Dry needling consists of placing needles into trigger points. They can use acupuncture trigger points but also other “ maps” for trigger points. Needles are larger than the ones used for acupuncture. And they get placed pretty deep. It’s nearly no pain when it’s done. Needles are then connected via electric cables to a device that sends electrical impulses through the needle into the area- my PT placed them deep into muscles or close to nerves. Impulses can be different strength and frequency. My muscles twitched and I could feel it pretty intensely. PT left it for about 15 minutes. We also did stretching prior to needling and my leg muscles are pretty stiff and painful, as well as Achilles tendons. I had two sessions and I can walk relatively normally now. I also used P wave therapy for about 6 weeks with some success .

Hello. That sounds similar to what I have, which is Morton's neuroma. It affects the toe right next to my pinky toe on both feet. Initially injections really helped the pain so if you can see a podiatrist and get checked out, there may be a diagnosis and a solution for you. Best of luck.

Hi Susan, I had this problem exactly. See a podiatrist first, they may help with orthotics and special cushions to relieve the pressure. But for me, I had dislocated toes and worn out tarsal heads. Eventually the deterioration was so severe the pinching was causing the bottom of my foot to bleed where it was cutting into the skin. This was considered urgent and required surgery. I had all the toes on both feet fused except the two big toes. They removed the meta tarsal heads. I had pins sticking out of my toes for two months. It was the most painful experience I ever had but then I never saw my surgeon after the surgery to request an increase in pain meds. Due to overcrowding in the hospital, I was put in a storage room by myself and the nurse I saw wouldn't help me or get my Dr. It was called a Dwyer's procedure and quite rare and my surgeon wasn't experienced with it. I ended up with one toe sticking up forcing me to wear only soft mesh running shoes year round in a harsh winter climate until eight years later, another surgeon corrected the error. So if you can avoid surgery it would be best, so do what you can to avoid it. for as long as possible. I wish you all the best..

My feet and toes are affected too. For me, it feels something like something is under and between my toes, similar to getting a pedicure. Plus, the "toe knuckles" also get swollen and painful. I can usually walk OK if I wear supportive shoes.

Yes, it’s been hard to walk. I’m getting physical therapy and dry needling and seems to be helping .