Can anybody tell me what chillblaines are? I have been gettinig a stinging pain in the top of my right foot near the toes (about the centre of toes). A friend said it sounded like chillblaines which I have never heard of. I have suffered in the past with planter facsiitis in both feet which lasted several months,treated with anti-inflammatory tablets and orthaheel shoe inserts. I have not had problems since, but this unusual pain is worrying me, does anybody have an explanation?

Looked it up

epodiatry.com/chilblains.htm

What are chilblains (pernio; perniosis):

Chilblains are a painful abnormal reaction of the small blood vessels in the skin when exposed to cold temperatures. Chilblains usually occur several hours after exposure to the cold in temperate humid climates. The cold causes constriction of the small blood vessels in the skin and if rewarming of the skin happens too rapidly, there is leakage of blood into the tissues as the blood vessels do not respond quickly enough to this rewarming. Chilblains are not very common in countries where the cold is more extreme as the air is drier. The living conditions and clothing used in these climates are protective. Chilblains are more likely to develop in those with poor circulation, but chilblains are still common in those with good circulation.

go to the site they a lot more about it

Dear Carmen
In addition chilblains, will present initially as red, itchy swollen areas usually affecting tips of the toes or hands. These areas become very painful and also turn dusky/bluish. It is basically an abnormal reaction to cold. "Stinging pain" may be secondary to abnormal biomechanics, nerve impingement, trauma, capsulitis/bursitis, arthritis, hammer toe deformity...
I would recommend that you see a Podiatrist for an evaluation. He/she may be able to help you better since a physical examination can be performed, thorough history and x-rays.

Good-luck and thank-you for contacting foot.com,
SBarlizo, DPM, C Ped
foot.com expert