Question
Last June I underwent bilateral gastroc recessions and bilateral calcaneus exostectomies to relieve chronic achilles tendonitis. My right foot came out perfectly, with only a minor loss of sensation in the top of my foot, light paresthesia if I touch the area of the calf where the incision was made. My left leg did not fair so well; in addition to the symptoms on my right leg, the primary point of inflammation in the tendon moved up, and around to the back of the heel, and I developed severe pain in the ankle joint itself.

The pain is constant, and is particularly bad when the foot is inverted and during dorsiflexion. Carrying any significant weight makes even the smallest movements in my foot more painful.

In November I had an MRI of my left foot. It indicated inflammation and fluid build up in the ankle.

I underwent a second calcaneus exostectomy as well interior debridement of the subtalar joint in April. The primary point of inflammation for the tendonitis has again moved, but the much more severe pain in the ankle remained completely unchanged.

I underwent physical therapy following both procedures, however the pain is persistent.

At this point, the only further procedure that has been mentioned to me is to place a pin in the ankle to restrict movement. I am not keen on this idea. Is there any other potential procedures to correct this problem, or could the pain perhaps be caused by damage to the nerve?

Answer
Dear William,

This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist located in West Loop 60661,Roscoe Village 60618, Elmhurst 60126 & Bartlett 60103 says...
The explanation & treatment is vague regarding your gastrocnemius  lengthenings & calcaneal ostectomies.
Ask them to be specific as to why there is pain during movement of the ankle. The initial surgeries should allow additional movement. Who recommended the pin? The therapist or surgeon? I suggest you obtain a second opinion to help understand what is the reason for the complication. Go see a board certified podiatrist certified in ankle surgery.
Good understanding will allow you to make a good treatment choice.
Hope this helps.
Good Luck!
The Chicago Podiatrists of AnkleNFootCenters.com are specialists in orthopedics and sports medicine.
We are located in Chicago & Elmhurst

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661


DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.