pain in my left foot

[tlcwaterfall]

I have had a minor pain in my left foot for some time now. Right hand side of my left foot close to my ankle.

Have approached two hospitals and one clinic so far and have not had the issue resolved. They have simply given me anti inflammatories and have been unable to tell me exactly what is causing the pain. I have suggested xrays of my foot and so far none of the doctors seemed to agree to this course of action.

Pain does seem to be worse when I first get up in the morning. I have minor difficulty in walking and the pain most times is minor but annoying.

So my question is have any fellow board members had similar pain and if so what was the problem and how did you resolve it please?

I am unsure how to proceed next and really need some helpful advice.

[Sheryl]

This could be plantar fascitis, which I have had. Typically the pain of plantar fascitis is in the heel, but it could be felt where you describe. Feels like the flesh is being ripped, and always worst first thing in getting out of bed. Won't show anything on an Xray. Could also be a bone spur (with or without plantar fascitis).

I doubt a hairline or other fracture given that it is worst when you first get up (typical of plantar fascitis) whereas a fracture would progressively hurt more as the day goes by and weight is born.

For plantar fascitis, treament is anti-inflammatories, arch support and exercises to loosen the achilles tendon. Rarely, surgery to remove/reduce a bone spur is needed. Do a google search and you'll easily find many videos and instructions for the exercises, which are quite simple. Wearing a night brace to keep the foot flexed will also help greatly but can be very hard to tolerate (I wasn't able to). What has worked wonders for me is a simple arch support made of ace bandage, and shoes with good arch support. The arch supports I order online from the US, but can also easily be fashioned from an ace bandage. See pix here http://www.amazon.com/Pedifix-C00395-PediFix-Arch-Bandage/dp/B0002DUSV6

I only wear the arch support when going shoe-less in the house, otherwise all my shoes have arch support which does the trick. Flip flops and sandals with arch support made by Dr Scholl are available in Thailand.

Before getting out of bed in the morning, stretch your foot backward several times, this as well as applying arch support immediately will help a lot.

If these simple measures fail, may need to see an ortho specialist to get a film and see if there is a bone spur present. But I'd try these first. Plantar fascitis is very, very common.

[thaipod]

Sounds like planta faciitis which can be brought on by having a pronated foot. Look into custom made orthotics to give you support and alignment at the ankle.

Try footcontrol ( The Foot Care Centre ) in Bangkok. 022921200

[tlcwaterfall]

Thank you very much for your help Sheryl.

[tlcwaterfall]

Thank you very much to Sheryl and thaipod for your invaluable advice.

I will start treatment straight away and will go to Bkk early next month to get proper footwear.

[cooked]

I had the same problem. I'm not saying that Sheryl is wrong, but in my case: occasional anti inflamatories, turning down the air conditioning in the car to my feet to a minimum and ceasing to wear flip flops worked wonders.

[Chonburiram]

Sheryl,

Can you give some examples of what anti-inflammatories one could use for this condition?

[Soutpeel]

This could be plantar fascitis, which I have had. Typically the pain of plantar fascitis is in the heel, but it could be felt where you describe. Feels like the flesh is being ripped, and always worst first thing in getting out of bed. Won't show anything on an Xray. Could also be a bone spur (with or without plantar fascitis).

I doubt a hairline or other fracture given that it is worst when you first get up (typical of plantar fascitis) whereas a fracture would progressively hurt more as the day goes by and weight is born.

For plantar fascitis, treament is anti-inflammatories, arch support and exercises to loosen the achilles tendon. Rarely, surgery to remove/reduce a bone spur is needed. Do a google search and you'll easily find many videos and instructions for the exercises, which are quite simple. Wearing a night brace to keep the foot flexed will also help greatly but can be very hard to tolerate (I wasn't able to). What has worked wonders for me is a simple arch support made of ace bandage, and shoes with good arch support. The arch supports I order online from the US, but can also easily be fashioned from an ace bandage. See pix here http://www.amazon.com/Pedifix-C00395-PediFix-Arch-Bandage/dp/B0002DUSV6

I only wear the arch support when going shoe-less in the house, otherwise all my shoes have arch support which does the trick. Flip flops and sandals with arch support made by Dr Scholl are available in Thailand.

Before getting out of bed in the morning, stretch your foot backward several times, this as well as applying arch support immediately will help a lot.

If these simple measures fail, may need to see an ortho specialist to get a film and see if there is a bone spur present. But I'd try these first. Plantar fascitis is very, very common.

Thanks Sheryl, you have saved me a visit to the hospital now i understand what i think problem is with my feet

[Sporting Dog]

I have plantar fascitis - getting up in the middle of the night or 1st thing in the morning was very painful - I could barely walk. Had it diagnosed with ultrasound - the doc offered to do a cortisone injection but wasn't that positive that it would make much difference in the long term - and it wasn't a very pleasant procedure.

