Another health question for you. Feet problems.

refundnewbie · #1 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 08:47 PM

I have had problems with both of my feet for a year now ( off and on). I have been having pain, weird tingling sensations in both feet and tired achy legs. It seems to be brought on from being on my feet. I am on my feet almost 8hrs a day on a concrete floor at work. I took a 3 week medical leave to see if being off of them would help. My feet don't hurt near as bad now but I am still having problems. I have been to a podiatrist, neurologist and doing physical therapy. I have had custom made orthotic shoe inserts, expensive tennis shoes, steroids, anti- inflammatories and doing exersices. So far nothing has helped. My doctor thought I may have had plantar faciitis or tarsal tunnel syndrome. The neurologist ruled out the tarsal tunnel and the typical treatment for plantar faciitis is not working so now the dr. is talking of surgery. I go tomorrow for a blood work to rule out diabetes and rheumatoid arthitis along with a few other things.

Has anyone here had these problems with their feet. I am at my wits end with this.

thanks for reading.

Icansavedaily · #2 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 09:08 PM

Have you tried potassium? I have had several foot surgeries for bunions, heel spurs and bone removal but not what you have but try eating a bananna or licorise (sp) the black chewy stuff and your pain may go away. gl

marilynk · #3 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by refundnewbie

... now the dr. is talking of surgery. I go tomorrow for a blood work to rule out diabetes and rheumatoid arthitis along with a few other things.

.

And what are they going to operate on? What's the diagnosis? What do they hope to accomplish w/ surgery?

You could have neuropathy--and there isn't a whole lot you can do for a neuropathy. Which is basically nerve pain. It can be caused by injury to the foot, circulatories issues or diabetes. Some people have great success with drugs such as Lyrica or Neurontin.

Have you been evaluated by an orthopedist? What radiographic studies have you had done? Xrays? MRI?

I'd damn sure explore all the options before I'd let anyone do surgery. ESPECIALLY, if it's "diagnostic", or because they don't know what else to do.
Also, you might want to try some accupuncture/accupressure.....

refundnewbie · #4 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 09:43 PM

Good questions marilynk.

The dr and physical therapist seem to still think that it is plantar faciits.

I am making a list to take to the doctor when I go on Thursday, so I plan on using some of the questions you brought up.

As for the neuropathy I am sure the neurologist ruled that out with the testing he did last week.

I will ask about an mri and xrays on Thursday when I go back to my podiatrist.

marilynk · #5 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by refundnewbie

Good questions marilynk.

The dr and physical therapist seem to still think that it is plantar faciits.

I am making a list to take to the doctor when I go on Thursday, so I plan on using some of the questions you brought up.

As for the neuropathy I am sure the neurologist ruled that out with the testing he did last week.

I will ask about an mri and xrays on Thursday when I go back to my podiatrist.

sometimes neuropathies just are...there's no real reason for them, and there is no real way to rule them out.

Also, as strange as this is going to sound--has a spinal cord/back cause been ruled out? You very well could have a herniated disc or impingement in your back that is causing your lower extremity pains.

It's frustrating when the people who are suppose to know what's wrong, don't! But, I would recommend a second or even a third opinion. If it were myself or one of my kids--I would recommend an orthopedic eval to rule out a spinal issue, then I'd try a trial of the Neurontin or Lyrica and probably some accupuncture/accupressure.

crzy4cpns · #6 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 09:59 PM

First thought I had was diabetes. It typically causes foot problems including diabetic neuropathy. If it is diabetes the foot problems can improve as sugar improves. I had Plantar's Fasciitis 2 months ago. I bought a foot brace at CVS to wear at night and stopped exercising. It got better in 3-4 weeks. Now no pain. I also bought new shoes and inserts to help. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

refundnewbie · #7 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 10:45 PM

Thanks for all of the ideas. I am almost sure it is not diabetes, my son has it so I have used his tester and tested my blood sugar and it has been fine and none of the other typical symptoms.

I have also worn the foot braces and had my feet taped. When I first got the inserts they did help for a few months ( or at least the pain was gone) but now it is back.

