The MRI showed fluid accumulation around the joints where the toes attach to the foot. No fluid in the joints and no problem in the bone (except that I'm losing calcium from lack of stress on the foot). They suspect some sickness but so far all the tests are negative. My foot is redder than it should be and swollen. It is better in the morning after lying down and my foot is senstive to pressure on my whole leg - almost as if there was a circulatory problem. My leg can be pink all the way up to the knee sometimes and in the evening if I'm standing on my heel I can suddenly have the feeling that the ball of my foot is inflating and I have to sit down.

I've been sick the last few days and my foot is better. I wonder if it is because my immune system has been working on that or if it is because I've spent more time lying on my side (no pressure on the leg).

What I find odd is how this ties in with the problem I had 5 years ago. Did I have the injury that they think I had? Is it a coincidence that I'm sick in the same part of the same foot now (assuming it is a disease).

Can someone tell me what this is?

Well the fluid indicated on the MRI is indicative of swelling most likely to the area in question. However, that does not correlate with the intense pain that you are having to your legs. My recommendation at this time would be a consult with a vascular specialist to determine if there is in deed a circulation problem. They will be able to do a duplex study to determine if you have some blockage to the area. This is unusual pain so it must be investigated. Your symptoms do not sound like normal aches and pains. Sorry I could not provide you with a more definitive answer but you need to have some more involved testing done.

Foot.com Staff member

Hi , I have had sharp pains in my toes and balls of feet. Most days they are extremely sore to the touch and very hot. I have been diagnosed with tarsal tunnel by a nuerologist and plan on having a surgical procedure to alliviate the pinched nerve....something like carpal tunnel, I am told. I have tried numerous and varied conservative methods to ease the discomfort including ice baths, 2 pairs of custom made orthotics, nuerotin, and cortisone injections over a period of 4 painful years!!! Please advice the success rate of this surgery and how long is the usual recovery. I am a 66 year old female, overweight but am active as I can be! Thank you. I am at my wits end!

Well is the procedure that they are considering going to remove a portion of the nerve in your tarsal tunnel area? If this is the case then I have heard of much success since you will more than likely not have feeling to the one area afterwards. Recovery should be 2-4 weeks for the minimum, but medical problems can also be a factor. Do not rush the healing and also discuss with your surgeon about possible physical therapy following the procedure.

Foot.com staff member