Question
Hello.  My husband had approx. 4000 lbs of steel fall off of the top of a fork lift on to his right foot on 09-20-2010.  He went to ER, had x-ray that did not show a fracture.  He had no symptoms until approx. 1 & 1/2 months later when he experience pain and swelling.  He has seen two podiatrists and the only solution offered is to use ice packs and to stay off his foot.  He has constant severe pain in his foot and the swelling never decreases.  We asked the last podiatrist about compartment syndrome and he said he is 100% sure it is not compartment syndrome.  My husband has an appointment with a Pain Management clinic next week and he is considering seeing a 3rd podiatrist.  He cannot put pressure on his foot.  He has noticed occasional spasms in his leg and we think that could be from non-use.  He has always been active and is physically fit but this injury is changing that.  The injury has had an impact on our lifestyle and we don't know what to do or where to go.  He had a non contrast MRI and it did not show a fracture.  Any recommendations other than ice packs and non-use?  Is it possible that my husband might have the chronic foot pain for the rest of his life.  Will the swelling ever decrease?  Thank You.

Answer
This Chicago, South Loop & Elmhurst Orthopedic Podiatrist of AnklenfootCenters.com says.......

Dear Kate,
For your husband's foot pain----
Make sure the pain specialist is a neurologist or perhaps an anesthesiologist.
Also consider a third Board Certified Podiatrist. It may me a hidden injury only visible with an MRI. It depends on how the foot MRI was taken and who read it Get copies of the MRI for the third podiatrist and ask if he/she can read MRIs.
It may also involve the nerves of the foot in something called reflex sympathetic dystrophy--which is an exaggeration of pain following an injury,
In the meantime maybe try PRICE
Protect-Wear the most comfortable supportive gym shoe or boot & limit the movements that aggravate it.
Rest-Speaks for itself-rest it.
Ice- May help or make worse-but try gentle movement that does not hurt
Compress-Ace wrap if possible
Elevate-Will help if the foot throbs or swells at the end of the day.
 Please remember-I cannot see any lab results or your husband's foot-so the above may or may not apply!

Hope This Helps
Good Luck !!!

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