Question
HI,

Thanks for providing this service, basically, I'm kind of at the end of my rope and need to know if I should seek a second opinion.  I had an episode of plantar fasciitis that resolved a good year ago with applcation of a bandage/splint.  The second time it happened, I ignored it for quite a long time before going back to my podiatrist.  This time my left foot went through three cortisone injections, a medrol dose pack, a dyna splint about 5-8 hours a night for 4 weeks, physical therapy twice a week for 6 weeks, and celebrex for a month or so.  
I also wear a rigid orthotic in both shoes (she didn't do any biomechanical angle analysis that I noticed, she has a drawer full of orthotics, and just eyeballed my foot and bent the orthotic into shape with a heat gun.) I wear brooks tennis shoes per a list given to me by my doc.  

My foot got better for short periods of time after the cortisone shots.  I had maybe a month pain free after the physical therapy.  My heel pain is getting steadily worse since ending the PT (about 3 months ago).  My podiatrist told me my only other option is surgery.   

I'm a veterinarian, so I took the liberty of radiographing my foot and I do have a heel spur on the affected foot , maybe 5mm if I remember correctly...(I've had a couple of episodes in my right foot, but they're nowhere near as bad as my left and there's no spur on the right heel).  My doc (I really do like her, but I just want to know if I have any other options) said that basically, that's just sort of a result of the plantar fasciitis, but it's not causing the discomfort.  Dealing with the spur doesn't bring any resolution.  

I just got my second pair of tennis shoes in like 4 months to see if maybe the old ones wore out (I am NOT an athlete!!!!  I'm just on my feet all day at work, plus a schlep a 2 year old around on my days off, and I'm about 15-20# over my ideal weight).  I'm trying to lose some weight to see if that helps.  

Is there some other sort of specialist I should see???  Are there podiatrists who specialize in heel pain?  What other options do I have? THANKS!!!!!

Answer
Hi Vivian,

There are still other options for heel pain before you consider surgery.  If you do have surgery please make sure that you understand all the risks and complications associated with the surgery.

There are options.  I personally perform a minimally invasive procedure known as cryosurgery.  See www.tampacryosurgery.com

Other options include shockwave therapy, however, this can be quite costly.

I would certainly seek other opinions before traditional surgery.

Sincerely,

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


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