Question
I have had foot pain for 4 years. Started with fx sesmoid that became necrotic and had to be removed. Continued with pain on the ball of my rt foot. Mri was done which showed a neuroma.  In between these problems, I was sent for physical therapy, cortisone injections and orthotics. Surgery for the neuroma was done by the 2nd opinion podiatrist. Continued to have pain, developed a large amt of scar tissue at the incision site and had to have removed. My poditrist had suggested cryosurgery, which I had done twice ,before the neuroma was removed. Also had the prp therapy done . Due to continued pain, went for a 3rd opinion. Another foot xray was done, it was determined that my 2nd metarsal was longer than it should be, causing the discomfort. Metarsal osteotomy was done 2 weeks ago. I am wearing a surgical shoe as the boot is to uncomfortable. My foot is vey uncomfortable, becomes purple in color if I am standing for more than a few minutes. I am not putting any pressure on the ball of my foot. I must stay off this area for 4-6 weeks. It feels like pins and needles, constricting pressure. I am very scared, as the pain is still there when I touch the same area. I have not been able to wear regular shoes for so long, what am I going to do. I am back to work in another week.  

Answer
This Elmhurst & Chicago Podiatrist says.....

Dear Donna,

Two weeks is still early.Feelings that you have can be normal up to 3-4 weeks post-op.
See if they can pad the surgical shoe or try a different one.
I always use a removable walker-which mimics a cast and seems to decrease the pain.

I believe the third Podiatrist was right! Long second metatarsals can mimic the pain that you used to have. I've never seen a neuroma in the area you described-but the irritation can cause the potential false findings-including the MRI and can cause neuritis-which feels just like a neuroma.
Ask your 3rd Podiatrist if you can have physical therapy(preferably ultrasound and compression strapping) in that area. I've had good success with these kinds of therapies for my patients.

As far as work-talk to your Boss and let him/her know about the repeat surgeries. They should be able to give you an additional 1-2 weeks off. If not, then ask for a doctor's note.
After the bone heals-if you still have some pain ask if your Podiatrist does alcohol injections.
This may be successful in alleviating any remaining foot pain.


Hope this helps!
Good Luck My Friend!

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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