Question
I am having pain in my outer left and top foot near my toes. I went to a podiatrist last July(2011).  He did x-rays and found no break. He put me on a round of steriods (mild) which I do not think did anything.  He did a taping on my foot that placed a cushion on the arch and taped around the heel/foot and told me to wear it for 3-5 days.  By the end of the 3rd day, my outer portion of my foot was hurting so badly that I had to remove it.  On the follow up visit, I told the doctor that the taping cause me pain and he said merely that "I have never had one of my tapings hurt anyone."  He told me that I can try one of 3 different (good, better, best) shoe inserts if I want to and that was it. He told me during the first visit to rest my foot and try to stay off of it.

In October, my back was giving me trouble because of all the limping on y foot.  I have spent the last 4 months at the chiropractor who has gotten me back where I can walk without pain in my back (I had never had that sort of pain in my back prior to this foot injury).  

Now it is March and I am still having trouble with my foot.  When I awake, there is a tremendous amount of pain in the top part of my foot starting about an inch below the middle town joint and also near the ankle.  I will also frequently have pain in the side part of the foot that protrudes a bit.  The pain is worse in the mornings following any excessive walking or exercise that I have done.  I have tried staying off my feet except for necessities about a 2 weeks ago.  I did not see much improvement.  

I can walk on it usually during the day without much pain, but it is hurting by mid afternoon.  However, I can not jump, run, or anything more than walk.  Also, at times, there is a very direct pain that I can pinpoint that feels like it is on the bone of the 3rd toe below the joint. I am a bit over weight (especially since I have gained 12 pounds since my inactivity with the injury because I used to walk 4 miles a day sometimes more and lead a very active lifestyle).  I am 5'6" and weigh about 168 pounds.

I have been trying to ice it each evening because it begins to ached and have a little more pain by then.  I currently have the Aetrex lynco L400 orthodic in my tennis shoe.  I had a podotherapist in town that told me that was the one that I needed.  I have also tried a spenco orthodic and a couple of others. I have been trying to remember to put my shoe on as soon as I get up in the morning.  

I am truly at my whits end. I don't know of another doctor to go to or if it will do any good.  I have no insurance, so I do not want to just throw my money away.  However, I really need some direction.  I appreciate any time or suggestions you can offer.

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

Dear  Karen,
For your foot pain---
Sound like some irritation to the joints of your midfoot and ankle.
Try PRICE
Protect-Wear a wrap  around the the area of pain if possible and limit the movements that aggravate it.
Rest-Speaks for itself
Ice- As much as possible for pain-up to 1 hour 2-3 times a day in area of pain, for up to a week
Compress-Ace wrap or ankle.
Elevate-Will help if it throbs or swells at the end of the day.
Take some anti-inflammatories ( Advil or Alleve-max doe) with the above advice for a few days.Follow directions
Go to our website store at AnkleNFoot.com for examples of wraps, sleeves or supports for your foot.
Try a wedgie type shoe and do not go barefoot-go into mules or something with a little heel. Warm up your feet & ankles with gentle circles before you get out of bed.
The over the counter arch supports may help-but usually a well made orthotic by a podiatrist may be better. Seek another friendlier podiatrist and ask if they have a sliding scale fee for those without insurance.An average cash discount would be 25%.
Lose the weight with diet-do not depend on exercise.
Hope This Helps!

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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