He recommended I lose weight and stop walking (which I was doing daily to lose weight). Orthotics etc were recommended but others I knew suggested I buy standard gel arch supports - as these are cheap and proper orthotics are expensive.

So with the gel supports, exercise other than walking and stretching regime (before getting up - and rolling a golf ball while sitting) its pretty good now.

Try the easy stuff first, it may solve the problem without having expensive shoe inserts or medical intervention.

[fang37]

Not exactly similar but closely related.

4 weeks ago, I was riding my bicycle on a quiet street when I was hit by a pickup.

Ambulanced to hospital - I was unconscious.

Operation - plate inserted. I am advised that 4-6mths is a reasonable time for full recovery.

Rehab includes using a walker. So far, zero improvement, No walker - extreme pain.

During the day, the swelling increases substantially with redness.

I am on medication - painkillers?

[flossiebear]

Foot and ankle is a specialist area and is an area often misdiagnosed. You need to find an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in this area. I do not know of any personally in Thailand, but hopefully another member may help

[adammike]

Plantar fascists is normally on the sole of the foot,gently roll a tennis ball with your foot,diclofenac and paracetamol combo works for me get strong diclofenac from your doctor and omeprazol to protect the stomach.

[Sheryl]

Not exactly similar but closely related.

4 weeks ago, I was riding my bicycle on a quiet street when I was hit by a pickup.

Ambulanced to hospital - I was unconscious.

Operation - plate inserted. I am advised that 4-6mths is a reasonable time for full recovery.

Rehab includes using a walker. So far, zero improvement, No walker - extreme pain.

During the day, the swelling increases substantially with redness.

I am on medication - painkillers?

Need way more info to respond to this.

plate inserted = where?

Nature of injuries? where, what -- e.g. fracture of 5th metartsal? ankle? etc etc

[onionluke]

I do miles of footwork every day , working construction , I am a heavy drinker . I have suffered blisters and all entailed . Now I take turmeric by capsule per day , and well ,n yes take them orange tings.

[chubby]

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/562437_5

[sagarverma]

Solution is on underlying cause of the problem.

[Kitsune]

You can put all the creams, bandages, expensive shoes, and do all the exercises of the world, that won't resolve the problem of WHY your tendons are suddenly inflamed.Sure it will help somehow, like it helps to mop around a overflowing sink.

When you ask doctors, about the causes they are all vague, they say it's because you put on weight recently it's straining your tendons

WRONG, sure extra weight won"t help to levitate the pain, but acute inflammation is caused by repeated daily attack to your tissues and that's caused by food.

Sheryl is still wearing medical shoes, spent a lot of money in medical bills,does her exercises every morning and probably will for the rest of her life.

I'm not.

[tlcwaterfall]

You can put all the creams, bandages, expensive shoes, and do all the exercises of the world, that won't resolve the problem of WHY your tendons are suddenly inflamed.Sure it will help somehow, like it helps to mop around a overflowing sink.

When you ask doctors, about the causes they are all vague, they say it's because you put on weight recently it's straining your tendons

WRONG, sure extra weight won"t help to levitate the pain, but acute inflammation is caused by repeated daily attack to your tissues and that's caused by food.

Sheryl is still wearing medical shoes, spent a lot of money in medical bills,does her exercises every morning and probably will for the rest of her life.

I'm not.

Interesting post. Please tell me what food is causing this issue so we may all avoid the food that is causing the pain.

[fang37]

Not exactly similar but closely related.

4 weeks ago, I was riding my bicycle on a quiet street when I was hit by a pickup.

Ambulanced to hospital - I was unconscious.

Operation - plate inserted. I am advised that 4-6mths is a reasonable time for full recovery.

Rehab includes using a walker. So far, zero improvement, No walker - extreme pain.

During the day, the swelling increases substantially with redness.

I am on medication - painkillers?

Need way more info to respond to this.

plate inserted = where?

Nature of injuries? where, what -- e.g. fracture of 5th metartsal? ankle? etc etc

Plate - between the knee & ankle

Broken bones - same as above - fibula etc - no idea

How - hit by a pickup

Had an X-ray 2 weeks ago, Doctor saya leg is improving.

Should be 100% OK in 4-6mths. One month has passed - no improvement

Get out of bed to wheelchair - to living room

SWelling increases & a little redness. Leg feels that it weighs 2 tonne

[Sheryl]

Not exactly similar but closely related.

4 weeks ago, I was riding my bicycle on a quiet street when I was hit by a pickup.

Ambulanced to hospital - I was unconscious.

Operation - plate inserted. I am advised that 4-6mths is a reasonable time for full recovery.

