If you live to age 80 and are moderately active, you can expect to walk an average of 216,262,500 steps or 110,000 miles throughout your lifetime. Healthy feet help you stay active and mobile, but when something goes wrong with one of your feet, it can really slow you down and impact your quality of life.
A common foot problem Drs. Ashkan Soleymani, Michael Salih, Arash Jalil, and Saman Tabari see at Cedars Foot & Ankle Center in Tarzana and Inglewood, California, is having the sensation of walking on a marble even though there’s nothing in your shoe. If this condition is affecting you, read on to learn what our doctors have to say about it and discover treatment options that can help relieve your pain.
There are a few conditions that contribute to this odd sensation, including:
This painful inflammatory condition is caused by your immune system attacking healthy tissues, and research shows it can make you feel like you’re walking on pebbles. It also causes stiffness and pain in your toe joints, as well as persistent aching, soreness, swelling, and abnormal warmth in one or several areas of your feet.
Metatarsalgia is a painful condition in the ball of your foot. It’s usually caused by an overuse injury or shoes that crowd your toes and don’t fit well. In addition to shooting or burning pain, your toes can tingle and go numb. The problem worsens when standing, running, walking barefoot, or playing sports.
Morton’s neuroma is a condition that causes the tissue around the nerve between your metatarsal bones to thicken and press on the nerve. The discomfort is typically between your third and fourth toes, and like metatarsalgia, causes them to burn, tingle, sting, and ache.
Fortunately, our expert team of podiatrists can treat all three conditions with similar methods. Depending on your diagnosis, lifestyle, and unique needs, your doctor may suggest:
If conservative measures don’t eliminate the sensation of walking on a marble, your doctor may recommend surgery to alleviate pressure on the nerve that’s affected. In some extreme cases, removing the nerve may be the best option.
If your foot hurts and feels like there’s a rock or marble under it, turn to our experienced team for help. Call us now or request an appointment at Cedars Foot & Ankle Center.
