tearing. They hurt like someone has beat them with a paddle or something. Now my ankles are swelling too. If I sit for a while then get up,, I can hardly walk! Should I be asking about surgery to fix this? We are going on a trip where we'll be walking alot, in late September.
Note: I am actually a woman...(this is my husband's account.)
2007-07-17 15:59:18 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Definitely ask the doctor about your options with this problem. I don't think you're going to be able to do a lot of walking on a trip without medical treatment beforehand. Realize the problem is not going to resolve on its own.
2007-07-17 16:19:47 · answer #1 · answered by Cherokee Billie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Has the podiatrist used the term "plantar fasciitis" with you?
If so, stay the hell off your feet. It is the only way they will heal. If you do not stay off of your feet, they will impose complete non-bearing measures, which means stay off your bloody feet. You may not be going anywhere in late September if you do not stay off your feet. If you do not stay off your feet you will have increased pain and the condition will never be able to heal. From what I learned from a top podiatrist, surgery is only an option for those who don't heal (um, like those who do not stay off their feet...) Before that option was exercised though, other treatment modalities such as low-intensity laser therapy would be attempted.
Google "plantar fasciitis" and read everything you possibly can about it. Not surprised that you're a woman, for it more often affects women (and also those with flat feet, those who are even moderately overweight, those who perfom sports regularly and more Blacks than other ethnicities).
You describe its classic symptoms. If your podiatrist has not used that specific term with you, ask him/her about it. If you also suffer from pes planus (flat feet) ask about orthotics. You may never be able to go barefoot again, ever, so no sandals ever again and only shoes and slippers than can accommodate the orthotic.
Please consult your doctor quickly. An x-ray can reveal the presence of a heel spur, but understand that the spur is NOT causing the problem but is actually a reaction, calcium deposits, an irritation FROM the plantar fasciitis.
Keep all follow-up appointments and follow your podiatrist's advice (except if he wants to tape your feet - expensive, does not always work and is excrutiatingly painful). If recommended, ice only according to his instructions. Learn the stretching exercises to perform before standing when you've been asleep or seated for a prolonged period of time (which you should be). If not, every time you stand you will be "ripping" the healing that begins once you take your weight off your feet (that pain you describe when you get up).
If you have severe plantar fasciitis, you should not work and may have to go on short-term disability if you are employed. If you are off for the summer, rejoice! and take this opportunity to heal properly.
Take the proper precautions (stay off your feet) - get a comfortable office chair on wheels, get up only to use the bathroom and to bathe, otherwise stay off your feet and you can look forward to complete recovery.
The pain can be severe/extreme/surreal/you'll cry/you may rock back and forth in agony. Severe bilateral plantar fasciitis makes natural childbirth look like a silly, silly joke. Be strong and be very careful with analgesics - learn not to rely on them.
Take care of yourself, inform yourself. If you do indeed have plantar fasciitis, I hope you are experiencing only an acute phase of this condition, and that you will not have to be off your feet for months.
Oh yeah, and the following affirmation does help (said three times/three times a day):
"I stand in truth, I move forward with Joy, I have spiritual understanding." It also helps to tell your feet that you love them, and that you want them to heal. Treat them lovingly and restrict your movements and they will respond with time.
Follow all medical directions/do the exercises and icing religiously and sit tight. Do Anything to avoid being off your feet for months - it can lead to isolation, considerable weight gain, muscle wasting and expensive physiotherapy to get you back walking after months.
Take very good care. You need to go into "healing" mode, so treat your feet as though they were precious, fragile eggs. You never realize how valuable they are until they revolt and hinder ambulation.
BTW, did I mention that you must stay off your feet?
2007-07-18 00:00:35 · answer #2 · answered by Notallowedtobeurdownasbch 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