Rehab includes using a walker. So far, zero improvement, No walker - extreme pain.

During the day, the swelling increases substantially with redness.

I am on medication - painkillers?

Need way more info to respond to this.

plate inserted = where?

Nature of injuries? where, what -- e.g. fracture of 5th metartsal? ankle? etc etc

Plate - between the knee & ankle

Broken bones - same as above - fibula etc - no idea

How - hit by a pickup

Had an X-ray 2 weeks ago, Doctor saya leg is improving.

Should be 100% OK in 4-6mths. One month has passed - no improvement

Get out of bed to wheelchair - to living room

SWelling increases & a little redness. Leg feels that it weighs 2 tonne

From what you say, while still not completely clear, seems likely you had a displaced fracture of the tibial shaft extending to the ankle. 4 to 6 months is indeed the healing time for this and it is crucial to follow your surgeon's instructions regarding weight-bearing to the letter and never exceed what he says it is OK to do. I.e. if he said walk only with walker, then do not put your full weight on the leg for even a second.

If you are experiencing a lot of pain and swelling doing no more than what he said it is OK to do, then you should go back as repeat Xrays may be indicated to make sure the alignment has not slipped.

[Kitsune]

You can put all the creams, bandages, expensive shoes, and do all the exercises of the world, that won't resolve the problem of WHY your tendons are suddenly inflamed.Sure it will help somehow, like it helps to mop around a overflowing sink.

When you ask doctors, about the causes they are all vague, they say it's because you put on weight recently it's straining your tendons

WRONG, sure extra weight won"t help to levitate the pain, but acute inflammation is caused by repeated daily attack to your tissues and that's caused by food.

Sheryl is still wearing medical shoes, spent a lot of money in medical bills,does her exercises every morning and probably will for the rest of her life.

I'm not.

Interesting post. Please tell me what food is causing this issue so we may all avoid the food that is causing the pain.

All processed food in general, especially high density food, transfat and saturated fat cause daily attack to your tissue leading to chronic inflammation.

Here in Thailand number one culprit is ubiquitous oil and followed closely by sugar and increased consumption of animal products.

Your feet are connected to the rest of your body, and what you put into your body is what makes up your body

[Sheryl]

Despite its name, there is no inflammation in plantar fasciitis.

Rather it is small tears (holes) in the fascia. Caused by being pulled too tightly which in turn is due to tightness of the achilles tendon and/or fallen arches.

[Kitsune]

Despite its name, there is no inflammation in plantar fasciitis.

Rather it is small tears (holes) in the fascia. Caused by being pulled too tightly which in turn is due to tightness of the achilles tendon and/or fallen arches.

1. Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves pain and inflammation of a thick band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/basics/definition/con-20025664

[Sheryl]

The above is obsolete. It is now known, from biopsiesof affected tissue, that there is no inflammation, just small tears in the fascia.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12756315

[Kitsune]

The above is obsolete. It is now known, from biopsiesof affected tissue, that there is no inflammation, just small tears in the fascia.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12756315

-Your page is dated May 2003 more than 10 years ago, and it states "in the absence of inflammation " it should be treated differently.

J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2003 May-Jun;93(3):234-7.

Lemont H1, Ammirati KM, Usen N.

"plantar fascia should be reevaluated in the absence of inflammation and in light of their potential to induce plantar fascial rupture."

Many daily updated websites mention inflammation

http://www.healthline.com/health/plantar-fasciitis#Overview1

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/basics/definition/con-20025664

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/plantar-fasciitis-topic-overview

And the fact remains; I got rid of it 2 years ago,you still dealing with it

[Sheryl]

Your quote is selective and misleading. The full text is:

"The authors review histologic findings from 50 cases of heel spur surgery for chronic plantar fasciitis. Findings include myxoid degeneration with fragmentation and degeneration of the plantar fascia and bone marrow vascular ectasia. Histologic findings are presented to support the thesis that "plantar fasciitis" is a degenerative fasciosis without inflammation, not a fasciitis. These findings suggest that treatment regimens such as serial corticosteroid injections into the plantar fascia should be reevaluated in the absence of inflammation and in light of their potential to induce plantar fascial rupture."

They are not talking about "instances" where PF occurs without inflammation, they are talking about the fact that inflammation was not found in any of the cases on histologic examination, a finding that has since been replicated many times. It is now known that there is no inflammation in PF and that the name therefore is a misnomer, it is actually a fasciosis.

My PF resolved fully years ago. However I have learned through experience that if I go too long without any sort of arch support, it recurs. With arch support, it does not.

[Kitsune]

Never wore any arch support nor do I have to do exercises before getting out of bed.

I really got rid of it.

You seem to have a few health issues related to your diet, f you come to BKK I can show you how to eat so you are in better health.