I was diagnosed with this by my podiatrist 6 years ago. I was just told that my orthotics would address this. I was never told to wear them inside the house and I was not given any exercises. I've never had that many issues, the hallux limitus was found because I needed orthotics to fix my leg length discrepancy. The area on the inside of the toes feels somewhat painful when I touch it.

I think I have about 50 degrees of ROM and it didn't seem all that bad to me. Now I've read that doing nothing about it actually makes it worse and it scared me a bit. I'm not sure what to do now. Why didn't my podiatrists recommend exercises? Should I work on this or just leave it alone?

Just curious if anyone’s ever had this before. I recently worked a 6 hour shift standing in my new shoes (vans). I haven’t worn vans in 15 years, but I never had this issue although I was a lot younger. My feet feel sore and I assumed it was from standing, but I noticed the bruising.
The right side has bruising on the ball of the foot and left on the heel.

I went to see a podiatrist after getting really bad pain in my foot when running, and got prescribed with orthotics. The’ve helped a bit though the pain is still there. Every time I’ve gone back for a check up I would ask about possible exercises or stretches to do to help strengthen my foot, but would be met with a resounding ”no”. I mainly wear wide clogs with 0 drop as my dailies and altras (with orthotics) for running.

Is this a common experience with podiatrists? Feel like I got ripped off. I’m thinking of seeing a PT instead.

I’m desperate for advice. I have been dealing with metatarsalgia around my second MTP joint for the last nine months, and it is currently affecting both feet.

I am a 40 year old male, normal weight.

My case is a bit complex because I had a right ankle fusion about six years ago after being diagnosed with a rare ankle tumor that destroyed my tibial Talar joint. I had been doing pretty well with a dynamic AFO device called the ExoSym for the last several years.

About nine months ago, unfortunately, I started to develop metatarsalgia in my fused side while using the device. Then, about six months later, I developed it in my other foot as well (which has no problems in terms of joints).

I started taking it more seriously over the last two to three months by reducing my daily step count. I was initially walking about 12,000–14,000 steps a day. Now I tried to keep it below 7500. I have been avoiding the gym as well. So far, rest hasn’t really done much, and anytime I try to do any kind of meaningful activity , I experience a pretty significant flare that lasts several days and is agonizing. It's very tender below the second toe and driving is very hard (thank god for Tesla self driving)

So far, I’ve seen my PCP and my foot and ankle orthopedic specialist. I had X-rays and an MRI, which did not show anything significant. Ortho thought it might be neuritis so gave a me a few injections in the webspaces of toe 2 and 3 of both feet with no real relief. I have a follow up with him next week.

One caveat is that I do have psoriasis, and I’m concerned this may be a symptom of psoriatic arthritis. I have an upcoming appointment with a rheumatologist. I also have really high arches , I currently am awaiting custom orthotics with arch support and a 2nd MTP relief. I have tried metatarsal pads but no matter the placement it just makes things worse.

Apologize for the novel , just wanted to cover as much as I could.

I am curious whether anyone has dealt with anything similar and, if so, what helped you get better.

I got diagnosed with tarsal tunnel in July and was told by my podiatrist to immobilize in a boot.

I spent 3 weeks in and 2 weeks coming out and was in great shape tarsal wise (i could walk and go about my day without feeling it) but the top of my foot was super painful to bend.

So I just started physical therapy to address that and after 2 weeks, my tarsal has become more agitated than it ever was.

Wondering if anyone has had ongoing tarsal problems, if pt ultimately helped or if you have any other routes, tools, tips that helped you get back to full function.

Also calling out that i have HEDS so stretching and mobility is a delicate balance for me.

Hello all, so I looked at my toes today and got randomly curious about toe anatomy and how they can be so different. Which led me to how I walk.

I walk with an almost extreme forefoot gait/pattern that I’m somewhat just noticing after some light walking around the house doing chores. As if I perceive to be walking on ice 24/7 my heels just don’t make contact as I walk on flat ground.

My issue: I struggle with standard balance when walking to a point I question why I’m walking as if I’m drunk. Am I clumsy? Realizing now, It’s how I plant my foot (outside ball—rolling to inside ball of foot) which gets annoying cause I feel like I’m seen as clumsy.
Apart from balance, I can’t jump or descend from a height greater than 4ft without shock being sent through my ankles. Happened when I was younger in sports (I’m 26 now) but it happens way more consistently now that I give second thoughts to such small jumps.

Any advice to recouping some stability in my achilles would be great. The forefoot patterns is longtime adapted and doesn’t provide issue to myself other than casual balance in locomotion and landing flat on my feet.

