said, I have been unable to walk or put any weight on that foot, I have tingling in the ball of my foot and in my toes, I have a tight sensation throughout my entire foot, I see slight swelling in the ball of my foot and in some of the toes compared to my uninjured foot. The thing that scares me is that since the injury, I have tried to move my toes, but they only move a little bit. My foot as a whole feels all cramped and stiff because of the lack of movement, and that is a painful feeling. I am currently using crutches or limping around, but staying off my feet for the most part. My foot is getting worse every day.

I am extremely worried about this injury, and I am scared that I may not be able to walk anytime soon or move my toes again. I simply cannot believe that this has happened to me.

Would some of you please reply with your insight or share with me any experiences you have had similar to mine? Have you ever heard of someone having an injury like this? What types of tests should a doctor order for this type of injury and what type of medication is best for inflammation? Thanks so much.[FONT=Arial]

CJBermuda · 11-21-2003, 09:58 AM

I think you need to begin with an x-ray and take it from there.

I am sure your podiatrist will do that.

Keep in touch and let us know how you make out on Monday.

regards
CJ...

toetooshort · 11-21-2003, 06:25 PM

Please see your podiatrist and keep in touch. Sounds like an unusual situation.

sealover · 11-24-2003, 11:21 PM

An update on my injury: I visited a podiatrist today. He took x-rays and examined my foot. The x-rays showed no broken bones. He gave me one cortisone injection 10-1/2 hours ago, and I do not notice any relief from the tingling in that nerve. All toes tingle when I try to walk normally, and that is very painful. I still am barely able to move my toes. He ordered 3 weeks of physical therapy for me. I am to have an MRI in a couple of weeks. He told me not to limp or try to rest the foot anymore, that it is very important to gain mobility in that foot. His diagnosis is that I have neuromas in the injured foot, but is it possible for a neuroma to form right away after an injury? He is guessing that I may also be suffering from RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy)that was initiated by the injury. I didn't know what RSD was until I just read about it online...it is very scary to think that I may have this, so I pray that he is wrong. He didn't provide me with a comprehensive answer as to why I cannot move my toes much, so I am disappointed that I have more questions than answers at this point.

sealover · 11-30-2003, 08:31 PM

Good news: About 24 hours following my cortisone injection in my left foot, my toes are feeling better. I am walking with my full weight on my left foot, rather than limping or using crutches. I have more range of motion in my toes now, but not full range of motion yet. I do have some joint pain in a few of my toes that comes and goes, I have areas that tingle when touched, and I still have slight swelling in my toe joints, but this is a big improvement. I have my 3rd physical therapy appointment tomorrow...I am to have a total of 9 appointments.

Needless to say, I am very very grateful for being able to walk again, even if it is painful at times.