Question
Dear Dr Tsatsos,
I would be very grateful for some advice please. In the past I had an aortic valve replacement and have been on warfarin for many years. I was also diagnosed with Marfan syndrome. I have always had painful ankles, particularly my right ankle which is a little lax and causes the sole of my foot to sit more to the ground (i.e. similar to a flat foot. The arch is there but because of the slightly lax ankle, it is less effective). I also get alot of cramp, especially in/around the right ankle and tend to get sore soles of the feet. However, in recent months, that soreness has been getting worse on both feet. The underside of my big toes, the balls of my feet and the area under the heel bone on each foot, look an orangey/red colour and feel leathery. They have never looked this colour before and are particularly sore and painful; almost as if they are burning. I have used a cooling foot spray which offers some temporary relieve from the burning sensations but it's getting to the point where it feels quite tender when I stand, walk, or put my feet on the floor when I get out of bed in the morning.
I was just wondering what could be potentially causing these problems and whether there is anything I could use to relieve the pain. I am very underweight for my age and height so, possibly my weight distribution may have some effect. I'm not someone who usually complains about such problems but it is becoming uncomfortable. I've tried some foam pads in my shoes, orthotics and ankle braces but none are relieving the pressure on the soles of my feet. Any help or advice you can offer would be much appreciated
Regards
Gary

Answer
These Chicago Podiatrists, Elmhurst Podiatrists & South Loop Orthopedic Podiatrists say.......

Dear Gary,

Had to make public-since I only answer public questions-So that all may benefit.....
See your internist regarding your symptoms-which may be warfarin based.
Elevate your feet whenever possible-above you heart(not sitting down with legs up)-and gently move your feet up & down to pump away venous blood-which may be pooling in your feet & causing some of these problems.
If not venous-perhaps a TENS unit may help-Check with a doctor.
Perhaps semi-customized to customized padded shoes made by a Pedorthist- with the aid of a Podiatrist.
Hope This Helps.
Good Luck!
Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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