Heel Pain

[Guest]

I am 40. This started when I was 30 after my second child. I have been to 4 podiatrists, 2 orthopaedic surgeons. I have had 2 partial releases done on my left foot (2nd was open instead of arthroscopic because first didn't seem to take). I have had cortisone (no relief). I have done 2 rounds of physical therapy with only mild improvement. I have spend many months in night splints. I have orthotics I spend 10 minutes max per day bare foot. 3 Ibuprofin let me function for a while but it has been years since I was able to walk comfortably for more than 5 minutes. I can't take too many ibuprofin or they bother my stomach. Most podiatrists just shrug and give up on me. I really would like to find some way to live pain free again. I miss being active. I am reluctant to go see yet another podiatrist How do I know he will be any more successful than the others? How can I find a doctor that has worked with stubborn cases like mine successfully? By the way, the first few years of this I didn't have the pain in the morning that is a classic symptom. The doctors always were confused by that but persisted in the plantar fasciitis diagnosis. Help!!!

[Guest]

You need to find a doctor who will order more expensive tests like an MRI. This will show where the inflammation and damage is actually occurring. You may have tarsal tunnel syndrome or a coalition rather than plantar fasciitis.
[quote] I am 40. This started when I was 30 after my second child... [/quote]

[Stuartm]

This is not good news, but I was just told my heel pad has degenerated (atrophy) and there is no cure. New orthotics have been ordered, but they never helped before. I would like to know if you have improved....Stu

[mhardcastle79]

I am in the same situation as you. I have been to 4 podiatrists and they have tried everything and I'm getting the impression that they are giving up on me. I have had heel pain for 14 years and I'm 30 years old now. I have had shockwave, cortisone injections, tapings, sleeping in night splints, fasciotomy and fasciectomy, tarsal tunnel release, NSAIDs. Im sure your doctors have tried everything. Have you had an NCV EMG test for tarsal tunnel? I have tarsal tunnel (pinched nerves) but I dont have the classic symptoms which are burning tingling sensations. My feet, especially my heels, ache horribly after 2 hours of standing, and you can't even make it that long. I feel so bad for you. Sometimes I just want my feet to be cut off. At least that way they wouldn't hurt anymore. Just standing in the shower hurts so I take baths instead. Standing in line at the store is awful. Its the little things we notice like that that really brings down the quality of life. Have you been tested for rheumatoid arthritis? Its a shot in the dark, I'm just trying to think of all the stuff they tested me for and try helping you. Right now im on 1000mgs of NSAIDS and 25 mgs of amitriptylin (an antidepressant also used to treat chronic pain) ive been on it for 3 weeks and i havent seen any difference. I will continue to see my doctor and if something does help i will keep you in mind. I'm also trying a last ditch effort to lose weight. Im 5'6" and weigh 190 lbs. Always been chubby. I will be kicking my own butt if my weight is the problem... lol.

[Stuartm]

It's been several years. I would like to know if you got relief and what treatments you received. Has anyone out there gotten releif after a long period of suffering? Anyone?? My Dr is talking about surgery since nothing else has worked. It's been just over a year. Stu