Question
I dont even know where to begin...
Im a 21 yrs old female, always very active (up until about a yr ago). Normal weight, etc.... I started experiencing pain in the plantar facsiitis around the end of 2004. I saw a podiatrist, he recommended orthodics. The pain wasnt consistent, or very bad and had a chiropractor advise against them, so I never got the orthodics. More recently, July 2006, the pain came back into my plantar and also moved into the side lateral part of my right foot. This side pain wasnt to bad, but consistent enough for me to go again and seek treatment. This is where the nightmare begin. Seeing the same podiatrist, he advised me to try "icing..and call him in 2 weeks", "2 advil 8 times a day...call in 2 weeks.." and other such methods, stretching, foot taping, etc. for about 2 months while the pain continued to increase. He again recommended orthodics and after fighting with insurance, finally got them in November 2006, after trying all the "conservative methods". He first diagnosed possible cuboid syndrome, because the pain is pretty localized in that bottom area of the right foot. We tried the pads on the bottom of the feet and taping, no imporovement.I went to another Podiatrist in November that swore a cortisone injection into the top section of the cuboid area would heal it, gave me the most painful injection ever, and again said..."with the orthodics and the injection, you should be fine- call in 3 weeks if no improvement". So again, I was told to suck up the pain and wait for improvement. The pain was back the next day, no improvement over the next week or so. Then I went to my 3rd doctor, an orthopedic surgeon.First I was doing physical therapy and ultrasound therapy on the foot. He then took my first MRI..and then from that diagnosed a stress fracture around the 3rd/4th metatarsal area. I wore a removable boot cast for over 4 months (end of December-April) During some time away at school I saw another doctor (#4) who told me the boot was a bad idea, and only creating more problems from lack of movement in foot and ankle muscles, etc... My calf muscle completely shrank away to nothing, and when going back to the orthopedic surgeon, he again transferred me to the 5th doctor, an orthapedic surgeon specializing in Feet. He took another MRI, said the stress fracture was gone, but the pain has remained to stay localized in that bottom lateral side area of my foot since 2006... only increasing more as time passed. He ruled out tendonitis, and arthritis. I asked about seeing a neurologist, he said it probably wasnt related to that. This brings me to where I am at now. The pain is constant, every day.. at about a 8 of 10 intensity...with sometimes sharp pains of 10 that dont allow me to walk. The pain sometimes even throbs when sitting down. I was waiting to get another opinion, but am having lots of trouble with the insurance, but also hoped I could get some advice from you?? Im desperate! Aside from the above, I've tried chiropractors and acupuncture.

I've tried everything for this plantar and side lateral pain- and have had several diagnosis, but NO ONE can figure out what is wrong with the lateral column. Do you have any ideas? suggestions? advice? Anything is appreciated! Thank you so much for your time and help!!!

-Jennifer-(tired of being in pain)

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

Wow, you've really been through alot!

The pain that you describe sounds like damage or entrapement of a nerve on the side of the foot.  I specialize in a technique known as cryosurgery.  This procedure is used to stop pain and allow healing of your foot.  This may be your best option.  As far as your diagnosis, I would have a hard time knowing without an exam.

In any case, you've been through many treatments and now pain relief should be the goal.

See my site:  www.tampacryosurgery.com

Good Luck.



Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com


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