Question
QUESTION: I have been a gymnast and runner most of my life and am now in my60s.Recently I started getting pain in both my ankles followed by severe pain and tingling over most areas of my feet.X rays revealed arthritis in the ankles,not the feet. Induction tests were negative.I have had blood tests and have no problems with my back.MRI scans show nothing sinister.Have you any ideas?

ANSWER: Hi Paul,

The most likely cause of your arthritis is repetitive stress for years to your foot and ankle. Eventually you pay the price with so much activity. I would look into getting some physical therapy and orthotics devices.  It is very important that you stretch.  And the most important advice is to listen to your body.  You may need to cut back your high weightbearing activities and substitute exercise that is less harmful to your joints and those exercises that don't cause pain.  I would also get an herbal joint formula such as AR-ENCAP made by Thorne.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM

Tampa, FL Advanced Podiatry
http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com
http://www.tampacryosurgery.com
http://katzpodiatristtampa.blogspot.com
http://painfoot.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/TampaPodiatrist
http://www.notoenailfungus.com
http://www.vibranttampatoenails.com  
http://www.fixfootpain.com
Dr. Katz's Facebook Page http://goo.gl/LMxn

DISCLAIMER: This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem. It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice. Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site. The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site. The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your information.My question really is : Is it possible that the severe tingling sensations in my feet are a result of nerve compression around the ankle joint ? I have no arthritis in my feet and no back problem

Answer
Hi Paul,

Yes.  Compression of the nerves is common with joint swelling.  In many cases the tendons also swell and compress the nerves behind the ankle in the area know as the tarsal tunnel.  These are the main nerves that enter the feet.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com
http://www.tampacryosurgery.com
http://katzpodiatristtampa.blogspot.com
http://painfoot.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/TampaPodiatrist
http://www.notoenailfungus.com
http://www.vibranttampatoenails.com  
http://www.fixfootpain.com
Dr. Katz's Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000260088035

DISCLAIMER: This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem. It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice. Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site. The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site. The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.