5th Metatarsal pain and ankle swelling when walking

by Kristen

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2. Ankle fracture >
3. Metatarsal ailments

Dr. Barrie Lewis

You've waited far too long, Kristen. I too don't believe in rushing off to the doctor, but three years is a long time.

A Jones fracture needs to be considered. Get an xray.

Dr Barrie Lewis

Three years later I have started experiencing pain in the 5th metatarsal when I walk periodically. On days that I tend to walk a lot, I will sometimes have to limp and my ankle mildly swells.

I was wondering if these two symptoms are connected in some way. Also, is there any way to fix this current problem or is it just something I need to live with because of my error three years ago?

Thank you.

Can a jaw injury contribute to metatarsalgia?

by Lynn
(Los Angeles)

I was hit hard on my right jaw decades ago and noticed that whenever I have pain or other localized health issues, it's always on the right side. All tightened muscles are also on the right side. I have an inflamed nerve between my 2nd and 3rd metatarsals. When I get any kind of massage or realignment such as at the chiropractor or simply spreading my second and third toe, my jaw relaxes and I hear cracking/popping sounds. I have to wonder if the issues on the right could be related to the jaw injury.

However, my body parts are slightly smaller on the right as well--feet, face, etc. It's not noticeable to others unless I point it out, but it's measurable. Curious about the potential connection. The xray of my foot show the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones very close together, practically touching on my right foot.

Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Lynn,
My initial reaction is to deny any relationship, but you obviously convinced, so I hesitate to poo-poo your question. The foot is connected to the leg, the knee, the hip and so on. So a guarded, yes, maybe.

Does your chiropractor work on your feet? What you are describing is a condition called metatarsalgia, with possibly a Morton's neuroma; they usually respond quite well to adjustments to the foot bones.

Try our alphabet exercises which you'll find using the search function at chiropractic help.

Thank you for your interesting question.

Dr Barrie Lewis

Dropped metatarsal

What exercises can I do to correct a dropped metatarsal bone? My second toe is beginning to overlap my big toe, but there is no pain on the bottom of my foot.
Thank you

Dr. Barrie Lewis

It's good news you have no pain. Is there a callus beginning to form under the "met head"? If so, it may begin to hurt in time. Perhaps not. In any case some simple exercises are in order.

Sitting on a highish chair so your heel clears the ground, do the "alphabet exercises". Raise your foot at the ankle (called dorsi-flexion) and in space carve out a capital A. Down to the left, up, down to the right, cross piece for the A. Try and use the whole foot, and especially your toes. Make them move.

Repeat with a B. Try and do five letters at at time, the whole alphabet in one day.

Keep the knee fairly still, not that it's a problem if the knee bends, but focus on moving the joints in your foot.

Then do both feet, together if your coordination is good. Now mirror images?

I hope this has contributed. Keep it up. Only use high heels on special occasions. Or wear a smart hat instead!

Dr Barrie Lewis

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Ball of foot pain / metatarsalgia

by Janice

Metatarsalgia

Ball of foot pain / metatarsalgia

The ball of my foot is so painful. I have tried many products on the market (think I own most all of them) and still no relief. I recently called a Chiropractor who said he could help me; that is, until I went in to see him. Within seconds he decided he was not the right person for the job.

I dance about 9 hours a week and have all different type of dance shoes/sneakers and still no relief.

Just don't know where to turn but do not want to give up my dancing. I did have a stress fracture in my ankle years ago and also have supports for plantar fascitis. Age is against me too (61 years old).

I plan to buy some RockTape suggested by a friend who uses it. She is going to show me how to wrap my foot with this. Do I go to a foot doctor (been there, done that a few times), a surgeon, another Chiropractor that might truly help me? Hope you have some advice on what I should do.

I also use a footsie roller and try to massage my feet.

I live in Waltham, MA if that helps you on where to direct me. Sure wish they had foot replacement surgery like they do with knees and hips. I dance for my health and it is killing me! Thanks for any advice you can share with me.

Janice

Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Janice,
Look all medical services, there are chiropractors who specialise in feet, and those whose interests and skills lie elsewhere. I happen to have an interest in feet, but not all chiros... phone your chiropractic association, and ask if there is a chiro with a FICS qualification.

You probably have a condition called metatarsalgia that generally responds well to chiropractic, but that's a guess.

You've got to find someone local... phone all the chiros and ask if they treat feet. Don't get into more expensive orthotics. And don't give up dancing!

Dr B