Thank you in advance!

I used to have excellent balance and no issues running at all. About 4 years ago I started to develop tendinitis (and eventually tendinopathy) in my left Achilles. I started doing lightly weighted calf raises without shoes and it helped significantly! However, I found out I have tight psoas, some forward hip rotation, and supination in my feet. I’ve been doing 3x1 minute holds of reverse planks, it’s helped a lot with the hip rotation and posture. Even so, now when I try to run I’m not getting significant pain in my left Achilles, I get it in my right calf to a point that walking can hurt a bit.

Strangely, jogging barefoot on a grass field helps with the pain. Would it be worth it to invest in an axis board to help with foot strengthening and supination correction?

Hello,

About five months ago, I fractured my pinky toe. I was told it was a very small fracture, and that I also have a pretty intense hard corn on the outer edge of my toe. I initially had a lot of discomfort, popping and numbness in my forefoot. That finally subsided, and then about two months later, I hit the same toe almost just as hard as the initial injury. I waited about a month to get another x-ray, and was told it was not re-fractured.

The issue is, I’m still feeling quite a bit of numbness and tingling in the front of my foot (mostly around the two smallest toes). It has caused a bit of discomfort in other parts of my forefoot. I’ll admit I was never good about initially resting and letting it recover five months ago, but the pain was never bad.

In the last few weeks, I’ve started getting back into running, but the numbness seems to be exacerbated during a run. The pain has never been bad (at worst a 3/10), but the numbness is somewhat hard to ignore. 

How much longer does it take to feel 100%? I’ve heard it takes longer than most think when it comes to returning to running.

Any input and knowledge is appreciated.

Also, if any people have recommendations for running shoes for these issues — preferably for people with flat feet.

Thanks!

I was diagnosed with hEDS about a year ago and started doing some physical therapy for some other joint issues. Ive always had issues with my feet getting overly tired and my 4th toe causing blisters and bleeding on my third toe when it twists and gets stuck under that toe. My feet look pretty normal until I put weight on them. On both my feet the 4th and 5th toes twist, my arches collapse with weight, the front of my feet splay and I usually toe grip for balance. For the last year I've pretty much only worn open toe sandles with arch support, because even a wide toe box can push that 4th toe under the third. Anyone have any recommendations on excersies or products that can help with any of these issues?

I have mild bunions on my feet. I started doing exercises, but I forcefully stretched my big toes. Ever since then, a mild pain started, which was coming and going—that was back in July.

Then in September, I walked up and down the stairs to the third floor, and that triggered a burning, tingling, and painful sensation in my feet, though it was hard to pinpoint the exact location. I had an ultrasound done, which came back completely clear, and the doctor told me it was a tendon issue.

After that, I walked in small amounts, it was getting better, and I was gradually able to walk more. However, one day I overdid it by a lot, and that evening I had abnormal, extremely sharp stabbing pain. I then rested for 8 days, and after that, I slowly resumed walking in small increments.

Today is the 17th day since that last flare-up, and my current limit is 8 minutes with a break. I keep track of and measure everything. It has never hurt while I'm actually walking. Why is this process moving so slowly, and will it eventually heal?

28FM and my dr has confirmed I have atrophy in my left leg with foot drop but was curious if anyone else with foot drop has similar atrophy from it? I know at this point I do have permanent 60% nerve loss in my peroneal nerve.

Lengthy post. Bear with me.

Hi, all. Way back in May, I posted about ongoing issues with my feet, which started after walking on a treadmill consistently for about 1.5 weeks, two weeks after my C-section (I was cleared by my OBGYN to do so at the time). I have since been to a Podiatrist, who told me the issue was from my epidural and he told me to use a TENS unit to "reset" the nerves. That's not what TENS does. Anyway. He did no analysis of my gait or anything. Only did x-rays. I would up seeking a second opinion with an orthopedic doctor. He did not watch me walk but he did have me do calf raises, which were painless. He told me that my achilles tendons were tight. He did x-rays. Then ordered an EMG, which showed mild bilateral tarsal tunnel. He told me the issue was localized and had nothing to do with my spine because they checked that during EMG. Then, ultrasounds of my legs were ordered because of the swelling. No blood clots. Then, ankle MRIs. The results of those are as follows:

# MRI RIGHT ANKLE WITHOUT CONTRAST

**Date:** 09/02/2026

**HISTORY:** Bilateral ankle pain that began with walking on a treadmill 4–5 months ago; bilateral tarsal tunnel syndrome; no ankle surgery. 40 y/o F.

