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possible plantar fasciitis

I have a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome. I used to work on my feet most of the time and I noticed that my heels felt bruised and I got insoles, that improved it for the most part. That was years ago. The foot pain changed a bit and now it's an excruciating ache along the whole foot up to the ankle, sometimes calf. It hurts more in the morning than anything, but increasingly during the day and evening as well. It feels like it's either been broken or sprained and is healing but there is little history of injury, a sprain in one ankle only. I've always felt like my ankle were week and would give easy. As for the feet, it's just a pain sensation, I can walk on them fairly easily with minor stiffness. It feels like bone pain (I broke a segment in my finger that gets the same distinctive ache), with a little nerve and muscle pain added. It seemed to increase after I stopped taking Nortriptyline. I do have the option to take Lortab for pain, which I generally use for my hip and back pain as prescribed by my physiatrist. I would like to know what this is and what I can do to combat it. I have heard of a special boot to sleep with at night, but I have little info on that.

Thanks
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547368 tn?1440541785
Hi Micliaphi,

I think I have read all your posts. JMcCormick my be correct is the assumption that you have an over correction. I would hope that these Orthopedic shoes and inserts were fitted professionally. If not you should certainly not be wearing ill fitting ortho shoes.

I noted that you have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy and you have questioned if this could be the cause of your pain issues. Please see the following:

Most commonly, peripheral neuropathy begins in the longest nerves — the ones that reach to your toes. Specific symptoms vary, depending on which types of nerves are affected. Signs and symptoms may include:

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy often include:

A sensation of wearing an invisible "glove" or "sock"
Burning sensation or freezing pain
Sharp, jabbing or electric-like pain
Extreme sensitivity to touch
Difficulty sleeping because of feet and leg pain
Loss of balance and coordination
Muscle weakness
Difficulty walking or moving the arms
Unusual sweating
Abnormalities in blood pressure or pulse

The above could be the pain you are experiencing in your lower limbs, coupled with Plantar Fasciitis in you right foot and this is a painful condition. I encourage you to discuss your symptoms further with your neuro physician. If I recall your post correctly you no longer take neurontin and have noticed increased symptoms since cessation of this medication. I encourage you to discuss restart of your nerve pain prescription. TED Hose (anti-embolism) that are only knee eye can restrict blood flow rather than help . So please be sure you are wearing thigh eye TEDS if you are on you feet at all. The therapeutic use of these should be discussed with your physician. Often very good support panty hose are more effective IF you must work on your feet as you avoid restrictive areas.

I wish you well. Please do not hesitate discussing all the issues you have brought to MH with your physician. Please take care and let us know how you are doing. Tuck
Helpful - 0
637498 tn?1223190984
The calf pain may be a result of an over correction of the medial arch (orthopedic shoes and insoles combined).  The calf muscles generally decelerate an over-supinated gait.  A proper foot orthoses should be constructed per your non weight bearing arch height.  These must be worn religiously until the fasciitis symptoms lessen.  

The lower back pain may be the result of a functional leg length discrepency caused by the abnormal biomechanics of your right foot/ankle.  Ex. right arch drops, ankle pronates in and functionally that leg becomes a touch shorter.  This will cause one hip to be slightly lower and the spine will have to accommodate this by slightly curving to maintain an upright posture.  

Bilateral hip pain at the pelvis may also be a result of tight 'hamstrings' stretching (touching the toes and holding it for 15-20 seconds, everytime you get up after inactivity may help) Note: the hamstrings if tight will rotate the pelvis posteriorly and may also straighten the Lordotic curve of the Lumbar region of the spine, this may also lead to lower back pain.  

For the calf pain an anti-embolism stocking might help see you physician and get the appropriate circulatory tests done to rule this out though.  Usually 15-20 mm/Hg should  help with circulation regardless.

Also with the the foot a small tensor bandage around the ankle will help ease the symptoms.  Never go bare foot, ice the injury and with good compliance you should feel alot better in 6 to 8 weeks.

Good Luck

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Follow up on this:
It is now September and this pain in my feet that continues up the calf and stops at the knee is still there and is worse in the calf now. The Plantar Fasciitis is diagnosed in the right foot. My lower back pain and to each side of the pelvis has increased. I started MS Contin shortly after this post and have had a recent increase in dosage. You can see my other post regarding this is the Neurology Forum. I am still a petite form, only 100 lbs and 5'2''. I have started working part time again because of this, I unfortunately stand instead of sit with this job. I have the best orthopedic shoes that i can find in my price range along with insoles. I'm wondering what type of therapies should be done and also if anti-embolism stocking would have any effect.
Thanks
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It sounds like classic plantar fasciitis and I should know - I have had 3 severe bouts in 5 years!

I have found the best way of dealing with the pain  in the short term is to have ultrasound treatment, twice a week if possible.  My chiropodist gave me it first time around and later I went to an NHS physiotherapist.  Ultrasound reduces the inflammarion and encourages blood flow to the area that can assist in healing.

It will go away in time (usually a couple of months) but if you are at all overweight, you should reduce a little as it puts a strain on the tendons.  Also, wear shoes that are not entirely flat as again, flat shoes pull on the tendons.

Use anti-inflammatories for the pain (Ibuprofen etc) and do not undertake long walks or cycling until your feet are symptom-free.

Good luck!
Helpful - 0
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