The human foot is a complex structure including all of the bones, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. Many different problems can cause similar symptoms, so it is difficult to make a diagnosis with such limited information. For instance, there is no information about any previous injury, presence of swelling, how long the symptoms have been present, aggravating factors, severity of pain, etc. The description of "feels like nerve pain" may indicate a nerve problem, but tendon problems such as tendonitis are other good possibilities. If the pain is severe or has been persistent for several weeks and over-the-counter medicines, applications of ice or heat, and ankle braces have failed to resolve the symptoms, then a proper evaluation with a podiatrist, who is a physician who specializes in foot and ankle problems, would be indicated.
Palmer Branch, DPM
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