Pain in ankles (most likely caused by flat feet)?

Question

Hey everyone :-)

I go to school, and I get quite severe pains in my ankles when I walk and run (in the subtalar joint area). I have ankle supports to help with it but they don't do much. My parents are unwilling to let me go to the doctors about it. Is there anything that I could buy to help it, or is there a way of convincing my parents to let me go to the doctors about it? I doubt it's so serious that I would need subtalar fusion surgery, but I would appreciate it if someone could help :-)

Thanks for the replies so far :-)

I already have inserts for my shoes, but they don't make any difference at all. When I don't have them in my shoes, I don't notice any real difference from when they are in there, so I doubt that getting new ones would help. I've got a fairly high thresh-hold for pain, but I have sometimes passed out from it, but normally I don't.

Also, I'm fairly sure that there's a law that says I'm not allowed to go to the doctors without a parent with me, so I can't really do that at the moment. And my parents don't really have the time to take me. So I can't go there. Is there anything that I can buy apart from the ankle supports and the inserts that I have in my shoes at the moment? Or am I just going to have to live with it?

Answer 1

If your parents won't take you to a doctor, you should speak to a teacher or counselor at school. I don't know how old you are, but if you are under 18, or 16 in some places, this is considered endangerment of a minor! (aka child abuse!) You really need to get this checked out now. I had the same problem as a child and now I can't walk without pain; my ankle joints have deteriorated and my leg bones are just batting around in there, as near as I can get the doctors to explain it to me. It's seriously painful, and you shouldn't have to deal with it. Your parents should MAKE time to take you, and if they won't, you should get someone in authority to talk to them. Good luck!

Answer 2

A podiatrist would make inserts for the shape of your feet to wear inside your shoes. Once your feet are in the correct position the rest of your body would align. A friend did this and is over the moon with the results. They can be quite expensive though so your parents may not go for that.

Answer 3

Hi well i cant understaand why yor parents wont take you to the Drs about this,if its getting you down and you have pain in the ankles too whats up with them.You need to see your Gp first explain to him/her what the problem is they would more then likely refer you either to the orthopaedic team in your local hospital or to the appliance dept where they make and issue all types off splints fpr all types off problems.You need to be referred by your gp thou for this,if not try Boots they have some great splints in there,but the appliance dept in your local hospital would be better and they can make these splints to the accurate size off your feet.Good Luck