Ankle/shin pain after multi-minor surgeries help

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Hello,

I had what was supposed to be a simple surgery on 7/7/2016 to remove opposing bone spurs that formed on my ankle from a basketball injury 20 years or so ago where I chipped a small piece of bone off and it had to be removed.  The current issue was that the spurs would periodically nudge one another and cause pain which seemed to radiate up to my knee.  It was intermittent but my knee was starting to become sore and the thought was that the issue might be having effects on my knee as well.  The decision was made to remove the spurs.  A very simple, not out of the ordinary procedure i was told.  there was a 2-3" incision done and the spurs removed.

After the procedure the top 1.5" or so of the incision never healed it was infected.  We waited as long as we could in hopes that the incision would heal and it never did.  I was on antibiotics (sometimes multiple) the full time in addition cleaning the wounds dressings and placing this purple liquid (sorry forgot the name) on the wound to try and prevent infection.  8/25/2016 another surgery to clean the infection and wound was done.  This was successful and eventually the wound closed. 

Today I have worse pain then previous.  It is generally triggered by walking up steps, walking backwards or biking for example and can last for weeks.  Also, it feels that walking without shoes seems to aggravate it more.    I am currently having this sharp pain issue and I did not 2 weeks ago when I saw him for a follow up.  The current pain results in difficulty walking as it is a very sharp shooting pain that goes from my ankle in to my shin.   I find when it is occurring I am walking on the sides of my feet for example or when walking up steps walking as flat as possible which tends to cause me to trip up.   Part of the odd thing about this is that when it is not very painful I can do impact type excercises as long as either stay up on toes as tall as possible or I am flat foot.  If I come off the ground an inch or so, the ankle is quickly aggravated and, like now, will radiate shooting pains up in to my shin.

I visited my podiatrist again who isn’t certain what is going on.  We cannot trigger the pain by moving the ankle and pressing but I can with weight.  Also, the ankle just under the incision is tender.  Not shooting painful like it is when I walk but tender.  It is my guess this is where the problem originates but I don’t know for sure.  I will see if I can include an image but unfortunately it is with a sock. 

The next step he says is to go a little longer and see if it goes away and if not, we have to open me back up this time with a scope to look around in there to see if he can see anything out of the ordinary.  I am very nervous about this with the results of the last procedure which was to be simple.  The podiatrist comes recommended so I am not sure if I am a unique case her or what.  In addition all of these procedures and the potential long term effects of anesthesia also weigh on my mind. 

I am looking for any other opinions on what might be going on.  Any suggestions, etc.   I am very active or want to be again but this is very limiting in activities I find basic and enjoyable.

Thanks for any input in advance.

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  • Posted

    Hello, not sure if my post is showing or if i posted in the wrong spot.  This is my first time posting here so want to make sure I am following any rules.  Any help appreciated.  Thanks.

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