Question
Hi:)
In the beginning of June I had a flat foot reconstruction(surgeon did a double calcaneal osteotomy with achilles tendon lengthening,and a tendon transfer?)and I am still having pain...especially now that I am weight bearing(began weight bearing on the 2nd of August).My surgeon didn't beleive I was having any pain,so I went to my PCD,and he ordered a bone scan,x ray,and labs.The x ray looke fine,but the bone scan showed abnormal increased uptake in the calcaneal area,and my WBC,CRP&ESR came back slightly elavated.My PCD told me he would call me Monday&let me know what we are going to do....but I am a little scared and I was hoping to get some advice on this ASAP
So my question is,what do you think is going to happen next?Should I be worried,or will this be easily resolvable?
This is alot of pain I don't want to be dealing with...I spent too long in pain with my foot the way it was before.


Thanks for your time:)
Amber

Answer
Hi Amber,

A flat foot reconstruction is a very major surgery.  Hopefully you were told that your recovery would likely be many months and that you may have pain for a prolonged period.  Hopefully you are having physical therapy, if not start ASAP!
Your surgeon needs to be more attentive.  If you say that your in pain, your surgeon must believe you and come up with a solution.
Your PCD does not understand your condition.  A bone scan will certainly be positive because you've had bone surgery recently!? It would be highly unlikely that you now have a foot infection at this point.  Pain does not indicate infection.  A Dr. should be able to tell by the appearance of the foot if you have infection. Diagnosis cannot be made solely on tests.  You could easily have elevated lab values because you have had a major procedure and there is still inflammation.
You will likely need an anti-inflammatory and aggressive physical therapy.  These surgeries can take up to a year to feel normal and in some cases all of the pain is not relieved.
My advice is to seek the opinion of another physician that does these same procedures.  I would find a Podiatrist in your area for an exam.  With a good Dr. you should be able to successfully go through rehab and complete healing.

Good Luck.

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


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