Managing Foot and Toe Issues with Neuropathy
I apologize for the lengthy post. I’m a woman in my late forties. Neuropathy affects both of my legs and feet, with the left side being particularly severe. I also deal with several other health issues including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), asthma, anxiety, depression, chronic migraines that have been relentless since November 2019, gluten intolerance, and scoliosis, among others that currently escape my memory. My medications are all managed by a single healthcare provider (though the spelling of some may be off). I haven't found anything effective for the neuropathy specifically, but my prescriptions include propranolol, midodrine, Zyrtec, Flonase, rizatriptan, and various vitamins. In the fall of 2022, I was hospitalized due to what was initially thought to be gastritis linked to my migraines. During that time, I lost over 30 pounds before it was discovered that I actually had a urinary tract infection that had progressed to septic. I spent 30 days in the hospital and experienced 2 to 3 weeks of memory loss, during which my neuropathy worsened, requiring me to use mobility aids. Starting in the fall of 2024, I began to faint unexpectedly. While doctors do not believe this is related to my POTS, other tests have returned as normal. The only noticeable correlation seems to be the stress from my ongoing divorce, as the fainting episodes typically occur after I've been busy packing or cleaning. Last summer, I experienced a minor mishap where I accidentally dropped my phone on my toe while sitting on the toilet. I didn’t realize anything was wrong until I noticed bruising, as I couldn't feel any pain. After visiting my doctor, I learned that my toe was fractured. When I followed up a few weeks later, it was confirmed that the fracture persisted. The divorce proceedings have been tumultuous, coupled with various other life challenges, so I haven’t attended any further follow-ups. While the bruising eventually faded, there remained a specific area that would ache occasionally, prompting me to occasionally pop the toe. About six weeks ago, I accidentally dropped something heavy on my foot. I only felt a slight twinge in one spot at the time, and I didn’t think much of it then. I assumed my foot was on the mend, but just yesterday, I began to feel discomfort in my toe again. It’s both painful and still makes a popping sensation, accompanied by new bruising on my foot. It’s a particularly hectic weekend for me, so I’m hesitant to spend time at urgent care. Do I need to have this checked out? I attempted to take a picture of the bruising, but it didn’t come out clearly.
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 10:10:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a lot of discomfort and challenges related to your neuropathy and recent foot injuries, which can understandably be overwhelming given everything else you are dealing with. It's important to address any new developments, especially pain and bruising, as they could indicate that your toe or foot may still be injured.
Main Points:
- New Symptoms: The recent bruising and pain in your toe after dropping something heavy on your foot, combined with a popping sensation, suggest there may be a new or worsening injury.
- Neuropathy and Injury Awareness: Given your neuropathy, it's crucial to stay vigilant about any changes or injuries, as you may not feel symptoms as acutely as others would, potentially leading to complications.
Explanation:
Neuropathy can reduce your ability to feel pain, which may explain why you didn't notice the injury right away. The popping sensation and discomfort could indicate ongoing issues with the previously fractured toe or a new injury, such as a sprain or further fracture. It's common for stress and physical activities to worsen these symptoms, especially when you're managing multiple health challenges.
Next Steps:
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Immediate Care: Given the new bruising, pain, and popping sensation, it's advisable to seek medical evaluation despite your busy weekend. You could consider:
- Visiting urgent care to rule out fractures or serious injury.
- Using RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to manage any swelling or pain in the meantime.
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Foot Protection: While you are waiting for care:
- Limit weight-bearing on that foot as much as possible to avoid further injury.
- Wear supportive shoes to protect your toe and foot.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms, noting any increases in pain, swelling, or changes in mobility. If you experience severe symptoms, such as inability to move the toe or increased bruising, seek medical attention sooner.
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Follow Up on Neuropathy: It's also a good idea to keep your healthcare provider updated on how you're managing your neuropathy, as there may be additional treatments or therapies that could help improve your situation.
Take care, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need further advice or support!
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