I am just at my wits end with this. I am supose to go back to work on Nov. 3 when my leave is up, I just don't want to go back and still be in pain. I took 3 weeks off with no pay-- my short term disability dosen't kick in until the 16th day and after, so I will not get paid for the first 15 days. I guess I'll try for more time off and see if we can't figure it out soon. I just don't want to go back and have to take more time off unpaid and start all over with the short term.

thanks for letting me vent

marilynk · #8 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by refundnewbie

Thanks for all of the ideas. I am almost sure it is not diabetes, my son has it so I have used his tester and tested my blood sugar and it has been fine and none of the other typical symptoms.

I have also worn the foot braces and had my feet taped. When I first got the inserts they did help for a few months ( or at least the pain was gone) but now it is back.

I am just at my wits end with this. I am supose to go back to work on Nov. 3 when my leave is up, I just don't want to go back and still be in pain. I took 3 weeks off with no pay-- my short term disability dosen't kick in until the 16th day and after, so I will not get paid for the first 15 days. I guess I'll try for more time off and see if we can't figure it out soon. I just don't want to go back and have to take more time off unpaid and start all over with the short term.

thanks for letting me vent

If an essential of your job REQUIRES you to be on your feet for 7-8 hours/day. And your doctor believes that whatever is going on with your feet is directly related to being on your feet.....file workers compensation claim for OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE. I do not know if your state recognizes occupational disease as workers' comp, but....

Occupational disease occurs over a period of time w/ no significant event or injury.

Toonces · #9 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 11:13 PM

I had surgery for my plantar facitis/heel spur in September. They do what is called a facial release. I had severe pain in one foot and I had 4 cortisone injections and just about everything else and nothing helped. It's almost back to normal but I would only recommend it as a last resort. I "dealt with it" for almost a year before even considering the surgery.

Hope you find some relief soon!

kcs · #10 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 11:27 PM

What kind of shoes do you ware? I have heel spurs and I ware avia with two sets of inserts. Avia has a high arch support and the two sets of inserts really help to stretch the ligament. The pain comes and goes but it is not as bad as it has been in the past. You said "I had custom made orthotic shoe inserts, expensive tennis shoes" but when was the last time you had your foot fitted for shoes?

refundnewbie · #11 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 11:31 PM

marilynk -- yes my job requires standing, I am a custodian at an elementary school. I am on my feet for about 7+ hours of the day. The worst of it is when we are in the cafeteria for the kids lunch time, concrete floors. I will check into what you suggested. Do I talk with my employer about it? I know I must sound like a complete moron but I have never had to deal with any of this before.

Toonces -- what were your symptoms of plantar faciitis? Mine fit some of the symptoms but not all. I don't have the pain first thing when I get up, just after standing/walking and the numb and tingling/twinges.

Icansavedaily-- I do eat a lot of baked potatos, I don't like black licorice. I'll try more bananas too.

refundnewbie · #12 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcs

What kind of shoes do you ware? I have heel spurs and I ware avia with two sets of inserts. Avia has a high arch support and the two sets of inserts really help to stretch the ligament. The pain comes and goes but it is not as bad as it has been in the past. You said "I had custom made orthotic shoe inserts, expensive tennis shoes" but when was the last time you had your foot fitted for shoes?

I just bought new Asics tennis shoes. My podiatrist and therapist both approved them. I did have Spira ( I think that is the name) shoes before.

Toonces · #13 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by refundnewbie

Toonces -- what were your symptoms of plantar faciitis? Mine fit some of the symptoms but not all. I don't have the pain first thing when I get up, just after standing/walking and the numb and tingling/twinges.

