Hey everyone.

I have been running about 4 or 5 miles a day. Somedays, my middle toe on my right foot will be VERY sensitive....almost like it's been bruised. It doesn't look any different (no noticeable swelling or anything, no black toenails, etc). But if it gets painful enough, I actually have to limp a little to keep weight off of it....I don't think my socks are bunching up or anything, and it's always the same toe....

Any ideas or has anyone else ever had this??

Thanks.

It could be a couple of things.

Have you changed shoes or type of sock recently? Or how about a change in the running terrain.

If not, your shoes may be wearing out causing more or uneven flexibility in the sole or less cushioning or a combination of these things.

The other thing it could be is a plantar neuroma. (For some explanation: Morton's neuroma: Signs and symptoms - MayoClinic.com)

I have one of these in my right foot and it can be a b!tch. It started out of nowhere with some cramping and pain in the middle toe and progressively got worse. It's the worst when I wear shoes that put pressure on the balls of my foot or when I am bearfooted. It doesn;t take long for me to realize I am wearing the wrong shoes.

Hopefully it is something as simple a a change in shoes.

but if not, I rarely have problems with my neuroma since I stopped wearing heels and make sure the I wear shoes with a good arch support all the time (I have inserts that I will put in whichever shoes I am wearing). But I still run and am training for a marathon, so even worst case you should be ok!

Thanks RedT.

I don't run on a very even surface, it's a big field with a trail along the permiter. I use this because it's not so rough on the knees, but I may venture onto tar and see if the problem goes away.

My shoes aren't that old, but I was thinking of a new set anyways. maybe that will do the trick!

hi dougp25,

over the last two years i have been experiencing what seems to be the same pain in my middle two that you described. it's been gone for a couple months and then resurfaced on a hike today, temporarily turning my run into a curled toe limp. my gut tells me it's not about my shoes - plenty of room in my new balance trail runners. did you have any luck resolving your toe?