pain in ankle

My daughter had surgery to repair a tendon in her ankle after a sprain.  Shortly after her surgery she was not able to put her heel to the ground when she walked.  A year later she had another surgery to repair a nerve that branched off from the seral nerve that was caught in scar tissue.  She is still in pain and cannot walk with her heel to the floor.  The doctor at a nearby pain clinic wants her to go on neurontin and a mild anti-depressant.  She is only 15.  This has been ongoing for two years now.  Is there any other thing we can try?

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Barb:

Sorry to hear about your daughter's ankle problem.  What does your rehab specialist and PT say?  What is the mobility of the ankle, are there contractures of the ankle?  I would seek out a rehab specialist and PT to help your daughter out.  First is to get an opinion concerning the mobility of the ankle, what can be done to maximize the ankle's mobility.  The next thing is to get an opinion concerning rehab and the possible gains that are thought to be gained.  The pain issue will be there, but rehab through the pain will likely be the only way to maximize the outcome.  Neurontin is a good choice as it is non-addicting and works fairly well.  But, other pain medications may initially have to be added also, in addition, depending on your daughter's anxiety level, an anti-anxiety medication may also have to be given.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Mary]

I am so very interested in your post and would like to communicate with you.  I have the very same problem that your daughter is suffering with and perhaps we could help one another.  I have been suffering since my ankle surgery in October of 1996.  Been thru many physical therapists, taken meds and seen a barrage of specialists.  Seems as if all of the doctors have something different to say and the confusion and misinformation is adding to my suffering.  My life is impacted greatly by this situation.  I do not know if giving ones e-mail address is allowed on this forum, but I really would like to communicate with you directly.  Will provide address if acceptable

[jim727]

A related discussion, Red feet was started.