Suggest Treatment For Pain In Toe While On Prednisone

Posted on Sat, 23 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 23 Jan 2016 Answered on

Sat, 19 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am continuing with a question about my toe. My previous question was closed out after XXXXXXX 12th. I hope you can reference those reports.

I finished all the antibiotics, and prednisone and nothing changed. the pain stayed between 8 and 10 the whole time. Tonight I got up and put a rubber band around my toe for about 10 minutes and it did bring the pain level down to about a 4 so I took the band off and I am hoping this will at least allow me to get to sleep. What are your thoughts on placing the band on my toe?
Removing toenail, antibiotics, prednisone, soaking in warm water, ice, epidural in L4 and now L5. I take 600 mg/day for gout, 3/75mg of Lyrica for diabetic nerve pain(took care of all but my toe!) Cymbalta 60 mg per day for nerve pain, and 600 mg alpha lipoic acid for neuropathy reversal if possible. The pain is just around the edge of the nail cuticle area mainly on cresent bottom and left side of right second toe.

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Podiatrist

Detailed Answer:
I am sorry to note your challenges with the toe pain. I have reviewed your previous interactions on this forum.

It is time to show the toe to an expert. Podiatrists specialize in these disorders.

When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:

CBC
Electrolytes
Calcium
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests
Kidney function tests
TSH
25 hydroxy Vitamin D

Applying a band is not a good idea. It can constrict the blood flow and cause irreversible damage.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (16 hours later)

ok, I won't do the band anymore. It did stop the pain and I was able to get a good nights sleep and still no more pain. I am actually shocked. After all I have been through trying to get rid of the pain.

If the pain returns, I will discuss your suggestion with my doctor. I see her again in mid February.

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Best wishes

Detailed Answer:
for good health

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar