Foot aches at the joint of arch and heel. What to do?

[aquila14]

I get a sharp pain everytime I set my right foot down. The pain is at the juncture of the arch and the heel with the pain sometimes extending into the arch and over the heel. I started experiencing the pain since almost an year ago, but then it was only occasional. Since the past 3-4 months the pain has become continuous.

Initially I thought it was because of my heavy stature. I'm a 25 yr old female of 5'4'' ht and I used to be 80kgs. But in the past 3-4 months I have reduced to 70kg with exercises including swimming and treadmill use. If my guess about the weight was true, the pain should have reduced and not become more as it is now.

Application of heat treatment, muscle relaxants give only temporary relief. I also took a course of 250mg Calcium per day for 2 weeks, the pain definitely reduced during that period, but it's back again. It's not worse, but its not better either.

Consulation with general physicians is leaving me baffled as each is giving contradictory completely useless diagosis. Don't know who else to consult. Please help me find an answer, I'm losing the enjoyment in walking.

Thank you.

P.S.: I live in Hyderabad India where I find that there are no podiatrists!

[troubleinohio]

could it be plantar fascitis? (Sp?) I had flares up of it on occasion and it sounds like it could be that maybe. What "useless" diagnoses are your Dr's giving you?

[aquila14]

Well they basically hmm and haww without giving me an actual answer as to what my problem could be.  All they did is get an xray and prescribe pain medication/muscle relaxants.

And thanx for the suggestion. I looked up plantar fasciitis and it seems that could be it. I do experience debilitating pain when I get out bed in the morning, or after having been seating for a long time. Although they say, another symptom is not being able to move the foot towards the shin, I'm able to do that perfectly without pain.

[kelsgor0422]

I have also had my share of foot issues. I have been diagnosed with plantar fascitis, heal spurs, torn pereanol tendon with subluxation. I have done physical therapy, custom made orthotics in my shoes, steriod injections into my heal and top of foot, etc..... No relief. I had surgery 7/29/09 for the torn tendon and it has been a hard road since. My ankle is very weak now. I can just be walking or standing and my ankle is giving out on me. It will turn to the side (twist) and I usually will fall. This just happened yesterday to me. Then I have a hard time walking again and my gait is completely off. I believe all this started creating my back issues 5 years ago. A co-worker has a friend with extreme pain in the same area you do. She recently bought BenGay, non-scented, in a roll on stick. She puts it on the bottom of her feet 2-3 times daily. She said she is able to walk, work, etc..... with no complaints. She can't believe the transformation they have witnessed. Just a thought. Good luck! Don't let it keep going because after a year, it could start to create other issues in your body because it will start to throw off your gait, hip alignment and so on.

[Tuckamore]

There are a number of conditions that could be causing your pain. It's interesting that calcium decreased your pain levels.

If you country has orthopedic specialist you might one to try a consult with one. It could not hurt and he may be able to direct you to the correct physician if he cannot solve the problem.

If your PCP is not providing you with answers it's always time to search elsewhere in my opinion.

Best of luck to you and please let us know what you discover.

Peace,
~Tuck~

[aquila14]

thanks all. All the advice helps. I started doing exercises on the presumption that it maybe plantar fasciitis and they help! I'm doing the exercises every morning and they give me a lot of relief, at that instance and almost throughout the day. So I'm going to keep working on that and see if it helps.

Tuck, I will also go to an orthopedist and see if he can help.

thanks again.