**TECHNICAL FACTORS:** Long- and short-axis fat- and water-weighted images were performed of the right ankle without contrast material.

**COMPARISON:** None.

## FINDINGS

**ARTICULATIONS:**

**Bone:** No acute fracture or bony injury.

**Tibiotalar Joint/Talar Dome:** No osteochondral defect of the talar dome or tibial plafond.

**Ankle Mortise/Syndesmosis:** The ankle mortise is in anatomic alignment. No syndesmosis widening.

**Midfoot/Hindfoot:** No fracture or injury of the anterior calcaneal process. No prominent midfoot or hindfoot arthrosis; only minor degenerative change noted.

**Lisfranc Joint:** The Lisfranc joint is intact, without fracture or joint space widening.

**LIGAMENTS:**

**Anterior/Posterior Talofibular:** Intact.

**Calcaneofibular:** Intact.

**Deltoid:** Mildly increased signal within the deep deltoid ligament without obvious fiber discontinuity. The superficial deltoid and spring ligament appear intact.

**High Ankle:** Intact.

**Subtalar/Chopart:** Intact.

**TENDONS:**

**Achilles:** Trace retrocalcaneal bursal fluid with an intact Achilles tendon.

**Peroneus Longus/Brevis:** Intact.

**Posterior Tibialis:** Intact.

**Flexor Compartment:** Intact.

**Extensor Compartment:** Intact.

**GENERAL:**

**Muscles:** No traumatic muscle injury. No volumetric muscle atrophy.

**Soft Tissue:** Unremarkable.

**Plantar Fascia:** Intact.

**Neurovascular Complex/Tarsal Tunnel:** Unremarkable. No evidence of entrapment neuropathy.

**Joint Effusion:** Only trace fluid seen in the tibiotalar joint compartments.

**Intra-Articular/Loose Bodies:** None.

## CONCLUSION

1. Mildly increased signal within the deep deltoid ligament without obvious fiber discontinuity. This may represent a low-grade sprain.

2. No evidence of entrapment neuropathy.

3. No evidence of tarsal tunnel syndrome.

# MRI LEFT ANKLE WITHOUT CONTRAST

**Date:** 09/02/2026

**HISTORY:** Bilateral ankle pain that began with walking on a treadmill 4–5 months ago; bilateral tarsal tunnel syndrome; no ankle surgery. 40 y/o F.

**TECHNICAL FACTORS:** Long- and short-axis fat- and water-weighted images were performed of the left ankle without contrast material.

**COMPARISON:** None.

## FINDINGS

**ARTICULATIONS:**

**Bone:** No acute fracture or bony injury.

**Tibiotalar Joint/Talar Dome:** No osteochondral defect of the talar dome or tibial plafond.

**Ankle Mortise/Syndesmosis:** The ankle mortise is in anatomic alignment. No syndesmosis widening.

**Midfoot/Hindfoot:** No fracture or injury of the anterior calcaneal process. Minor midfoot degenerative arthrosis seen without midfoot collapse or significant plantar longitudinal arch flattening.

**Lisfranc Joint:** The Lisfranc joint is intact, without fracture or joint space widening.

**LIGAMENTS:**

**Anterior/Posterior Talofibular:** Intact.

**Calcaneofibular:** Intact.

**Deltoid:** Intact.

**High Ankle:** Intact.

**Subtalar/Chopart:** Intact.

**TENDONS:**

**Achilles:** Intact with trace retrocalcaneal bursal fluid.

**Peroneus Longus/Brevis:** Intact, but with a small accumulation of tenosynovial fluid around the peroneus longus tendon, within the cuboid tunnel.

**Posterior Tibialis:** Minor insertional posterior tibial tendinosis without a tear.

**Flexor Compartment:** Intact.

**Extensor Compartment:** Intact.

**GENERAL:**

**Muscles:** No traumatic muscle injury. No volumetric muscle atrophy.

**Soft Tissue:** Unremarkable.

**Plantar Fascia:** Intact.

**Neurovascular Complex/Tarsal Tunnel:** Unremarkable. No evidence of entrapment neuropathy.

**Joint Effusion:** Very small accumulation of fluid in the tibiotalar joint space.

**Intra-Articular/Loose Bodies:** None.

## CONCLUSION

1. No evidence of entrapment neuropathy.

2. Minor insertional posterior tibial tendinosis without a tear.

3. Small accumulation of tenosynovial fluid around the peroneus longus tendon, within the cuboid tunnel.

4. Trace retrocalcaneal bursal fluid.

The orthopedic doctor then told me that Incan have tarsal tunnel release surgery or try steroid injections. Surgery was not and is not feasible for me currently and I still feel that if this swelling would go away, I would feel better. I opted for injections. He did my right foot first. It did nothing but make that foot feel numb for a while. Never helped the inflammation. The discomfort I feel is only when on a hard surface, pretty much. And if my shoes rub against the swollen areas. He said there was no point in doing the steroid injection for the left foot if there was no benefit when doing it for the right foot. And honestly, as a breastfeeding mom, all.the steroid injection did was affect that badly, for a couple of weeks.

