What Causes Pain On Top Of Foot Along The Big Toe Bone?

Posted on Wed, 22 Apr 2015

Question: I have pain on top of my foot along the big toe bone. started when I was about 16. now I'm 31 and pain is getting worse and more frequent. the pain come on suddenly nothing seems to relieve the pain. its worse at night. very painful have a hard time walking when its hurting.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need some details to guide you better

Detailed Answer:
Hello

My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.

I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a number of causes for your complaint. I would be in a better position to guide you anything if you answer following questions please:

1. Does pain occur in any other joint of the body as well?
2. Is there any family history of joint diseases?
3. How is the color of overlying skin of the toe where pain occurs? Is it norma?
4. Is overlying skin hot ?
5. Have you undergone any workup? like lab tests,etc. If yes then please share results.
6. are you on any medication? if yes then enumerate.
7. do you have diabetes, hypertension or any other illness?
8. any other symptom that you would like to share?
9. does pain occur all the time or after work?

I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (17 hours later)

pain does not occur in any other joint. skin is normal and not hot. as far as I know no family history of joint diseases. I had an x-ray done once and they said everything looked normal. not on any meds and no diabetes. when I was younger I got kicked by a horse in that foot. never went to the doctor.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Needs further workup; naproxen can be taken as an analgesic

Detailed Answer:
hello

thank you for getting back with the answers. I have gone through them. We need to proceed with further workup to reach a definitive diagnosis. There could be a number of causes for your complaint. Most common include gout & nerve entrapment syndrome. If i were your treating doctor then i would have advised following lab investigations:

1. Serum Uric Acid levels
2. Lipid Profile
3. MRI Foot
4. Nerve Conduction study(later on)

Results of the above mentioned tests will help to start a definitive therapy. You can visit and get an appointment for an Orthopedic Surgeon along with results of these labs. Meanwhile you can take naproxen thrice a day for pain relief.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar