Dr. Chitrangada Jitendra
Radiology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am experiencing intermittent pain in between the head of the first and second metatarsal joints in both feet. There is no apparent limitation to the range of motion. I have also experienced a bit of a stinging pain in and around the big toe joint. Pain occurs while wearing certain footwear. I have begun to supinate a bit to avoid the pain. The pain is before the joint more than the joint itself. No apparent swelling. When not using feet or not wearing footwear, there is no pain (unless I press).
Last year's X-rays came up negative except for small heel spurs. As pain is more prominent in right foot, podiatrist only X-rayed the right foot. He said that he could not find a reason for the pain. I have asked him for a format report several times and have not received it after two weeks. Please note that foot had athletic tape wrapped around it just below the metatarsal joints, which seems to appear on the photos.
I have compared both X-rays of the metatarsal joints (last year and this year) and can see no difference at all, except the shadow of the athletic tape near the first metatarsal joint. I know it is a shadow as in some of the pictures, you can see a three-dimensional shadow surrounding the toe. However, I am not a radiologist, but a philosopher. Your honest and professional opinion would be appreciated.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Most likely due to improper footwear here is asymmetrical joint space reduction involving the first and second metatarsophalangeal joint, relatively more in the great toe which might be the reason for your pain. Also, your foot radiographs (attachment removed to protect patient identity) do show few small osteophytes at the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint. However, no similar lesions are seen proximally at the tarsal-metatarsal region (area of your pain). No soft tissue abnormality is seen. Above changes are concerning for rheumatoid etiology. Take care.
For more information consult a radiologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/radiologist
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for your quick and detailed reply. Few more questions of mine are as follows:
Thanks for your help. I am particularly concerned as I am a big hiker and a professor and on my feet many many hours a week. I would like to halt this problem as quickly as possible and seek out the right kind of specialist footwear.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I do not know which are the old and new X-rays but the first X-ray shows moderate arthritis of MTP joint (metatarsophalangeal joints)of the great toe. This is around the sides but arthritis and synovitis of joint causes pain. It is just beyond the start of arthritis.
Also, your pain can be caused by metatarsalgia which is inflammation and swelling near the heads of metatarsals. This is usually due to improper footwear. Using proper footwear and anti-inflammatory medication will help.
For more information consult a radiologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/radiologist
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Radiology
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