I was already working with a physical therapist for pelvic floor. She used to work with that samw orthopedic practice too so she told me we can work on PT for my feet as well. So the doctor sent the order and she has been working with me. Ankle and calf strengthening. Various stretches. She did dry needling once but I noticed no improvement and the needle insertion around the swelling of my right foot was very painful. The left felt okay, which is weird.

No one can tell me what this swelling is or how to make it go away. I have read that it could be muscle related but I don't know. Which is why I'm reaching out again. I NEVER had this before or during pregnancy. Only AFTER walking on the treadmill, postpartum.

Is anyone familiar with this swelling? If so, could you please share the cause? The MRIs don't even touch on it, from what I can tell. I thought it wqs soft tissue damage but I guess not.

I want to get back to walking 3 miles per day and strength training as I had before. This is miserable. The areas in question are circled in the photos.

Thank you for your time.

Title: Plantar fasciitis with possible heel bone damage and lower leg pain — has anyone experienced this?
Hi everyone!
I’ve been struggling with heel pain for several months, and I’m wondering if anyone has experienced something similar.
I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, but I also have pain in the center of my heel, and I’m concerned that there may be an issue with the heel bone as well. My MRI showed bone marrow edema, and I was also told that I have changes in the plantar fascia.
I’ve undergone shockwave therapy and injections. Although my pain improved for a while, I’ve also experienced pain in my lower leg and knee, and I’m trying to understand whether these symptoms could be connected.
I’d like to ask:
Has anyone had both plantar fasciitis and bone marrow edema in the heel?
Did you experience pain in the center of the heel rather than just around the plantar fascia?
Did you also have lower leg or knee pain?
What treatments helped you recover?
Did anyone eventually need surgery, or did the condition improve without it?
I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through something similar, especially if you’ve had these symptoms for several months. Thank you!

I was trying to find any post regarding this, but most of them seem to deviate in some manner, so I just ask directly. I was gonna go get it checked out, but I haven't had the time.

Anyway, I've been having this pain on my foot for a couple of weeks now. It comes and goes. Usually, if I'm lying down, it gets better. For context, I'm a 20 yr old female. My right foot has been having these flare-ups of pain. The pain is on the top arch of my foot and it used to come with knee pains (though my knees feels okay nowadays).

The thing is, my foot hurts even when I'm just sitting. Like, I can feel the pressure building up on the top of it while I'm sitting down and after a few hours, it will start aching. Idk if its bcs of the varicose veins on my foot or if its bcs of the bone itself. Any opinion is greatly appreciated (especially any remedies for the pain)

tldr - if you were missing your pinky toe, how would that impact day to day function? could you still walk? would
you have a limp forever?

earlier this year, i fell and bent my pink toe all the way back to the point that the skin split all around my toe except for the top of my foot (left foot). went into shock, but when i took one look at it it looked like it was hanging on by a thread lol. seriously thought my toe was a goner. had to get stitches in between my toes, all around the back and on the outside of my foot. would not wish that on my worst enemy it was torture.

anyways, all is fine now it healed up really well, dr did a great job w the stitches despite the pain, but i can’t stop thinking about what would have happened if i actually did lose the toe. i’m 29F, in good shape, i run, ski, swim, yoga, hike, and travel lot. would this have made any of those things impossible?? or just manageable w proper accommodations?

only other thing on my mind about this - i have a pretty good toe splay on my right foot, but now can barely spread my toes on my left (injured foot). my pinky is still and sometimes feel like i have to stretch it manually to wake it up a little. would toe spacers help this? or maybe not a good idea bc of scar tissue? TYIA

Hey, I'm getting heel pain at the back side of my foot.

Started a year ago when I worked a few months in I'll fitted steel toed shoes.

Never quite went away.

Gets aggravated by walking, heel raises, and tippy toes earlier caused sharp pain.

Any info you can share will be greatly appreciated.