Question
Dear Dr. Katz
I have had RSD of the left foot for about 8 years now.  It is in the remission stage.  My problem is that I have developed a calcanul bone spur on that same foot.  The pain is unbearable at all times. I don't know what to do about it.  Are corizone injections out of the question because of the RSD?  It seems that my orthopedist would not touch it for fear. He feels it may awaken a mountain of problems.  Do you feel the same way about it?  I need some sort of relief.  It has been torturing me now for 4 months everyday.

Thank you,

Fran

Answer
Hi Fran,

I can understand the hesitance by the dr because the RSD may come out of remission.  However, you are in severe pain and I believe that it would be OK to try a cortisone injection.  If it is this painful you may find that an injection may not help your heel long-term.  I would consider seeing a podiatrist.
Personally, I have good success using CryoMax or ultrasound-guided cryosurgery for foot and heel pain.  See the sites below.

Sincerely,

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


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.