Question
About 8 weeks ago my dog who weighs about 90 pounds jumped from about a 4 foot drop and landed on my foot. Initially it was very sore and bruised but no swelling at all. I went to my family dr after about a week and had an x-ray done and was told it there was nothing broken it was just a soft tissue injury. It has gotten better to where I can bare weight and walk normal most of the time. However it is still painful and even hurts when I wake up in the morning before any use. I am a softball player so I do run on it some however not a lot. Is there anything I can do to help with the pain so I am able to fully function without the pain? I do wear flip flops a lot but I really don't do much walking. Any other advice on what I can or need to do. Also how long do these types of injuries usually take to heal?

Answer
Dear Lisa,
For your foot pain in your left foot....
Flip-flops are not recommended & may be slowing down your recovery. The flip-flop has no support, minimal protection from the ground & you constantly have to "grip" the flip-flop with your toes when you walk---which probably aggravates the suspected soft tissue injury.
Wear a comfortable gym or walking shoe and continue to PRICE the area.
Protect-Wear an ace wrap or sleeve around the foot and limit the movements that aggravate it.
Rest-Speaks for itself-rest it.
Ice- For the pain at the end of the day or during.  
Compress-Ace wrap  or foot sleeve
Elevate-Will help if the foot throbs or swells at the end of the day.
Go to our website store at AnkleNFoot.com for examples of wraps, sleeves or supports for your foot.
If the pain does not go away by 12 weeks-see your podiatrist

Hope This Helps!
and
Good Luck!
The podiatrists of AnkleNFootCenters.com are specialists in foot & ankle pain.
We are located in Chicago & Elmhurst

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
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