Hi-I'm new to this site, but have found it very interesting. I am having excruciating foot pain when walking, its like on the top of my foot, and is like a knife stabbing top of foot, and pain shoots toward big toe, it has hurt almost to the point of tears a couple of times. Any suggestions on what this could be, or how long I should hobble around before I go see a doctor? Going on the 3rd-4th day now, and it seems to only get better with rest, and throbs some even then, but as soon as I try to walk, there it goes again. Thanks! :)

Sounds like gout. You need to see your doctor and have your uric acid levels checked.

Some meds that may be prescribed are Allopurinol or Indomethacin.

Colchasine is great for immediate relief, although there are some unpleasant side-effects if taken properly.

J9, thanks for your reply. After your responsem I' read about gout, and I don't have any swelling, or heat, etc. and the pain is not bad unless I'm trying to walk - are those symptoms always present with gout? I just read about a Morton's Neuroma... that sounds more like my symptoms possibly... Any suggestions what kind of dr. I should go to? A podiatrist, or orthopedic dr. or regular doc. Thanks again!

It doesn't sound like gout. It could be a stress fracture, tendinitis, osteoperosis (not as likely if you're young), and other things. A podiatrist would be good to see but if you require a PCP referral to one, you might as well get an x-ray done there to rule out a break.

Thanks - I do not have to have PCP referral with my insurance, which brings me to another question. Cinnabar, you mentioned osteoporosis. I am almost 41 (and also overweight which I know doesn't help things), but my grandmother who is 86 is crippled with osteoporosis, and my Mother who is 62, has it also, and has already lost over an inch in height. Is this something I need to be tested for at my age? I have made an appt. with a podiatrist about my foot... thanks again.

Without the heat and swelling it does not sound like gout. However, if this is the first occurrence it still could be.

A podiatrist is your best bet.