Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 1/28/2009

Question
Back in May of last year, a person threw themselves directly on my right foot while it was lying there extended.
It was crushed by the mans torso, but not broken. I am a very petite female with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, so I was perplexed when the ER said it had not been broken.
The pain had been immediate, but I avoided the doctors at first. The pain/swelling/discoloration increased severely to absolutely unbearable levels and that's when I went to the ER for the X ray. They wrapped it, put me a "walking shoe" and sent me on my way in crutches.
No "sprain" I'd ever had has ever produced symptoms so severe and long-lasting as this injury.
After 5-6 weeks I was finally able to bear *some* weight on it. At 7-10 weeks I was walking around the house without crutches finally, but with pain/discomfort. It stayed wrapped and I mostly used crutches for 3-4 months following the injury. After that, my foot returned mostly to normal.
Since then, it's been more prone to injuries.
I've hurt that area 2 or more so times since "recovering".
Also, right around the time it recovered I started experiencing something NEW...
cramping-contractions of the toes in my right foot. They will seize and contract, curling under. Sometimes the big toe is also affected during this and will be pulled straight up in the opposite direction of the toes that are being pulled, and it will point towards the ceiling.
It usually happens very late at night or early in the morning. It happens at least a couple of times a week and often wakes me up!
It hurts BAD and can send me into a panic because no matter how much I stretch it or bend it, it wont stop!
They last 4-15 minutes despite frantic efforts to make it stop. I try to stop it by either soaking it in hot water while I stand, or by extending it (on tip toe) while standing.
No other part of my body has ever experienced this. And I never experienced this til after the foot supposedly healed.

I didn't have insurance before, but I finally have health insurance now.
I do not know what kind of doctor or therapist I need to see. Help?
There's no point in visiting my PCD because he'll probably send me to some kind of specialist anyways.
Also, any ideas as to what is happening to my foot and what kind of injury actually caused all this?
Thanks for your help.

AMANDA

Answer
Hi Amanda,



I would advise you to go and start by seeing a local orthopedist. They can check it out then either refer you to a foot specialist  if they cannot effectively tackle this.

Your right your primary care doctor will not be able to help.


Good Luck
Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida.