Question: Hello doctor. I am 57 yo woman who is experiencing pain, with minimal redness and minimal swelling at the lower half of my 3rd (middle) toe just above the area where it intersects the metatarsals(?). There may be a tiny amount of swelling in the 4th toe, but negligible, if any. There is sharp shooting pain when I put weight on it that radiates throughout the lower foot area and toes. I have no recollection of injury to this toe. It began yesterday afternoon at which time there was no obvious swelling or discoloration. This morning, there was slight swelling and a reddening at the lower half of the toe. I am able to move the toe without a significant amount of pain. However, when attempting to bear weight (particularly when flexing to step down), I experience the sharp shooting pain. The interesting thing to note is that this exact same thing happened to my 4th toe (same foot) a few months ago. I do suffer from severe osteoporosis and was a bit concerned that it may be related in some manner (hopefully not!). I have read a number of articles and posts, but none (thus far) seem to match what I am experiencing. I have not participated in any recent sports and have not been to the gym (home gym area has been under construction for several months now). I am retired due to spinal stenosis and also wondered if that may play some part? I hope this is sufficient information to enable you to provide me with some idea of likely causes. Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide. Respectfully, XXXX

Thank you very much.