I had considerable pain where the arch meets the heel. It was noticeable in the mornings, but never went away during the day and got considerably worse as the day progressed. I too work in an Elem school, but I'm not on my feet as much as you would be. We tried insoles, and also the injections, the ultrasound treatments, etc. It got so bad that I finally found a podiatric surgeon and he did the surgery.

refundnewbie · #14 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 11:43 PM

I have also done the ultrasound, stretches and exersices.

marilynk · #15 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by refundnewbie

marilynk -- yes my job requires standing, I am a custodian at an elementary school. I am on my feet for about 7+ hours of the day. The worst of it is when we are in the cafeteria for the kids lunch time, concrete floors. I will check into what you suggested. Do I talk with my employer about it? I know I must sound like a complete moron but I have never had to deal with any of this before.

nope, not a moron. Few people know about occupational disease. I believe that you would need to file a claim with your employer. Google "workers' compensation, +Indiana" I believe that will help you get to the Indiana state website for work comp. You should be able to find what you need there.

kgbmom · #16 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 11:00 AM

I am going through the same thing right now. Just had blood work done to rule out arthritis and it came back with no arthritis but low iron and high blood sugar. So I am going for a glucose test in a few days. It is painful and when you have no choice but to be on your feet all day its frustrating. They did do xrays and found heel spurs but that isnt where the pain is the majority of the time. I just want the pain to go away and my feet and legs to quit tingling.

susiecat · #17 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by refundnewbie

Thanks for all of the ideas. I am almost sure it is not diabetes, my son has it so I have used his tester and tested my blood sugar and it has been fine and none of the other typical symptoms.

I have also worn the foot braces and had my feet taped. When I first got the inserts they did help for a few months ( or at least the pain was gone) but now it is back.

I am just at my wits end with this. I am supose to go back to work on Nov. 3 when my leave is up, I just don't want to go back and still be in pain. I took 3 weeks off with no pay-- my short term disability dosen't kick in until the 16th day and after, so I will not get paid for the first 15 days. I guess I'll try for more time off and see if we can't figure it out soon. I just don't want to go back and have to take more time off unpaid and start all over with the short term.

thanks for letting me vent

I have special inserts made for my feet (I am diabetic). I think everyone should wear them, they are great!
Anyway.. I have 2 pair.. and I have to switch them out every month so as to not wear them down so fast. I get 2 new pair every year. How long have you had your inserts? Maybe time for new ones.. maybe get 2 pair and switch them out.
Are your feet boney? My feet are (only thing boney about me haha) That can cause pain.. no fat to cushion them.. that's where the inserts come in very handy!

refundnewbie · #18 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 12:56 PM

I am just about at my wits end with this. I have spent hundreds & hundreds of dollars on this and still no answers as to what it is.

I have also had Iontophoresis ( they put a patch with medicine on it on the bottom of my feet, then hooked up electrodes to my feet and legs. Vert weird feeling, it is kind of liked getting shocked with a nine volt battery. lol

fafardsmommy · #19 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 05:05 PM

I have a friend with peripheral nueropathy. She is on some type of IV therapy that is the first thing she has found that works. I will ask her about it. She had to go to mayo to get it diagnosed properly. I would keep trying to find the answer. Let us know how it goes.

refundnewbie · #20 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by susiecat

I have special inserts made for my feet (I am diabetic). I think everyone should wear them, they are great!
Anyway.. I have 2 pair.. and I have to switch them out every month so as to not wear them down so fast. I get 2 new pair every year. How long have you had your inserts? Maybe time for new ones.. maybe get 2 pair and switch them out.
Are your feet boney? My feet are (only thing boney about me haha) That can cause pain.. no fat to cushion them.. that's where the inserts come in very handy!

The inserts are only 7 months old. ( My insurance paid for them, I doubt they will again so soon)

yes I do have bony feet. lol..

wildwood · #21 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 06:29 PM

You might have one leg longer than the other. That can cause all sorts of things to go wrong. My feet problems started after I ruptured a disc in my lower back. I think it changed the way I walked slightly and then my feet gave out. I've worn orthothics for years and, for me, they help. That old song about the hip bone is connected to the leg bone is really true. Hurt one part and the problems radiate. I find it helps to never wear flat shoes. I need at least an inch rise in the heel. I have an aunt who had surgery and she was off work for a few months. This was quite a few years ago, so the surgery has probably changed for the better. But expect a fairly long recuperation if you end up going that route. And as as Marilyn said, get more opinions. I wish you well. It can be so frustrating when you have to make suggestions to the doctors. And still nothing helps.

refundnewbie · #22 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 07:39 PM

I had the blood work done today but I won't know the results until tomorrow evening or Thursday.

