Question
My daughter was diagnosed with the following foot problems at age 10 or 11 yrs:  arthritis, bone spurs (top of foot I think) and flat foot (both).  She was always tall for her age and grew like crazy and has almost hit 6 ft tall at age 13 (almost 14).  She was having a lot of foot pain from playing soccer since she was 6 years old.  Diagnosis was made by Ansert Food and Ankle Center in So. Indiana.  She has been wearing motion and stability control gym shoes and special orthotic inserts since.  She practiced one day of soccer practice last week and even though she has been excited about going back, she refuses due to the pain she is still experiencing.  She said today she can't even walk on her foot. She is walking on her toes she said.  I can't stand this any longer.  I left message with foot center today asking whether she needs to be seen again or just referred for pain managment.  The podiotrist who diagnosed her had said surgury was not an option and if it came to it, they would recommend pain managment.  All I've talked to about foot surgury say they have more problems now than before.  However, after reading about cryosurgury and possibly hypopronation surgury, I am wondering if these are good options for my daughter.  I have tried and searched for specially made orthotic soccer cleats.  I would be willing to pay a lot for them so she can play sports and be free or at least reduced foot pain.  Would you recommend cryosurgury or hypopronation?  Should she just forever give up sports?  Can you give us any hope?

Answer
Hi Tonya,

It would be difficult to know if cryosurgery would help unless I saw her and could do a through exam.  

There are implants that go into the foot that stop pronation and I would contact several podiatrists in your area and get several opinions regarding this option.  

Pain management is not a good option for an 18 year old.  These treatments mask the symptoms.

Get several opinions.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com

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