foot pain

[mbm2]

Hi---I am a registered nurse and have recently been experiencing very sharp pain in my left foot....the top left side.  I went to an orthopedist that specializes in feet and an mri was done and it showed nothing abnormal.  This is the most painful condition that I have ever had.  I am on my feet for twelve hour shifts and sometimes the pain keeps me awake at night. The next morning I wake up and my foot feels swollen and I have trouble walking.  It has caused me to be out sick a few times so far in the past month.  Could the radiologist or md have missed something on the scan?  He is calling it inflammation but it feels like something more is going on.  What to do????

[mbm2]

OK---thanks!  

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi again!

If prednisone has been effective, this is likely to be inflammation and is expected to get better with time. I would suggest skipping work for a few days or if you could alter you shifts to less than 6 hours. You could also use a crutch to walk to avoid putting undue stress on the foot.

Take care!

[mbm2]

Thank you very much for your response.  I forgot to mention that I am taking a prednisone dose pack and started today.  The pain is getting better but I am afraid that when I return to work and am on my feet for 12 hours, the pain will continue.  Hope it doesn't but it probably will.  This has been going on for 7 months.  I am suprised that the MRI showed nothing. Thanks again......

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

It is unlikely for the radiologist to have missed any structural abnormalities that could have caused the pain. However an MRI may not pick up a few inflammations, which is a likely possibility in your case. Other possibilities include vascular obstruction/ insufficiency, nerve impingement/ compression etc. I would suggest complete rest for 2-3 days. Ice-packs and NSAIDS may also be beneficial. If your symptoms do not seem to get better in 5-7 days, you may consider a re-evaluation by your doctor for the above mentioned possibilities.
Hope this helps.

Take care!