This is getting really expensive. My first therapy session was $226.00 , plus the other 7 I have had ( and not a bit of releif.)

Hopefully Thursday I have some answers and not more questions.

dalmatiank · #23 (**permalink**) 10-22-2008, 12:20 AM

wow...today was my first visit to the podiatrist. I have so many things wrong with my feet. Burning pain and flat feet on the bottoms. on the right i have a bonespur on the top, previously damaged heel bone, bunion, enlarged bunion bone, little cartilage on my big toe, because of my bunion my toe bones are misaligned, my toes are too far apart and I have a middle bone that has something called gorilla something or other. my gosh, how did I remember everything he was saying!!!

he has to write the insurance to approve orthodics and I have to get some over the counter inserts from sport chalet and new shoes that have a supportive heel and that have an insert that is removeable.
geez what a nightmare!

grumpy247 · #24 (**permalink**) 10-22-2008, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by refundnewbie

I have had problems with both of my feet for a year now ( off and on). I have been having pain, weird tingling sensations in both feet and tired achy legs. It seems to be brought on from being on my feet. I am on my feet almost 8hrs a day on a concrete floor at work. I took a 3 week medical leave to see if being off of them would help. My feet don't hurt near as bad now but I am still having problems. I have been to a podiatrist, neurologist and doing physical therapy. I have had custom made orthotic shoe inserts, expensive tennis shoes, steroids, anti- inflammatories and doing exersices. So far nothing has helped. My doctor thought I may have had plantar faciitis or tarsal tunnel syndrome. The neurologist ruled out the tarsal tunnel and the typical treatment for plantar faciitis is not working so now the dr. is talking of surgery. I go tomorrow for a blood work to rule out diabetes and rheumatoid arthitis along with a few other things.

Has anyone here had these problems with their feet. I am at my wits end with this.

thanks for reading.

My friend had the planters faciitis. She suffer for almost 6 months with pain. She did the anti inflamtoriy meds, shots....You know what help her the most....wearing shoes all the time except for when she went to sleep. Good support shoes. She had one for the house and one to wear outside. About 3 weeks after she started wearing her shoes all the time she started to feel som relief. She said something about a boot they gave her to wear at night, but she could not sleep with it on. They told her to do some exercises.

Have you had your back looked at? I was having bad leg &foot pain and they found that I have a pinch nerve in my lower back. I went and got the shots in my back.....they help for a few months, but the pain has come back. Hope you feel better soon.

read52 · #25 (**permalink**) 10-22-2008, 06:28 AM

I would also say to have your back checked. About one and half years ago, my friend started having back problems that went to her feet. She got to the point that she could not walk. She went to Mayo Clinic because the doctors could not come up with an answer. She has several things wrong with her back that caused the foot problem. I saw her this summer and she can walk again but is still on alot of meds and seeing doctors. Lyrica and neurotin are both good for nerve damage. Lyrica is actually time release neurotin.

refundnewbie · #26 (**permalink**) 10-22-2008, 08:27 AM

I will talk more with my dr. on Thursday about the test I had with the neurologist. I know the neurologist did the tests on my feet then poked me with a needle in the back, butt and legs to test some nerves there. He said everything was fine as far as my nerves.

By the time I am done with this I am going to need something to calm my nerves. lol...

csschultz · #27 (**permalink**) 10-22-2008, 05:50 PM

I also stand all day on concrete floors, and had aching and numbness in my feet. The numbness for me was more in my toes, more specifically, my big toe. I had the tests done for diabetes and the needles poked all over my legs. Nothing was found to be wrong. I read online that B-complex vitamins help.
I combined that with Naproxen because there is also an arthritic component to my foot pain.
It seemed to help a lot. If I skip the meds for a few days, the pain worsens.

B-complex is cheap. Give it a try.

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